Thank You for My Big Year

My girls

Lets face it.  Doing a Big Year is an incredibly selfish thing to do if you're playing the duel role of husband and father.  There were certainly times during the course of 2013 where I could have been a little more attentive to my family, and a little less obsessed with birds.  It is for that reason that I would like to thank my wife, Elissa, and my daughters, Ruby and Audrey, for putting up with me these past 12 months.  During my latest stint in Texas, their absence made my heart ache.  I love my girls so much, and I am undoubtedly the luckiest man on the face of the earth.

As I have mentioned before, my Big Year was made possible by great people as well as great birds.  I joined two organizations this year that I plan to be a part of for years and years to come.  The Toledo Naturalists' Association allowed me the opportunity to bird with some of Toledo's foremost bird experts.  Field trips led by Dr. Elliot Tramer and Matt Anderson helped nab me a few more birds for the list.  Bird Girl Sherrie Duris was so generous in giving me the heads up anytime she spotted a rarity.  I met the Woodlawn Warriors by way of the Naturalists'.  Last but not least, I got to bird with Greg Links.  I learned so much from Greg in just a short time, and for that I'm very appreciative.

Joining Black Swamp Bird Observatory was well overdue.  Multiple people associated with BSBO including Kate Zimmerman, Kelly McKinne, Megan Reynolds, Mark Shieldcastle, and Kenn and Kim Kaufman made my year much more enjoyable.  I plan to volunteer for BSBO next year.  I hope I get to do something fun!

Additionally, I would like to mention the Facebook group, Birding Ohio.  It put me in contact with some of the previously mentioned people as well as many other great birders.  Although next year won't be as crazy, I'm happy to be a part of a great online birding community.

The Texas Crew

Looking back on the year, it's quite amazing to think about the places I've been and the things I've done.  I took a tour of Florida Bay by boat during a stop in Everglades National Park.  I saw birds and crocodiles up close.  A trip to Muskegon, Michigan yielded Long-tailed Duck and White-winged Scoter, and it also provided a nice getaway for me and my wife.  I enjoyed another Spring in Northwest, Ohio, explored Holmes County with Big Year birder Greg Miller, braved the cold weather to experience Whitefish Point for the first time, and went out in the cold yet again to take part in a Lake Erie pelagic trip in downtown Cleveland.  Lastly, of course, I spent three amazing days birding in the lower Rio Grande Valley.

Speaking of the Rio Grande trip, I need to thank a few people there.  First and foremost, I would like to thank my dad.  If it weren't for him, I probably wouldn't have ever given birds a second thought.  You got me outside when I was growing up, and I'm very grateful for that.  The plane ticket to Texas didn't hurt either.  I'm also happy that my godmother, Aunt Woody, got to come with me to Texas as well.  Not only have birds been a common bond between us, but she fostered my appreciation for the greatest baseball franchise in history, the Detroit Tigers.

Texas also introduced me to a wonderful bed and breakfast called the Alamo Inn.  It is centrally located in the Valley near McAllen, Texas, so it really isn't a far drive to any of the birding hot spots.  The inn is owned and operated by Keith Hackland.  During our stay Keith's stepdaughter, Carrie, took care of anything we needed.  She was extremely generous and helpful.  When I visit the Valley again, there is no reason why I would stay anywhere else but the Alamo Inn.

Carrie and your's truly

This year was exciting, enriching, exhausting, and fun.  It increased my interest in birds in many ways.  Ultimately, however, it underscored my responsibility as a husband and a father.  Birding is important to me, but at the end of the day, it's a hobby.  I don't want to be one of those people who obsess over beating a record or have little else going on in their life.  More than anything, I want to be with my family.  They are wonderful in many ways, and I can't imagine life without them.

So today is December 31st.  Am I out by the Ottawa River looking for white-winged gulls?  Am I searching the trees along the bike trail at Maumee Bay State Park for a Saw-whet Owl?  No.  I'm hear, writing this down as my little girls take their nap.  I wouldn't have it any other way.  To all of you who have been following along, I hope you find what's most important to you.  It's comforting.  Happy birding and happy new year!
                                                               - Brandon Brywczynski