Monday, December 15, 2014

Countdown to Day 1

 It's the midpoint in the month: December 15. We're Almost there. January lurks around the corner, taunting and teasing, daring us to be ready. Well I will be ready. There is something invigorating about January 1 for anyone who is crazy enough to count birds.  It is a clean slate. A blank page. A fresh start. They completely unmarked checklist. And right about now it is desperately needed. 

2014 has been a fun year. County listing took on a new meaning for me. Staying close to home and trying to find as many birds as I can in a relatively small area. It's challenging and not without reward, but a year in one county will not be enough for 2015. The new year will bring a new challenge. For the moment we'll call it practice, but I am confident that once we start, there will be no turning back. Attacking the lower 48 states will be the goal. 

It started with an idea to fill in holes in my life list and then to build Jacob's list and then to full out try for as many birds as possible.  The idea took hold and now we are running with it. Running straight down to Texas on January 1. We've added another passenger to our adventure so there will be three of us basically going full throttle for 10 days. The drive alone should add new birds but the adventure will be the real story behind the birds. Where will we start? Where will we go? How's my birds will we see? Those unanswered questions will soon have definitive answers and photos that follow. Stories and chases shared. 

All I can say right now is I cannot wait for it to be January 1st. Can't wait to get this show on the road. Bring it on 2015. Let's see whatcha got! We're ready for you. Stay tuned...