ABA Blog in Review: April 2011

April marks the beginning of spring birding in North America, where all the color we miss during the long winter returns to us with a vengeance.  If you're a new reader of the ABA blog, or you just want to tie a bow on the month that was, I'm here to help!

ABA President Jeff Gordon shared some of the dozens of letters sent in to help procure continued access to Ash Canyon B&B in Arizona, known as the best spot on the continent for Lucifer Hummingbird.  The decision didn't break our way this time, but it's not over.  Hopefully all parties involved will come to a mutually acceptable agreement that allows for birders to continue to visit. And don't forget about Witless Bay, Newfoundland, either.

In lighter news, though, Jeff encouraged donations to the Tropicbirds, the ABA's young birder team that took home birds and glory at the Great Texas Birding Classic once again, and offered an opportunity for birders to have a say in the future of the National Wildlife Refuge system.

ABA Board member Lynn Barber wants to change your opinion as to what a Big Year means, and oh, if you're doing one don't keep it secret!

Birding editor Ted Floyd fools us all with some all-too-possible taxonomic changes, and suggests that the arguments birders (or birdwatchers?) get into about what to call ourselves is only the latest chapter of a loooong, and possibly never-ending, book.

Don Frieday's tips for bettering your birding include listening to chickadees and searching for shade.

New contributor Blake Mathys offers some ID tips focusing on how we go about identifying birds and understanding how expectation can trick us.

Photo guru Bill Schmoker shares his thoughts on a compact, but effective zoom lens, and a travel tip for those who haul lots of gear.

More to come next month.  Enjoy your May, folks!