A month‑by‑month journey through our 2015 Little Big Year — 500 species, coast to coast, and the adventure that changed how we travel, bird, and see the world
January
January 3 – Here We Go — The year begins with local birding and the first species on the list.
January 23 – Whoop Whoop! — A winter rarity chase leads to unforgettable views of a Whooping Crane.
January 30 – Sparrow Drive — A morning of sparrow banding and close‑up looks at winter grassland species.
February
February 5 – Winter Birding in the Adirondacks — Snow, finches, and northern specialties in upstate New York.
February 14 – Miami Boat Show and Birding — A weekend of boats, beaches, and South Florida specialties.
March
March 7 – SPAS Birding — A productive morning with St. Petersburg Audubon.
March 13 – The Big ‘O’ — Circling Lake Okeechobee in search of waders and early migrants.
March 20 – New Jersey & Long Island — A chilly coastal run for alcids, gulls, and wintering ducks.
March 28 – Spring Migration Meets Duck Dynasty — Early migrants and marsh birds across Tampa Bay.
April
April 8 – From California to the Texas Coast — A two‑state sprint for Western species and Gulf Coast migrants.
April 18 – Grand Circle Tour — Red rock landscapes and desert specialties across the Southwest.
April 24 – It’s Getting Verde Birdy — Spring birding along Arizona’s Verde River.
May
May 3 – Birding the Local Patches — A reset day exploring favorite spots close to home.
May 16 – The Biggest Week in American Birding — Warbler heaven in northwest Ohio.
May 23–31 – West Coast Florida Specialties — A week of shorebirds, skimmers, and Gulf Coast favorites.
June
June 7 – Florida Pelagic Birding — A rare offshore trip for shearwaters and storm‑petrels.
June 21 – Adirondack Free Birds & Jail Birds — A quirky mix of mountain birding and a visit to the old prison museum.
July
July 3 – Southeast Arizona Birding — Hummingbirds, trogons, and monsoon magic in the Sky Islands.
July 16 – Chasing Florida Rarities — A hot‑weather chase for midsummer surprises.
August
August 16 – Puffins, Gannets & Murres — A cold‑water pelagic adventure off Newfoundland.
August 18 – Newfoundland Part II — Seabirds, rugged cliffs, and northern specialties.
September
September 4 – Arizona, Third Time’s a Charm — Another run at the Sky Islands with new species added.
September 12 – California Seabirds — A West Coast pelagic for shearwaters, jaegers, and more.
September 30 – Florida Fall Migration — Warblers and raptors moving through the Gulf Coast.
October
October 11 – Owling With The Master — A night in the Adirondacks learning from an expert bander.
October 31 – The Florida Endemic — A Halloween visit with the Florida Scrub‑Jay.
November
November 6 – Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival — South Texas specialties and festival‑week excitement.
November 24 – Central Florida & The Keys — Mangroves, shorebirds, and a warm‑weather escape.
December
December 5 – Colorado Winter Birding — Rosy‑finches, raptors, and snow‑covered landscapes.
December 21 – Savannah & South Carolina — Coastal marshes and wintering waterfowl.
December 27 – California, The Final Trip — The last push of the year and the final lifers.
Reflection
Big Year Reflection: The Journey to 500 — Looking back at the miles, moments, and species that shaped the year.