Welcome to the 2013 edition of my blog. I still want to keep track of my progress in birding and it will be fun to look back on last year from time to time, and share any new adventures I hope to have this year. Just a year ago, this week, I had spent a cold morning with a hardy group of birders in Puslinch for my first Ontario rarity, a female Mountain Bluebird. One year ago
I have been out birding on 3 of the 5 days of the year so far and I have been able to do something I couldn't do 5 days into 2012, and that is recognize Hooded Mergansers and Buffleheads and Goldeneyes, Scaups and Kestrels without aid of Sue or a field guide. I spent today birding James Gardens and Colonel Sam Smith Park, seeing all of the above, plus a Great-horned Owl.
I created a brand new digi-scoping attachment for my iPhone, that is much improved from the juice bottle lid. I found a small PVC plumbing thing that fits perfectly on my scope and was easily glued to my iphone case. Another piece of PVC pipe works great with my regular digital camera. I tested them both out today and I got the best results with the iphone adapter. Pictures below.
So, my birding goals for this year are simple. Become a better birder and try and add to my life list. I missed a few easy birds in 2012 and could have used my time better to see birds such as the Kirtlands' Warbler in Michigan, say. I also want to improve my photography skills and get a good flash, like some of the better photographers out there. And of course, turning my 2012 blog in to a book, a roadmap/guide to birding in North America for the beginner.
My posts this year won't be as frequent as in 2012, but I will be posting blogs and photos at least once a week, if not more often, as time permits.
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