Reactions to my Large 12 months in Rotterdam have been threefold: [1] your goal is formidable however doable, [2] your goal is just too excessive, and you’ll by no means attain it and [3] hahahahaha. Folks in group 1: thanks on your form assist. These in group 2 and three…
Is there a technique to my insanity? Properly, I did undergo a semi-scientific method based mostly on previous knowledge to return to a goal. Is it doable although? To achieve the lofty aim of 200 birds in a 12 months, I’ve devised a technique – what else are administration consultants purported to do – that focuses on widespread birds, seasonal birds and vagrants. As you’ll have seen, my rely didn’t transfer very quick within the first month of this 12 months (there even have been questions in parliament in each Uzbekistan and Vanuatu about this obvious anomaly). That’s as a result of I’m after the seasonal birds. Any widespread chook I’ll come throughout will go on the checklist, however I’m actually searching for these wintering birds. A advantageous instance of how this a part of the technique works, was once I went out to twitch the Rock Pipit, but additionally discovered Frequent Buzzard, Wigeon and Frequent Redshank. Sadly, the winter company don’t like to remain near the town centre. I have to journey to the Europoort space, which is each distant and onerous to succeed in with public transport. Consequently, I’m spending numerous time chasing preciously few birds. For the winter birds I solely have two probabilities, so this a part of the technique is smart (to me). These are must-sees and definitely worth the effort. And it is going to be an effort – for the Arctic Loon or Black-throated Diver I should cycle 30 kilometers, discover it after which pedal again. Sadly, it is going to be a single tick on the checklist not two, regardless of its double title.
The vagrants will probably be trickier. Not solely will they almost certainly be in the identical, distant areas, however I’ll rely on the autumn migration solely. Spring migration is simply much less prone to ship long-staying vagrants. These birds have a transparent goal (you understand!) and so they’re going for it. No lingering… And that issues, as a result of I nonetheless have a job which is a large distraction from birding. So, in spring I will probably be chasing the widespread, breeding birds, just like the Robin, whereas hoping for oddballs.
Having mentioned that, oddballs are of all seasons. A typical birding outing involving oddballs could be the one I had final week. There had been a report of a Crimson-crested Pochard in a canal. I nonetheless needed to examine my newly delivered home and I used to be doggy-sitting. Since my new home is close to Het Park, a 100 hectare city park, the canine and I strolled by way of the park on our option to the twitch. We lucked upon a Mandarin Duck however dipped on Firecrest. After we arrived on the twitch somebody had simply been feeding the geese – an unlawful act nowadays. One of many geese was our Crimson-crested Pochard. We forgave the trespasser, felt very holy and gratefully accepted the reward of a simple chook… I say “we” however the canine actually was extra desirous about some discarded chips/fries with mayonaise.
All respectable photos from the 10000birds archive, the remainder is by the writer. Moreover, Uzbeks and Vanuatuans don’t care about my aim, however we live in a post-fact world so I can say no matter I would like and simply name it an opinion.
Large 12 months Rotterdam, 1 February 2025, 64 species, 136 to go.