Welcome! I've created this blog to provide updates on my attempt to see 200 bird species in Cache County in 2008. According to the Bridgerland Audubon Society's "Birds of 2002 Cache County, Utah: Checklist & Site Guide," there are only 293 species that have ever been recorded in the county. Of those, only 205 are considered to occur every year. That means that to see 200 species in the county is to see pretty close to all of them.
I consider myself a good birder, but not a great one, so this will be an excellent chance for me to improve my birding. I have the advantage of an active community of birders to join me on birding expeditions, point me toward rarities, and suggest hot spots for tough-to-find birds. I expect to rely considerably on the help of others in this quest. Perhaps you will be able to help me with some tips!
This year, 2008, is already shaping up to be a good year for reaching my goal for two reasons. First of all, I've got a slight advantage over other years because this is a leap year. Second, this winter is already turning out to be a record-setter for species diversity in the area, in part due to a huge boreal irruption. Stay tuned as I start counting the birds!
Nice to bird with you yesterday. Not sure what your #44 is ;-)
ReplyDeleteAfter we split up we found Short-eared Owl out by the airport and a couple other birds not seen in the morning. I ended up with 66 species for the day.
Great field trip and nice to spend time with y'all. Doubt I'll be in Utah enough to get 200 in Cache Co this year but look forward to reading your updates!
Thanks! I've corrected the typo on number 44. I'll be pleased if that's the only mistake in the list, since I had been awake for 30+ straight hours when I wrote that!
ReplyDeleteGo Ryan! Once the weather is nicer for outings with the munchkin, I'd love to join you on an outing sometime. I'm a total amateur at birding, so I could always learn something.
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