Rules of the Bird-a-Day Challenge

Bird-a-Day Rules:

1. Every day you add a new bird that you see or hear (not on the television, in a book or on the internet) to your list of birds for that date. You don't have to enter your observation each day, but in a timely manner post your observations for the rest of us to see.
2. You may not repeat the same bird or skip a day.
3. Any non-caged, non-captive, free flying bird is allowed; that is except for a chicken. We're not sure why chickens aren't allowed, but we accept the rule and live by it!
4. We operate by the honor system, just like any other bird list, it is your own. The competition is more with yourself than with others. Unless you live next door to someone who is participating, there is really no way make circumstances equal.
5. When your time to end is near do your best and consider what you can do to improve next year. Don't break the bank flying around the country chasing the next bird.... that is unless you own the bank.
6. Encourage others who are participating and keep others up to date about the great birds you will ultimately find throughout the year.
7. Have Fun! Enjoy getting outside and watching the birds.

The Prize:

At some point during the year "you will be unable to see or hear a new bird" to add to your list. When this happens you have completed the race and have established for yourself a mark to try and better next year.
During your attempt to go deep into the year you will undoubtedly see many more birds than you would have if you hadn’t attempted the challenge. Pat yourself on the back and know you did your best.

Saturday, February 4, 2012

February 4 - American Bittern


I made a morning trip to DeKorte Park in NJ Meadowlands to search for American Bittern or Orange-crowned Warbler which were seen yesterday. I checked the Ruddy Duck blind on the Marsh Discovery Trail and had no luck for the bittern even though others did. There was no sign of the OCWA either. An adult Bald Eagle flew overhead, I thought this might be my bird. My best sighting of the day was Sandy Komito who stopped by The Meadowlands to bird some while waiting for a flight overseas. I always try to spend time birding or sharing stories with whenever I see him. Today we did both. Still no bird "better" than the Bald Eagle. In the afternoon I made a second trip to DeKorte and on Disposal Rd. saw a Kestrel and 40 Snow Buntings. I met up with another birder and we were off to look for the bittern again. On the trail I spotted a Common Teal amongst the Green-winged Teals and shared it with 2 other birders. We walked to the Ruddy Duck blind and I found the American Bittern hunting the edge of the channel, much closer than we expected. I took some photos and tried out some video here American Bittern Video
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