Planning for 2026
What started as a cheeky idea last month is rapidly developing into a full-blown ordeal.
I had previously written that I would plan a non-chasing lower-48 Big Year. I would like to now amend that objective here.
Recently, I planned out a trip to Hawai’i that was 2 years in the making. For various reasons, this trip could not be taken, so 2026 seemed the best time to plan it. I will go to the four main islands—Big Island, Maui, Kauai’i, and O’ahu—plus a quick stop to American Samoa. Though it is not within the designated ABA boundary, American Samoa is home to one of the most remote national parks, the National Park of American Samoa. This is also the only park south of the Equator. Cool, right!
It was in planning this trip out that I decided to be true to myself and plan a more ambitious Big Year. Along with Hawai’i, a trip to Alaska in the summer is warranted. The rest of the schedule needs work, but I have a general plan in mind.
To set out on a Big Year, I would like to set some preliminary goals for myself:
This will remain a non-chasing Big Year. As I am still employed full time, I cannot, for both financial and temporal reasons, take off on at a moment’s notice to chase a Code 4, let alone a Code 5, bird on the other side of the continent (or in Hawai’i). That said, if such a bird is within a reasonable driving distance of home, or is near my location at that time, I will make the effort to see it.
My focus will be on Code 1, 2, and 3 birds. This expands upon the previous point, but it bears repeating.
Seen birds are preferable over heard birds. Of course, some birds will need to be listed as “heard” in order to not disturb them.
My geographical focus will be Wisconsin. By thoroughly going through the American Birding Association’s most recent checklist, there are about 300 eligible birds in Wisconsin.
Accept limitations. Even though I want to see every bird, I know I cannot. Life’s rough, sometimes.
Be strategic in choosing hotspots and locations. Duh…
Highlight regional features. Birding is the main goal, but highlighting the nature of a particular region makes the trip more rewarding. I would also like to focus, or bring attention to, specific conservation endeavors in areas in which I travel.
Connect with other birders. As an introvert, this is easier said than done.
Chronicle my journey on this blog. My track record of diligently recording my travels is, to put it mildly, in need of improvement. But I’ll try my best!
Have fun and don’t sweat the small stuff!
These ten goals may change over the next few months, but for now, they set the tone for my planning.
Thank you for reading.
Until next time!
