02/04/2013 - Would you count these birds? :: Comments (7)
In the December issue of Winging It, Jeff Skrentny shared with us his thorough review of the ABA's "countability" rules. He discovered that, in some cases, "what counts" is not always obvious. What's your take? Based on the ABA Recording Rules, what do you think of Jeff's conclusions? Would you... READ MORE »
Blogger: MICHAEL RETTER
Location: West Lafayette, Indiana
Website: www.xenospiza.com
Michael L. P. Retter is the editor of the ABA's newsletter Winging It. He also guides for Tropical Birding in the Americas and Australasia. Birding since the age of six, Michael is especially interested in taxonomy and distribution, though he also has an inherently masochistic interest in four-year gulls. As an artist and author, Michael's work has appeared in Birding (where he serves as both Technical Reviewer and "Sightings" Department Editor) and Meadowlark, among other books and journals. He also runs GBNA, the continent's email listserv for GLBT birders. Michael currently resides in West Lafayette, Indiana with his partner, Matt.
POSTS TO THE ABA BLOG
01/05/2013 - Full-length, full-color Dec. Winging It online now! :: Comments (0)
Black-and-white hard copies of Winging It are now arriving in the mailboxes of ABA members. Within, you'll find an informative feature article by Jeff Skrentny that attempts to answer many of the "countability" questions we here at ABA are often asked about by our members, such as "Can I count... READ MORE »
Black-and-white hard copies of Winging It are now arriving in the mailboxes of ABA members. Within, you'll find an informative feature article by Jeff Skrentny that attempts to answer many of the "countability" questions we here at ABA are often asked about by our members, such as "Can I count... READ MORE »
11/03/2012 - Full-color October "Winging It" online now! :: Comments (0)
It wasn't planned to be this way, but the October Winging It definitely has a theme: young birders. As a former young birder myself, this is a topic close to my heart. Without the support (both emotional and financial) of my family and other birders, I'd not be where I... READ MORE »
It wasn't planned to be this way, but the October Winging It definitely has a theme: young birders. As a former young birder myself, this is a topic close to my heart. Without the support (both emotional and financial) of my family and other birders, I'd not be where I... READ MORE »
10/04/2012 - More 2012 AOU Checklist Changes :: Comments (3)
I know what you're thinking. "More checklist changes--what have they done now?!" On the species level, there have been no more changes affecting the ABA Area than were covered in the September 2012 issue (pp. 30–33) of Birding. But there were a number of higher-level taxonomic changes and scientific name... READ MORE »
I know what you're thinking. "More checklist changes--what have they done now?!" On the species level, there have been no more changes affecting the ABA Area than were covered in the September 2012 issue (pp. 30–33) of Birding. But there were a number of higher-level taxonomic changes and scientific name... READ MORE »
08/23/2012 - August 2012 "Winging It" online now! :: Comments (11)
In the past, I have started these posts with something like, "By now, you should have received your copy of Winging It in the mail..." Well, no longer. The August issue was put to bed a week ago, and we have the technology to show it to you right now.... READ MORE »
In the past, I have started these posts with something like, "By now, you should have received your copy of Winging It in the mail..." Well, no longer. The August issue was put to bed a week ago, and we have the technology to show it to you right now.... READ MORE »
07/08/2012 - Full-color June "Winging It" online now! :: Comments (1)
The June issue of Winging It has now arrived in most members' mailboxes. But if you would rather see it in full color than black-and-white, simply click here. After entering your username and password, you'll have access to all issues from September 2005 through today! This issue's (excellent, in my... READ MORE »
The June issue of Winging It has now arrived in most members' mailboxes. But if you would rather see it in full color than black-and-white, simply click here. After entering your username and password, you'll have access to all issues from September 2005 through today! This issue's (excellent, in my... READ MORE »
05/30/2012 - The Mexican Barred-Owl: A split too far? :: Comments (20)
Many of you navigating here will have just read Paul Hess's "News and Notes" column in the May 2012 Birding. If not, I highly recommend taking a look. Within Paul's article, he notes a recent scientific paper by Barrowclough et al. in which it is recommended that Barred Owl be... READ MORE »
Many of you navigating here will have just read Paul Hess's "News and Notes" column in the May 2012 Birding. If not, I highly recommend taking a look. Within Paul's article, he notes a recent scientific paper by Barrowclough et al. in which it is recommended that Barred Owl be... READ MORE »
12/19/2011 - December 2011 Winging It :: Comments (0)
Many ABA members have now received their December issue of Winging It. (To view this issue online, see the last paragraph for details.) Ashli Gorbet wrote our feature article, a site guide for Belize's Cayo district. If you want to bird this area on your own but were afraid you... READ MORE »
Many ABA members have now received their December issue of Winging It. (To view this issue online, see the last paragraph for details.) Ashli Gorbet wrote our feature article, a site guide for Belize's Cayo district. If you want to bird this area on your own but were afraid you... READ MORE »
10/22/2011 - Channeling Santayana :: Comments (1)
Even more than the advent of iPods or the internet, there is one massive change in birding that has the ability to alter our avocation for the better. Birders are getting hip to conservation. What was once the third rail of birding repartee has gone mainstream. We need look no... READ MORE »
Even more than the advent of iPods or the internet, there is one massive change in birding that has the ability to alter our avocation for the better. Birders are getting hip to conservation. What was once the third rail of birding repartee has gone mainstream. We need look no... READ MORE »
08/24/2011 - An Introduction :: Comments (0)
If you don’t know me already, please allow me to introduce myself. I’m the new editor of Winging It . This is important information if you’re an ABA member. I’m editing your newsletter, the August issue of which is now available online. At the risk of self-aggrandizement, I'm kind of... READ MORE »
If you don’t know me already, please allow me to introduce myself. I’m the new editor of Winging It . This is important information if you’re an ABA member. I’m editing your newsletter, the August issue of which is now available online. At the risk of self-aggrandizement, I'm kind of... READ MORE »
Welcome to the ABA Blog!
Birders know well that the healthiest, most dynamic choruses contain many different voices. The birding community encompasses a wide variety of interests, talents, and convictions. All are welcome. If you like birding, we want to hear from you.
See something here that you really like or find useful? Or something that you think is wrong or misguided? Leave a comment and let us all know. Just keep your comments respectful; that's the only requirement.
We welcome guest posts, too. Have an idea or tip or story you'd like to share? Contact blog manager Nate Swick at blog@aba.org.
The views and opinions expressed on this blog are those of each contributing writer or commenter and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the American Birding Association or its management. Official positions of the ABA will be clearly labelled as such.
Good birding! And thanks for stopping by.
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