ABA Blog in Review: November 2011

Among the general public in much of North America, November is clearly the most bird-centric month of the year.  That this is more gastronomical than ornithological is a minor point, we will take what we can get.  For the rest of the world, and our friends in Canada, November is the last gasp of the migratory season (be it fall in the north or spring in the south).  It's time to settle in to winter here in the ABA-Area, where we can all dream of a season full of finches and irruptive owls.

But first, what you may have missed in the month that was...

The ABA had a big presence at the most recent Lower Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival, and everyone from Board member Lynn Barber to your's truly had something to say about the festivities.  Great birds and great people made for a wonderful event, one every North American birder should try to visit at least once.

Lynn is also looking for the opposite of a Big Year in her new home state of South Dakota.

North American Birds editor Ned Brinkley offers what is perhaps the most thorough review of The Big Year yet. 

Ted Eubanks sings the praises of bird-based ecotourism, and offers some thoughts on just what, exactly, our expensive gear adds to the birding experience.

Ted Floyd, editor of Birding magazine, has two requests.  The first, to help flesh out birding's wikipedia footprint, and second, to get him some letters to the editor for Birding.  Surely, someone out there can help.

Paul Hess shares the news that the science behind a recent study looking at woodpecker skull physiology might have some real world implications for head safety.

Blake Mathys encourages birders to embrace the unknown, and accept what cannot be determined in the field.

New contributor and Bird of the Year coordinator Robert Mortenson has some American Kestrel related news specifically for bloggers.

Bill Schmoker shares an impressive new lens for digiscoping, and some stunning photos of feeding waterbirds.

Noah Strycker goes Saw-whet owl banding, with some amazing results.

Brian Sullivan introduces the new eBird Version 3.  As a heavy user, I can say it's better than ever. 

Rick Wright reviews the newest edition of National Geographic's popular field guide.

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And don't forget!  You still have till the end of the day to renew your ABA membership at a discounted rate!

And if that discount isn't enough (and you're in the market for a new set of binoculars), our friends at Eagle Optics are offering a $15 ABA membership with the purchase of any of an amazing selection of binoculars for any and every birder.