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The annual cycle of seasons is felt especially strongly by those of us who immerse ourselves in the world of birds, and each new year brings a new set of chances to enjoy unforgettable experiences. Even casual birders who do not keep an annual total of the species they observe often take note of the first bird they encounter at the start of a new year. I made my way home from New Year’s Eve festivities shortly after the ball dropped, knowing I had a big day of birding ahead. I slowly traveled east along the south shore of Long Island, hoping to add a new state bird to my New York list.

The Iberian Peninsula’s endemic raptor earned some bonus recognition as the marker for a major personal milestone: the 700th species on my life list. When I began preparing my target list for this summer’s trip to Arizona, this species was near the top. The vast agricultural fields were home to a number of charismatic species native to the Spanish steppes, including Eurasian Stone-Curlew, Black-bellied and Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, and Little Bustard. The species is not as rare, dramatic, or unique as the others on this list, but the specific Great Black Hawk in question is truly an inspiration.

Between birding, work (more birding), and planning future birding (CBC), you’d think I would be sick of birds, but never! The magazine features articles focusing on back yard birding and top gear choices, but many articles are a step beyond backyard birding, featuring anecdotal and educational stories from some of our most knowledgeable birders. Charley Harper Gifts: We’ve featured gifts with Charley Harper art in the past, but there are a few Charley Harper-themed gifts still out there worth noting! While you should stay awayfrom buying high end photo equipment as a gift (unless you’re rich and very giving), Bird Photo Booth may be a good choice if you know a casual back yard birder that wants to document their feeder birds in a very adorable way.

Planting meadow species like goldenrods and asters surrounded by Eastern Red Cedars, any native dogwood species, Virginia or Eastern White Pines, and Shagbark Hickory would work together to create a diverse backyard habitat that could provide a lot of hidden insects during the cold months. This cold-hardy species has been found over-wintering all along the East coast, but is more uncommon than Yellow-rumped and often quite secretive (eBird range map). Yellow” Palm Warbler (range map) is found slightly less often than “Western” Palm Warbler (range map). Although only found sporadically during December and January throughout the Northeast, Yellow-throated Warblers attempting to over-winter aren’t too proud to live off peanut butter and suet in someone’s backyard (eBird range map).