There are a number of reasons why I decided to take on this project. My first reason has to do with my interest in birds. This began shortly after moving to Victoria ten and a half years ago. With our house backing onto a wooded area, the chirping of birds is a familiar sound all year long. I often glance out the window to see birds of all forms in the yard throughout the day. Frequently I will pull out the Birds of Victoria or Birds of North America reference guides we have on hand. Unfortunately, the drawings in the first aren’t overly helpful for identification and the number of entries in the second is overwhelming. My second reason has to do with a photography course I took a number of years ago. Since that time I have been trying to think of a practical reason to buy a new camera. Taking pictures of birds requires a powerful zoom lens which my previous point-and-shoot camera could not accommodate. Perfect! My final reason was my desire to take on a new project to welcome in 2011. Hence, bird of the day was born.



Saturday, December 31, 2011

My Year in Review

From now on when someone says something is 'for the birds', I will no longer think of it as trivial or meaningless. Birds are fascinating; they are attractive, distinctive and frequently amusing.

After 365 days of birding and thousands of photographs, I have identified 145 different kinds of birds. It has been a tremendously enjoyable year, exploring new places in and around Victoria while in pursuit of new birds. In addition to learning bird identification, I have learned to appreciate their beauty. I've started to pay more attention to my surroundings and to take pleasure in nature. I've ventured out in the snow, rain, wind, freezing cold and sweltering heat. I've met many new people as a result of my new passion and joined the birding community on a number of outings. Last but not least, my blog has received 9400 views to date, a statistic with which I am both proud and amazed. 

This is one New Year's resolution that I not only kept but enjoyed doing so. Birding is worthwhile in so many ways. In addition to being educational and thought-provoking, it is a great way to relax and get exercise at the same time. I will definitely continue birding and hopefully I will have the occasional new bird to add to my blog in 2012.

P.S.  I would like to thank my husband for accompanying me on many of my outings and proofreading my blog regularly. 
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1 comment:

  1. Dianne C., Humano-gaianJanuary 1, 2012 at 9:12 AM

    Thank you for sharing your photos and birding adventures and species accounts. 145 a very solid effort, indeed! My eBird account tells me I had a slow year at 108 spp in my area, with 3 lifers, and I am happy with that. Here is to another wonderful year of birding! Dianne Cooper

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