Adios, 2011.

Well, it's time to do what everyone else seems to be doing- wrapping up the year with some reminiscing and positive thoughts for 2012.

I'll start by saying this year was alright for me.  Some things sucked but some things were totally awesome.  Like the birds.  I saw some awesome awesome birds this year.  Wanna know my favorites?  Ok, who doesn't love an end of the year top ten list??

Favorite lifer #10: Virginia Rail

Ridgefield NWR, March 2011


Favorite lifer #9: Western Kingbird

Sherman County, August 2011


Favorite lifer #8: Ruddy Turnstone

Seaside Cove, August 2011

Favorite lifer #7: Tufted Puffin

Cannon Beach, June 2011


Favorite lifer #6: Lazuli Bunting

Powell Butte, June 2011


Favorite Lifer #5: Baltimore Oriole

Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (Wellfleet, MA), May 2011


Favorite lifer #4: White-eyed Vireo

Norman Bird Sanctuary (Newport, RI), May 2011


Favorite lifer #3: Sooty Grouse

Mount Rainier, October 2011

Favorite lifer #2: Snowy Owl

Ocean Shores, December 2011


And, finally, my most favorite lifer of the year: the White-headed Woodpecker!

Sisters, Oregon, September 2011


Dang those were some amazing birds!

If you care about numbers, then I will say I did not make my goal of 300 on my life list this year... If you count the Ruffed Grouse, White-winged Dove, and Gambel's Quail (from my blog-o-versary post) I am at 299.  That's 95 new birds this year!  Woot!  My year list stands at 281, not too shabby...

What's on my agenda for 2012?  I have some general goals of driving less, motorless birding more, being kinder to the planet, all that hippie crap.  As for trips, plans are made to be broken so I prefer to wing it and keep you surprised!

Happy New Years!

Comments

  1. Those are some awesome birds Jen! Great photos too.

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  2. I have enjoyed getting to know you via your blog - your images are fantastic plus your finds are amazing! I really appreciate your sense of humor and general attitude toward life! Thanks for sharing it with us.

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  3. Excellent work in 2011. Many congrats to you on your blog, your photos, your numbers, and most of all, all the fun you've had.

    Good Birding and Happy New Year!

    Rhett

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  4. Thanks everyone for the kind words- and Dawn for the nicest comment ever!! Wish you all well in 2012!

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  5. I think I like the wood-eating White-eyed Vireo the best. See you next month? Rage.

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  6. Great list of highlights! I plan to start the new year out at Ridgefield---a tradition for 4-5 years now. I'm still on the search for the snowy owl this winter. Love all your photos--looking forward to your adventures in 2012.

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  7. Jen what a great wrap up post...I nearly dropped dead at that gorgeous lazilu bunting...I remember it blew me away on the original post too..I like the idea of "winging" it...I do have some plans but JIC they fall thru not gonna put it in print..
    ITS been fun following your adventures and cant wait to see whats in store for 2012 BW (bird watchin)

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  8. Happy New year, Jen. Your blog has kept me entertained, continually learned and often laughing. Thanks for letting us peer into life in the Northwest. Facinating birding and an amazing year. Your photographs often capture my imagination and motivate me to go go go! Bird till you drop. Thanks for sharing in 2011 and I look forward to all of your finds in 2012.

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  9. AWESOME birds and photos to boot! I still can't get over your Snowy Owls...

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  10. Great top 10! I've only seen 3 of these so hats off to you for getting out and finding these! Great work!

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