Since I was mentioned in the initial email, thought I would respond as well.
If we're going to track birders' numbers at all, 300 appears to be a good
yardstick.
Speaking personally, took me four years to reach 300 in Minnesota, even
though I reside in one of the better areas to bird (Sherburne Refuge and
Mille Lacs Lake are 22 and 35 miles away, respectively). And I didn't quite
reach 300 in Wisconsin over 10 years of birding, based in Madison, traveling
only occasionally.
Breaking these four years down further, this particular 300 would be the
product of approximately 800 area walks, ~140 trips of 30-150 miles, and 10+
trips beyond that (primarily North Shore, Sax-Zim and Big Stone/Lac Qui
Parle).
The next 24 birds took a little over two years, so ratios are diminishing
rapidly!:)
Beyond 300, the focus has changed a bit to my two counties (Mille Lacs &
Sherburne) - initially to become the top lister in these counties (Bob J,
can you feel my breath?:)) - then to gradually make my way towards 300 in
each, probably a 15-20 year goal, perhaps impossible.
Listing has its joys, but also its dark side. Overdone, it can diminish the
enjoyment of individual birds, allowing one to only enjoy the next "tic" -
or cause one to be less than sharing with others - or cause anger over a
rejected documentation - or cause environmental damage - or lead to a
"boastfest" - or....you get the picture. The enjoyment of nature & birds is
relatively easy, the enjoyment of listing is fraught with peril. But many
succeed, and sometimes I do too.
And I honor those in the 380's, 390's, and 400's. Well, well, well done.
Good birding to all (migration is starting to hit here as well),
Al Schirmacher
Princeton, MN
Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties
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