BANGOR DAILY NEWS • April 7, 2021
There are many types of birding competitions, but most revolve around one objective: finding as many species as possible within a defined area and time limit. In 2019, John Weigel of Australia set the North American Big Year record by finding 840 species in one calendar year. The world record of 6,852 species was set in 2016 by Arjan Dwarshuis of the Netherlands. Here’s how experts find and identify birds quickly. First, learn what’s locally possible. Know where to look. Every bird has a preferred habitat. Get used to finding the birds around your home. Then slowly expand your geography. Notice birds. Watch for movement in trees, and listen for unfamiliar songs. Eventually, you may be ready for your own big challenge. ~ Bob Duchesne