During the coldest days of winter I start to long for spring and start to think of different ways to enjoy spring birding. Here's what I've come up with for this year.
1) Birding by boat or Kayak: I used to own a boat but haven't birded by boat. I'm hoping that I'll be able to get some photos but imagine it could be difficult if I'm using a kayak.
2) Birding by habitat: Instead of going to areas known for certain species I want to go where there is a specific type of habitat to see what species I find.
3) Follow the stream: I found a small stream with plenty of room on the side to follow it and that's just what I'm going to do.
4) Stationary Birding: There are benefits to sitting in one place to watch birds instead of walking around looking for them. It's not in my nature to sit still so I'm putting this on my list as a reminder.
5) Head to the mountains in search of a Black-backed Woodpecker: I've been to areas of Vermont and New Hampshire that are known to have Black-backed Woodpeckers but have always managed to miss them. I want to try an area in the mountains in late spring or early summer this year.
6) Birding from dawn till dusk: I would like to dedicate at least one entire day just for birding at one great area.
7) Introduce 2 new people to birding: Introducing someone to birding for the first time is something I find enjoyable. it doesn't happen often enough.
8) See the movie: "A Birder's Guide To Everything": I've heard this movie is playing at a film festival in New Jersey. I just hope I get a chance to see it in Connecticut.
9) Set up a permanent bird blind: I don't know exactly where or how I'm going to do this but I would love to have a place where I could set up a chair and have a perfect place to take photos of birds where I get a close view and good lighting.
10) Join up for a field trip with an out of state bird club: It would be fun to join in with a bird club outside of Connecticut. I plan to do this in an upcoming vacation.
I probably won't get to all of these but I can always carry some over to next year's list.
Do you have any special birding plans for this Spring?