The Year Ahead

As with the last two years, in 2013 I hope to do plenty of birding at the weekend and on my days off. I also plan a trip to Texas in April as well as some international travel.

I had set myself the goal of at least 15 state birds in 2012, and attained this target. But the longer the list, the harder it is to add new species; I will aim for 12 in 2013 - this would take leave just 7 short of the magic 400 but it would be too optimistic to expect to reach 400 this year.  I will again set 250 as my Arizona goal; I have beaten that in both 2011 and 2012 but it remains a reasonable choice. I will aim to improve on my 181 county birds from 2012.

I fell 10 short of my goal of 50 lifers in 2012 but expect to reach this number in 2013. I am hoping that the Texas trip will help me add 30 birds in North America and take my ABA list to 550. I am hopeful that the other 20 will come from overseas. My world goal is to see 600 species in 2013.

Remaining on my wanted list for the Four Corners region in 2012 are Sage Grouse, Black Tern, Gray Jay and Pine Grosbeak. I would also like to make an effort to get Black-billed Magpie and Chukar on my Arizona list.