When we first announced our Big Year one of the first questions we got asked from non-birders, friends and family was “what will you get when you “win”?” They thought there was money, or a trophy, a prize of some sort, that surely no one would take on this task without some reward. But the reality is birders do Big Years simply to set a goal and achieve that goal, for themselves. At least that is why I did it. Well, I guess some people do it for the recognition from the birding community but I think the personal goal is the usual reason because I suspect that the vast majority of birders in Ontario don’t really pay any attention to the “Top 100 e-birders” list and have no idea who is doing what. I know I did not pay any attention to it until I considered doing a Big Year and I think only the people trying to get over 300 or doing a year are watching the numbers. There are many years where multiple people are doing Big Years and so only one will also be first in Ontario. I had not expected to be in the number one spot too.

My bestie, Marg, was one of those people that could not fathom why I would subject myself to sitting in a car for 150,000 kms this year, often up at 4am, to find birds. While we have many shared past-times we both love, birding does not resonate for her, just as her bridge playing does not resonate with me. But despite not “getting it” Marg has supported us in our journey from day one, faithfully reading my blog, and cheering us along as we hit milestone after milestone. i think she has even learned a bit about birds! She has helped edit my blogs from the beginning and corrects my spelling, grammar and run on sentences to keep me from any public humiliation.

Last week she delivered a small gift bag to me and a card that read “Congratulations on your amazing Big Year” and inside was a beautiful T-shirt by Blackhare designs in Toronto (blackhare.ca) with, appropriately, a gull on it. So now I can say that I got a T-shirt for doing a Big Year!

Thanks Marg, love ya!

A very slow birding week due to rain, caregiving and appointments. On Friday a Eurasian Tree Sparrow was found at a feeder in Middlesex County and we were very happy! We have tried for ones up in Thessalon and didn’t go for one up in Ottawa back last January so to have one just under 2 hours away was fantastic. Except, the owners chose to say no to any visitors. Sigh, this is always a tough one to swallow. I understand people do not want 100’s of people showing up in their backyards but I also really wanted to add that bird to my list.

On Saturday afternoon an Ancient Murrelet was spotted and photographed briefly at Bronte Harbour. That would be a fantastic bird to get as 335 but sadly we were at the hospital with Jerry’s mom. She has been admitted and will be in until decisions can be made about her returning home or not. The bird was not re found despite heroic efforts by many birders late Saturday and on Sunday. So we remain at 334. Only 2 more weeks left.

Week 50 no new species added 334 species seen E&J