Dear Birders,
The ABA announced today that officially John Weigel holds the ABA big year record. It is the result of an unbelievable effort. I offer my congratulations to John not only for achieving such an amazing outcome but also for the goodwill and fine spirit that he has shown throughout the project and in his acknowledgement of his record.
I believe that in Australia the goodwill between birders has been fostered from the top of the big listers. It is wonderful that John has picked up on this and continues to bird with that same spirit. Well done!
Peter marsh
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I tend to agree that big years in themselves aren’t that useful, however at least some of the ABA big year competitors had associated projects. John was promoting awareness of the trouble Tasmanian devils are in, and raising funds for a breeding program. Another was interviewing birders he met along the way, and using the year to promote conservation.
I’d be disappointed if the focus moved towards pure competitive birding without any side benefits for science and conservation. It should also be acknowledged that there is generally a lot of good will between birders of all types, not just “big listers”.
Peter Shute
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