Getting Started - What is the Big Year?

OVERVIEW:  While our nation’s athletes are gearing down after competing in Greece, the DuPage Birding Club is gearing up for an Olympic event of its own. It’s time for another DuPage Birding Club Big Year! During a traditional Big Year, members keep lists of how many species of birds they can see in a year in DuPage County. Some members compete for the top spot on the list while others simply challenge themselves to see new birds. The last Big Year in 2000 was a great success, but we’d still like to see more people get involved. Many people expressed that they felt intimidated posting their totals next to the competitive listers. As a result, we’re tentatively planning to add a few new categories this year specifically tailored to the non-competitive crowd. The DuPage Big Year isn’t just about competition – my main goal as the Big Year Chair is to get more people out enjoying birds in the field. Keeping a year list is a great way to motivate yourself to get out more, discover new birds, and explore new areas. Even if you can only get out for half an hour and take a walk at a local preserve, please consider joining us next year. Below is an overview of the new categories that we are considering for this year.

PRIZES: Top secret meetings are being held at this very moment to determine what amazing prizes will be offered this year.  The words "optics" and "cash" are being thrown around among committee members... as items you'll need for competing in the big year.  The words "cheap" and "cheap" are being thrown as items for Big Year prizes.  Of course, the glory of winning should be the primary motivation for competitive individuals, but a possible celebration party in 2006 is also being rumored about as well as small prizes for the winners.

HISTORY: The traditional Big Year contest is the Individual Big Year.  Past winners include:

Can you set a new record?  Bob's record is even tougher to beat after the 2000 Big Year.  As usual, the individual who wins will have the opportunity to write an article for "Drummings" about his or her adventures during the year.