Pilates……even the pronunciation has the faint but malodorous smell of Feng shui. Why am I driving in the cold to a Pilates class you may ask? Well that’s a very good question. Some people say that Pilates improves one’s core strength and I have a reason to work on my core strength. New Years Day is 2 days away. My plan has been laid, deposits have been paid. Optics have been upgraded. Notes and contacts are organized. I’ve doubled my aerobic activity to prepare for the relentless pace of 2011. It will be both exhilarating and exhaustive, My “ABA Big Year” is about to begin!!!! I’ve been waiting for this for over twenty years. Now it’s almost here. I’m ready.
John, casually began birding…in my backyard around Cincinnati, Ohio. Just wanted to identify the birds in my backyard. Accomplished my goal. Attended some local birding programs. Kept track of my “birds” for a few years. Interest waned, but I looked forward to seeing The Big Year. Saw it yesterday and enjoyed the movie! It’s only after seeing a movie that I search for reviews and related info…you are related info…found your blog on a search. Read December 2010. Will read the remaining months and will root for you! PS, I’ll look up all your birds. Good luck!
Hi John,
Great, if the movie and my blog serve to encourage you to get out in to the field then so much the better.
Hi John,
I’m on the other side of the world from where you are. I am doing a small big year myself (200 species with the added difficulty that I don’t drive, so am reliant on friend or public transport). I have only now discovered your blog so have some reading up to do. Good luck on the last slog.
Janneke Kimstra, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
Hi Janneke,
Best of luck on your adventure. I hope to visit The Netherlands some day, home of my ancestors.
Hi John, I actually made my goal earlier this month, a barred warbler (Sylvia nisoria) being nr 200 for me. Since than I’ve added 7 more species including red flanked blue tail (Tarsiger cyanurus), a category 5 bird (in your terms) which was the first twitchable in 4 years. If you ever get to visit the Netherlands feel free to contact me to go on a birding trip.
Janneke