As I start to build my bird sighting lifelist. I did not realize the number of my sightings and the number yet to be achieved. I wondered if I will reach the goal. Plus, what is the numerical goal?

For instance, Birdpost lists Massachusetts as having 469 species of birds and up to 487 according to Massachusetts Avian Records Committee (August 2008). Whereas the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (2002) listed 448 species. There are a number of these that are extinct, rare and vagrant sightings that I am highly unlikely to see, such as the Passenger Pigeon. I am being facetious but you get the point.

As I compile my list, adding to it can be daunting. What is an amateur birder to do? A more likely and attainable goal are the approximately 190 species of birds that nest regularly in Massachusetts. As it stands, I am almost half way there! (I had to subtract a few birds I saw in Florida that are not found in Massachusetts).

I am not going to go crazy on finding birds, but I will continue to visit various places, be observant, photograph them and maybe add to my sighting list.

This all started when someone listed a Black-chinned Hummingbird when I thought only the Ruby-throated Hummingbird resides in Massachusetts. As it turns out the Black-chinned Hummingbird is a rare sighting.

My bird lifelist will have the sighting, photo if available and sight location through Birdstack. Sometimes photographing can be difficult. It has been more than once I flushed a bird and the camera was not ready. I once flushed an Owl which was only about three feet from me. Apparently he must have been sleeping because he did not hear me approach. Plus, I was tired and inattentive. We surprised each other – the bird flapping its wings and me flapping my arms. Ha! What a sight. Anyway, it is a sighting with no photograph resulting in a mention.

*Edited: Sept 20, 2009

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