On the Wing #64: X Factor
Listing can be a tedious and annoying task, but it can also be enjoyable and brag worthy. There is nothing better than comparing notes and numbers of year lists, life lists, all manners of lists with one's fellow birders. My own life list hovers just over 320 spp., making me excited for my trip to Bombay Hook NWR this weekend. With reports of American Avocets ( Recurvirostra americana ) and a Ruff ( Philomachus pugnax ) along the coast of the refuge, I'm pumped to get some more lifers. I found out about their presence by following the ABA Rare Bird Alerts on my email (the Ruff being considered a code 3) and noting what observers on eBird had seen. Most of them listed a single bird hanging out with other shorebirds in a specific pool which brought my spirits up to know that they bird was staying in one place. Having a network of tips and lists at your fingertips and being able to use it to find birds is just amazing and I'm so happy to be able to contribute to such a service...