Hola,
Sort of like a big year, but smaller scale, less intense, and really just for
fun.
The idea of doing something like this came to me a couple years ago while I
was doing a big year. A lot of birds can be found in the month of May, as it
caps the end of winter (with things like scoters still to be had on the shore)
and lets you hit the shorebirds as they come through, all the migrants, the
breeders in place, et cetera. When I did the big year in 2002, there was some
thought that I might make it to 300 before the end of May (I didn't). The
state comp list sits at 300 or so now. It has made me wonder how many birds
can
be found in May in Virginia.
Virginia is an amazingly diverse state in terms of habitat, geography, and
species that can be found here in any given year. May might be the best month
for those species to meet. Though, maybe it's in fall, with the tradeoff being
mostly silent passerines.
I toyed with the idea of somehow turning a Big May into a fundraiser for
something worthy, but thought it might be fun to just attempt to do it.
Problem
there is that I can't put forth a strong effort, as I usually end the last week
of May in Massachusetts. But, having a month to hit all the spots in the
state when they're bursting with birds might produce some pretty good totals of
birds for any individual or couple. People could go to Highland one weekend,
the Eastern Shore on another weekend, and then maybe spend a day here and there
picking up oddball stuff that you miss. 250 species in May for any
individual I think wouldn't take a whole lot of effort. Is 300 possible?
Probably
not, but 275 might be. (I suspect a well planned and well scouted big day run
in
Virginia can net close to 220, with a lot of effort and luck, and driving.)
So, if anyone's interested in playing along this year (nice that I finally
got around to mentioning it on May first...), do so. Keep track of the birds
you see, when you see them, where, et cetera, and then send a list along. I'll
probably have a website up and running in the next couple of weeks, and would
post any happenings regarding the Big May there.
This could turn into something competitive, or just something enjoyable, or
maybe both. Depends if people play along. With my time commitments for the
month what they are (for instance, this gorgeous day I'm off to watch horses
run
around a track and jump fences, and then the above mentioned trip to Boston
later), I don't expect to post a big total. But I do think that with effort,
time, and a little planning, some of you that like to get about and move around
the state would be able to do so. Even those of you who don't stretch your
legs much could still put up a good total. It would be interesting to see what
sorts of numbers people could reach. Subtotals for counties? Sure, why not.
Let me know if anyone is interested in playing along. No stringers allowed!
Cheers,
Todd
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Todd Michael Day
Jeffersonton, Virginia, USA
Culpeper County
BlkVulture@xxxxxxx
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