Well, after finally sitting down with my year list for 2008 and double-checking as best I can, the final numbers are in, and they are much lower than I was hoping. Last year I observed and detected a total of 203 species in two states (New York and New Jersey). Of the 203, only three were new to me (life birds), and these included some that I have been trying to get for quite a few years: Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea), Prothonotary Warbler (Protonotaria citrea), and Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra). Certainly the life birds are a great addition, however with living on the border of Cumberland and Cape May Counties, NJ during the months of April-July I was expecting to add more to the final number. However, this may not be too much of a surprise given the amount of hours worked in that time period and the gas prices from that time of year.

Here are the records that I have since I have first started keeping a year list in 2002. The first number is the year, the second is the number of bird species detected in the ABA Area. As you will see, 2005 was by far the best year. That year saw me doing two cross country trips with Ryan (New York to California in the spring, and California to New York in the fall). Eventually, these lists and many more will all be added and archived in the Lists section of our page so be on the lookout for that:

2002- 252
2003- 252
2004- 282
2005- 417 (187 Life Birds)
2006- 334
2007- 225
2008- 203

Regardless of what I didn’t get for my list, I am pleased to have observed what I did. With the status of the world and all of the environmental threats that arise each year, seeing any species of bird is a treat that we all should be thankful for. With that said, I hope to see many more in 2009, and to regain that sense of hope that birds give me each and everytime. I wish the same for all of you…

Bird on,
~Chad