Monthly Archives: July 2011

I caught the early flight to Washington Dulles where my plan was to transfer to a flight to Norfolk, VA.  From there it’s about a 2 ½ hour drive to Cape Hatteras, NC on the Outer Bank.   Tomorrow begins the … Continue reading →

While at Sabine Woods this April, I ran into Lynn Barber.  I kidded her that she had a “home field advantage” for her 2008 “ABA Big Year” by living in Texas. But when it comes to Galliformes (Grouse) I definitely … Continue reading →

Over the course of a “Big Year” all Big Year birders hope for success and need a little luck to reach it.  I’ve certainly had my share of both so far.  In fact Bill Kaempfer would say I’ve had more … Continue reading →

Saturday – Jul;y 23, 2011 I arrived at the Santa Barbara pier at 6:20 AM for the 7:00 AM departure and was surprised at how many birders were already milling around.  Kibitzing and drinking coffee as seabirders always seem to … Continue reading →

Just returned from a 14 hr pelagic trip on the Condor Express. Between yesterday and today I was able to add 12 new year-birds. Pictures and post to follow

On Friday, July 22 Don Desjardin and I took the Island Packers Ferry to Santa Cruz Island.  Anyone doing an ABA Big Year must make this trip to see the Island Scrub-Jay.  There endemic to the Channel Islands.  It was an enjoyable and … Continue reading →

Fun was the theme for today.  Only one year-bird needed and it would be easy.  No pressure and lot’s of time devoted for increasing my “Quest for a Thousand” yearlist. Don Desjardin and I set off from Ventura, CA for … Continue reading →

Linda and I leave this afternoon for California. We’ll fly to LAX (standby, but things look good) then drive to Ventura this evening.  Tomorrow the California Adventure begins with my friend Don Desjardin (see March post). The last three days … Continue reading →

Saturday July 16, 2011 written at 8:00 PM And on the second day the starthroat came……at 4:17 PM.  The Plain-capped Starthroat has a certain air about it that makes it one of the most coveted hummingbirds in North America.  True … Continue reading →

Thursday July 14, 2011 Right now I’m on another United Airlines flight headed towards Tucson.  With time to kill, I’m reviewing my year-list and upcoming schedule and comparing it to Bob Ake and Lynn Barber, my two defacto competitors.  My … Continue reading →