Announcement: THE BIG YEAR
I’m dedicating an entire year to exploration, curiosity, and celebrating the remarkable world of birds right here in the UK. From unexpected encounters to rare sightings, from quiet moments in local parks to journeys across new landscapes, this marks the start of a focused and exciting chapter. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or someone who’s only just begun glancing upward a little more often, this is the perfect moment to join in and see what unfolds.
So… what exactly is a Big Year?
In the 2011 film The Big Year, the term refers to a real-life bird‑watching challenge in which participants attempt to see or hear as many different bird species as possible within a single calendar year across North America. It’s a high‑energy, often high‑cost pursuit that sends birders racing across the continent, chasing storms, migrations, and those elusive once‑in‑a‑lifetime sightings. The film captures the intensity, obsession, and joy that come with such a quest.
Now, I won’t be jetting off to the U.S. or Canada, but I will be taking a much more intentional approach to the birds I encounter here at home. Every species I spot will be logged and recorded in a spreadsheet—yes, a proper one—which I’ll be sharing with you all as the year progresses.
Capturing the journey
Alongside the numbers, I’ll also be taking photographs whenever I can. Some will be quick snaps, others (hopefully) a little more impressive, but all of them will help tell the story of this year. I’ll include these photos in my updates so you can see the birds exactly as I found them—muddy boots, awkward angles, unexpected moments and all.
What to expect
Each month, I’ll post an update summarising:
The birds I’ve seen
How many species I’ve added to the list
Any standout moments, surprises, or stories from the field
A selection of photographs from that month’s sightings
Think of it as a running diary of discovery—part challenge, part adventure, part celebration of the wildlife around us.
I’m genuinely excited to dive into this, and I’d love for you to come along for the journey. Whether you join in with your own sightings or simply follow along out of curiosity, your company will make the experience even better.
Here’s to a year of looking up, noticing more, and letting the world surprise us. First post will be out at the end of January!
