Most birders keep some sort of list. It could be a life list of every single species of bird they’ve seen ever, or perhaps it’s a tally of all the species of birds they’ve seen in a year. Others stick a little closer to home and keep track of the different birds that visit their feeders. Still others try to challenge themselves to a Big Year, dedicating themselves to seeing as many species as they possibly can in a specific region over the course of a year. For those who want an even greater physical challenge, there’s the NMT option – counting how many birds you can find over the course of a year using non-motorized transportation. Bicycle, canoe or kayak, or foot are your choices.

As the winter here on the west coast of Canada winds down to a close (although you’d never know it with March coming in like a lion) I’ve been thinking about upcoming birding events. I’m part of the “Herring Today, Gull Tomorrow” team for the Brant Wildlife Festival Big Day in Parksville, British Columbia on April 9. I’ve done Christmas Bird Counts before but never a Big Day so I’m looking forward to it.

I’m also looking ahead to the spring bird counts held by our local Comox Valley Naturalist Society and the annual Strathcona Provincial Park spring bird count (held in June) which is organized by the Strathcona Wilderness Institute. I’ve got fond memories of both of these counts and enjoy getting together with fellow birders and trying to see as many birds as possible.

If you’re a birder and thinking about your lists consider making another – check out the birds featured on these blogs from around the world and perhaps you’ll be inspired to pack your binoculars and field guides into a backpack and board an airplane for an exotic destination to add another bird to your list. If you’re planning a NMT list you might want to talk with Colin Angus, a Comox Valley adventurer who circumnavigated the planet under his own power for a few tips. You might also want to challenge your perception to see if you’re up to the task!

Here’s some birds (and great blogs) to add to your life list:

• LESC, RUDU, AWPE, SWSP, SASP, COYE, ROYT, FOTE, ARTE, RBME, HOME, RSHA at Hipster Birders
• WESO at Gyrfunken
• RTHA at Out Walking the Dog
• ROPI at Trees Plants and More
• PFGO at Norfolk’n Birds
• RBGU at Rebecca in the Woods
• SNGO, GWFG, NSHO, NOPI, GADW, AMWI, AWPE, TRES, SNEG, RTHA, RNEP at The Birder’s Report
• BAEA, RTHA at Slugyard
• WVMY at Bird Ecology Study Group
• SUSC at Wanderin’ Weeta
• NOCA at Vincent Mistretta Photography
• STFL at Count Your Chicken! We’re Taking Over!
• COTA at Wild Sri Lanka
• CHSP at Anybody Seen My Focus?
• LIMP at Dawn’s Bloggy Blog
• GRAJ, GCRF, WPTP at Field Notes
• MAMU at Pacific NW Birder
• SEOW, NOHA at Birding Vancouver Island: A Brit Birder in BC

A number of these birds would be life birds for me – looks like I’m going to have to tune up the bicycle and head out. I’m just not sure how I’m going to get off Vancouver Island!

I and the Bird is a bi-weekly birding blog carnival organized by the good folks over at 10 000 Birds. The next edition is being hosted by Pat O’Donnell at Costa Rica Living and Birding. Submissions should be sent to information AT birdingcraft DOT com