How to do a Local Big Year
6 minute read
Want a new way to improve your birdwatching skills, without straying too far from home? Do a Local Big Year to see how many species you can see in your local area. This How-To will help you get started.
What is a Big Year?
A Big Year is a challenge known among birdwatchers to identify as many species as possible within a geographical area in a calendar year. There are no Australian Big Year rules, but the following are set by the American Birding Association:
A wild bird can be ticked off after being either seen or heard (the use of recorded bird calls to entice species is banned)
Asking local communities for advice is permitted
It’s an honesty system but people are encouraged to take photos or recordings of the birds seen (often people build their birder credentials before they embark on a Big Year so others trust their list)
There are no prizes, only glory
Doing a birdwatching Big Year can be a large financial and time investment, and people who embark on one have our deepest respect. For those of us with less time and/or smaller budgets, there is another way to enjoy a Big Year. Introducing… a Local Big Year.
What is a Local Big Year?
In 2024, the Weekend Birder community are participating in a Local Big Year - a Big Year done closer to home. You can choose to take it as seriously as you want - most of us are taking a pretty relaxed approach and aren’t in it for the competition. The boundaries for your Local Big Year is totally up to you. You could choose your suburb, local government area (council area) or if you could aim high and choose your whole state or territory.
When should I start?
A Big Year typically runs from January 1 - December 31 of a single calendar year. But realistically, you can start at any time and it doesn’t have to be a for a year. Join us any time.
What do I need?
Recording method
You will need a way to record what bird species you see. This can be done manually using a notebook or spreadsheet, or using a free app on your phone like eBird. Most people record the name of the bird species, date, time and location. Find out more in this Weekend Birder How-to - How to Build a Lifer List.
Binoculars
You can see and identify birds using your eyes. If you want to zoom in, you might consider getting yourself a pair of binoculars. Find out more in these How-tos - How to Buy Binoculars and How to Use Binoculars.
Field guide and phone apps
A birdwatching field guide will help you identify what bird you are seeing. You could use a book and/or download some apps for your phone. Find out more in this Weekend Birder How-to - How to Identify Birds by Sight.
Can I join the group in 2024?
Come join us! Tap the button below to find out more.
