I tend to agree that big years in themselves aren't that useful, however at
least some of the ABA big year competitors had associated projects. John was
promoting awareness of the trouble Tasmanian devils are in, and raising funds
for a breeding program. Another was interviewing birders he met along the way,
and using the year to promote conservation.
I'd be disappointed if the focus moved towards pure competitive birding without
any side benefits for science and conservation. It should also be acknowledged
that there is generally a lot of good will between birders of all types, not
just "big listers".
Peter Shute
Sent from my iPad
> On 5 Jan 2017, at 10:53 pm, Niven <> wrote:
>
> Yes, John saw more birds in a year than others in the ABA Big Year
> competition. Well done!! For him.
> But what does "in Australia the goodwill between birders has been fostered
> from the top of the big listers" mean?
>
> **In fairness to those who see big listers as "great" achievers, I
> acknowledge that I'm not emotionally/religiously/philosophically inspired
> by birders' big lists. Indeed, truth be known, I see listing as simply
> indulging one's hobby, and no more important or significant than any other
> person indulging their hobby.
>
> I haven't intended to upset anyone, or to belittle the fact that John went
> to the USA and saw more species in 12 months than others, but I rather feel
> that science is the big loser if this is where our admiration is to be
> directed.
>
> Cheers
> Niven (obviously not a twitcher, lister, big yearer etc)
>
>> On 5 January 2017 at 20:46, Peter Marsh <> wrote:
>>
>> Dear Birders,
>> The ABA announced today that officially John Weigel holds the ABA big year
>> record. It is the result of an unbelievable effort. I offer my
>> congratulations to John not only for achieving such an amazing outcome but
>> also for the goodwill and fine spirit that he has shown throughout the
>> project and in his acknowledgement of his record.
>> I believe that in Australia the goodwill between birders has been fostered
>> from the top of the big listers. It is wonderful that John has picked up on
>> this and continues to bird with that same spirit. Well done!
>> Peter marsh
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