Date: 1/14/25 7:12 pm From: Todd Ballinger <todd.ballinger...> Subject: Arkansas County Big Years--Michael and Patty Set the Record?
Since I haven’t seen mention of this information on ARBird yet, I thought
it worth highlighting—especially in light of the New Year and the birding
goals we are each making.
Having a little time on my hands this Christmas Break (and a lack of a
meaningful cold front to bring in new birds I was hoping to find to boost
my year-end county total) I did a quick survey of the major birding
counties to see if I could figure out who holds the all-time County Big
Year Record for Arkansas.
I started checking eBird county by county to see how my 2022 number of 243
species in Washington County held up statewide. My excitement started to
grow as I went through the records of the first few counties…and then,
there was no way around it, I checked White County. Where I saw I’d been
*spanked* by Michael and Patty. By a huge margin. 252! Just one year later.
Attached is a PDF of screen-shots of the top Arkansas County Big Years I
could find. I didn’t check every county and every year, so please let me
know if I missed something. Also, I’m curious how Mark Alderman could find
106% of the birds in his county the year he found 234 species.
Below are some of the reasons I’ve come to find County Big Years so
enjoyable.
A big personal congratulations to Michael and Patty. A record like that
doesn’t happen by accident.
Happy New Year and Good Birding,
Todd Ballinger, Fayetteville
If you are looking for new year goal, a county-level Big Year offers
several distinct advantages over statewide or North American Big Years:
*1. Accessibility and Practicality*
- *Reduced Travel and Costs:* A county Big Year requires less extensive
travel, minimizing expenses for transportation, lodging, and meals. This
makes it more financially feasible and environmentally friendly.
- *Time Commitment:* It’s easier to integrate into a busy schedule since
birding can be done locally, without needing extended trips.
*2. Deeper Local Knowledge*
- *Focus on Local Habitat:* A county-level effort allows you to develop
a deep understanding of the specific habitats, migration patterns, and bird
behavior in your area.
- *Conservation Impact:* Your observations can contribute directly to
local conservation efforts, as smaller datasets often lack robust coverage.
- *Engagement with Community:* You can work closely with local birding
communities, landowners, and organizations, fostering a sense of community
and collaboration.
*3. Achievability*
- *Attainable Goals:* Finding a broad array of species within a smaller
geographic area is more feasible than covering a state or continent. This
makes the project less overwhelming and more rewarding for beginners and
experienced birders alike.
- *Rare Finds Still Matter:* In smaller areas, rare or unusual birds can
have a more significant impact on your tally, adding excitement and
motivation.
*4. Personal Connection and Joy*
- *Rediscovery of Common Species:* A county Big Year encourages an
appreciation of common birds often overlooked in larger-scale efforts.
- *Frequent Exploration:* Regular visits to local hotspots create a
stronger connection to nearby nature and allow you to witness subtle
seasonal changes.
*5. Environmental Considerations*
- *Lower Carbon Footprint:* Focusing on a smaller area significantly
reduces the environmental impact of travel, aligning with sustainability
goals.
*6. Preparation for Larger Challenges*
- *Skill-Building:* County-level birding hones field skills, such as
identifying calls and flight patterns, in preparation for larger-scale
challenges like statewide or North American Big Years.
