Laura

“I’m at 191 birds, in one year! We just saw bird #191 together!”

Laura's 191st bird for 2016, a Chuck-will's Widow perched cooperatively in Boy Scout Woods

Over a year ago, Laura wouldn't consider herself a birder. That changed when she saw a movie called The Big Year (with Steve Martin, Jack Black, and Owen Wilson based on the book by Mark Obmascik, who I've interviewed this year) After seeing the movie, she knew she wanted to travel and see birds. This brought her to High Island, Texas which is one of the locations where drama unfolds as a major "fallout" occurs. "Nuclear fallout? No, bird fallout!"  Her husband encouraged her to check it out. When they retire, the couple will take their RV and travel around the country watching birds. 

What made you say "I want to go watch birds?"

Because they traveled [in the movie], and got to see so much. I primarily just stay in Texas. I'm looking forward to going all over the United States, all which are unique. 

What advice would you have for other new birders?

Stop, and listen for a little bit. Be patient. 

Note from Christian:  I love helping people find birds. It's just as rewarding to stop my birding and help someone else see something new, as it is for me to see a new species for the year. The best part of my day was sharing with people the experience of watching the Chuck (will's widow) sit on the ground doing nothing. That's when I heard people's stories, and saw the excitement on people's faces. That's the joy of birding! 

Laura emailed me later to share she had seen 4 new birds by the end of the day, bringing her total to 195 for the year! Congrats!