I have received a number of emails from Canberra birders enquiring how my ‘Big
Year’ turned out. The ‘Big Year’ was my quest to see 200 species of wild bird within the geographical boundaries
of the ACT in the 2006 calendar year.
Despite my initial belief that 200 species was an unobtainable
total, I cracked that figure on 14 October with a Yellow-billed Spoonbill. Therefore
at midnight on 31 December my ‘Big Year’ ended with a total of 208
species (and tears of joy from my wife and family). Fittingly the last species I
recorded was the Black Honeyeater at Mulligans Flat on 5 December - my only
lifer for 2006. My last bird watching excursion was out to Jerrabomberra
‘Drylands’ on the afternoon of 31 December afternoon, the
place where it had all begun 364 days previously.
I increased my ACT list by 15 species to a total of 230 with
some amazing birds that included the Black and Blue-faced Honeyeaters and the
now un-extinct White-browed Babbler. Interestingly I dipped on Wonga Pigeon, a
bird that I would have considered a certainty prior to the 2003 fires. I also
dipped on Pied Butcherbird despite about five trips across town to Mulligans
Flat to look for it after it was reported. I am also aware from this discussion
forum that I dipped on at least 11 other species that were recorded by birders
during the year including Little Button-Quail (heard at Goorooyaroo but not
seen), three species of raptor; Black Falcon, Black Kite and Spotted Harrier, Spangled
Drongo, Painted Honeyeater, Little Egret and Little Bittern.
I would like to thank those that encouraged me along the way
and those people that provided me with information (and in one case a guided tour)
to find species for my quest.
Finally for those people that scoff at the pursuit of ‘twitching’,
I like to think that I made a contribution to the COG records database from the
Big Year - I have submitted 242 surveys for the 2006 calendar year and a number
of unusual bird reports. Also if there is enough interest and the editors
willing, I would also like to write something about the year’s trials and
tribulations for Canberra Bird Notes.
I wish Milburn good luck (but not too much) in his quest to
break my record in 2007.
Regards
Alastair
