A few folks have asked where we think we'll travel to during the course of Our Big Year 2012. That's a good question... and something that we're opting to keep as fluid as possible. However, we can fill you in on a couple of stone-cold, lead-pipe locks. We're starting off 2012 with a day and a half in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. We're hoping to get at least two of the four to five rarities that are down their now. In mid-January, we're heading to California and taking our first pelagic trip - a half-day cruise starting from Dana Point.
In February, we're looking at the possibilities of attending either the Laredo Birding Festival in south Texas or the Sax-Zim Birding Festival near Duluth, MN. We're not sure which yet, but we did just purchase new cold-weather hiking boots! In April/May, we will be down at High Island as much as we can. Unfortunately, that period coincides with a busy time for me at work. I would guess we would make at least one late April trip and one early May trip... with special consideration given to 'fallouts' when applicable.
The rest of the year is still up in the air. I know we'll get to southern Arizona at least once... maybe twice. We've been talking about Maine's Acadia Birding Festival in June as a possible trip... as well as Key West. I'd bet we'll see another pelagic trip or two in there somewhere.
We'll be sure and keep everyone abreast as to our whereabouts and travel plans once they are locked in. For now, we're just champing at the bit to get back down to the LRGV and start Our Big Year 2012 off with a bang!
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| The R/V Sea Explorer... our chariot to SoCal seabirds. |
The rest of the year is still up in the air. I know we'll get to southern Arizona at least once... maybe twice. We've been talking about Maine's Acadia Birding Festival in June as a possible trip... as well as Key West. I'd bet we'll see another pelagic trip or two in there somewhere.
We'll be sure and keep everyone abreast as to our whereabouts and travel plans once they are locked in. For now, we're just champing at the bit to get back down to the LRGV and start Our Big Year 2012 off with a bang!
I highly reccomend the Sax-Zim Bog Birding festival! I am a guide for the festival this year, making it my second year as a guide. Last year we were able to get great looks at a Great Gray Owl, Northern Hawk Owl, Black-backed Woodpecker, Sharp-tailed Grouse, Common and Hoary Redpolls and a variety of winter gulls. It should be an exciting year as there is currently a large Snowy Owl irruption (probably a nice bird for someone who isn't going to Alaska). Hope to see you both up there in February! Oh, and good luck on your upcoming Big Year! Alex Stark
ReplyDeleteThanks Alex! It looks like we'll be there. Any cold weather advice for a pair of native Houstonians?
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