Bigby

I've just signed up to take part in The Big Green Big Year birding challenge:

The Big Green Big Year is a BGBY is a Bigby

This is a low-key, friendly bit of birding rivalry that is not especially original but which seems appropriate in these days of carbon emissions and climate change. If you have ever felt even a tiny bit guilty about driving or flying to see a good bird (or several) why not join us in a year of carbon-neutral birding?

There are no prizes other than the glory - but we can have fun and keep fit - and there are almost no rules.

The Big Green Big Year has the acronym BGBY and is therefore pronounced Bigby* ... and it is simply a Big Year in which you only count those species seen within walking or cycling distance of your home. As simple as that, no dashing off to the far corners of the planet burning fossil fuels as you go.

There are two principal categories:

The Walking Bigby - During which you list all species seen in 2008 which have been reached on foot from home. If you were traveling by any other means when seen then the bird won’t count for your Bigby.

The Self-Propelled Bigby - This will allow you to extend your range a bit and include birds reached by either walking, on bicycle or by canoe. Walking Bigby birds can be included.

... and we have added a late entrant category for those who would like to try it:

The Public Transport Bigby - This one has been added by public request ... so long as you travel to your walking/cycling/canoeing site by bus or by rail (but absolutely not by taxi, friend's car or plane) and return in a similar fashion then you are doing a Public Transport Bigby. Walking Bigby and Self-propelled Bigby birds can be included.

As I don't own/use a car, I have registered for The Public Transport Bigby. I will keep you informed of my progress!