Average number of "life" birds on trip to new area? (1 Viewer)

Merg

Well-known member

• May 18, 2009

• #1

Just curious how many new lifers you tend to tally if you're going to a very new habitat/area that isn't close to your home region?

The only time I've ever really gone to a totally different region since I've been birding, I went out for about 3 hours and got about 20 new birds.

I'm going to the Rio Grande in South Texas for 2 days in July, and figure I'll get somewhere between 20 and... oh... 300 or so


Also, do you count feral populations in your life list?

 

Hanno

Ho Ho Ho

• May 18, 2009

• #2

I guess that would depend very much on where you are and where you are going to. I I went to say Thailand, i would not expect many lifers. If I went to the Philippines, I'd probably have heaps.

Personally, I do not count ferals.

 

Enji

Well-known member

• May 19, 2009

• #3

Never been birding outside of Sweden, and when I travel within Sweden I used to get maybe one or two lifers. Not so many nowadays.

Been thinking of going to Spain for birding one day, and then I would expect several lifers! No idea how many though.

Ferals... mostly, no, although I do count Pheasants since they've been feral here for such a long time.

 

lmans66

Out Birding....

Supporter

• May 19, 2009

• #4

It shouldn't be about the lifers anyhow....it about birding. I know I go places now where I am going to see the same things I have seen before in terms of 'lifers' but it is that 'find'...I am looking for. The bird sitting in an odd way, or the mannerisms, perhaps they are flying and landing or it could be the color of the background etc.... just some thoughts.

 

Hanno

Ho Ho Ho

• May 20, 2009

• #5

It shouldn't be about the lifers anyhow

Click to expand...

Sure, but I get excited at the prospect of new species.

 

Merg

Well-known member

• May 20, 2009

• #6

lmans66 said:

It shouldn't be about the lifers anyhow....

Click to expand...

You've never travelled somewhere (even within driving distance of your home) to see a new species?

it about birding. I know I go places now where I am going to see the same things I have seen before in terms of 'lifers' but it is that 'find'...I am looking for. The bird sitting in an odd way, or the mannerisms, perhaps they are flying and landing or it could be the color of the background etc.... just some thoughts.

Click to expand...

And I do the same. It was just an attempt at a lighthearted, conversational thread...

 

Chris D

Well-known member

• May 20, 2009

• #7

Indeed. I kinda feel - the ultimate is Australia. Granted, not close to my home but none-the-less. I might as well have had the book 'upsidedown'.......when I started there. Beyone exciting and bizzare....... I've had some of the best times (especially with great friends) seeing new species, making a list, drinking heavily, etc.

Another spot (kinda locally) to think about is SE Arizona.....