My Year of Birding, Not So Dangerously!  Hi - my name is Xray and I live in Northern California. I am writing this blog to record my so called 'big year' - a documentation of all of the bird species I see in the next 12 months. Along with a record of my sightings, I just might post the occasional non-birding related observation ( read 'rant') or oh so random thoughts.

But first my 'rules' (my blog, my rules). Is there an 'official big year rule book'?  From my knowledge of so called birding organizations and clubs, no doubt there is. Although I have met many nice people on organized hikes and trip, I have also found a disproportionate number of fussy anal retentive types (FARTs) who want to tell you why you can't count that Pink Flamingo at Moonglow Dairy because it's obviously an escapee (thanks for the newsflash) etc. See ''rant above. Anyway - as I said - my blog, my rules.

First I have to see the bird, not just hear it. Although I'm pretty good at recognizing many calls I just get more satisfaction from actually seeing the bird. In addition, I have to see the bird long enough to confidently make the ID.  Where is the fun in seeing a flash of white in a flock of red winged blackbirds and yelling 'tri' (which I have actually seen done during a Christmas bird count by a so-called 'expert' birder).

Second, I have to personally make the sighting - no walking up to another observers scope or asking someone "hey - watja got?". This is my list and my sightings after all. So, two rules (made to be broken on my first pelagic trip of the year, haha). 

Let the year begin...