Quite the accomplishment so far! I'm certain more northerly birders dream about a fraction of that for the month of January. Best of luck.

One of my favorites, they always seem curious and vociferous to me. Sort of like a southern Blue Jay, but with a much more pleasant call.

Agreed, it's a better find, not a better bird. But what are these objective qualities you speak of? Not defecating all over parks where children play? Or being able to successfully adapt to human-modified environments?

On par or even better than the greatest novels I've read? Then certainly because I read for my pleasure, not just to support authors. That said, I'd probably pirate it just to stick it to the Machine.

Fox News doesn't play at "bothsidesing." Is that preferable? The example you've chosen to highlight is complicated as you acknowledge when mentioning Ukraine (and EU policy effects?). The chart would've been great in the article, though it can be "onesided" with a clever choice of time periods.

Tropical Parula. Like the Northern but black mask without eye arcs and clean yellow chest. There are a few hanging around the lower Rio Grande Valley. Think there was one in Louisiana this year or last

That's the attraction to birding for me. The possibility of the unexpected.

Best bird, possibly worst photo. While not a mega rarity, it was the best because I unexpectedly discovered it in a location that only had one sighting in the past.

Thank you. Now, rather than just grumbling, I can announce the cause of my unhappiness.

Nice description of their behavior!

I would have to go with the Black Brant. They have the longest waterfowl migration (at least in North America). They summer in Alaska and winter in Baja California, which sounds perfect to me.

What a great way to explore your home state. Texas Ornithological Society has the Century Club: 100 species in 100 counties.

I hear and read a lot of concerns about the quality of "citizen science" data. This illustrates one way to increase the quantity and quality of analyses using those data. I hope we can see the use of these tools in enviromental analyses. /2

I think the debate should be how many tarantulas does it take to eat you.

Superb post! Thank you for noting the multiple reasons for the quiet flight and providing links for a deeper dive.

Rod Carew. My grandfather took me to my first Twins game in 1973 and I remember Carew from that first game.

I had never heard it this bird, though I was certain I recognized it. Then I noticed that Sibley lists the French and Spanish common names for the Painted Redstart and they refer to 'blanc'. I still laugh every time this card comes up.

Bankers gone wild:

Lien

White-faced ibis is the expected species. In nonbreeding plumage they are quite similar to Glossy Ibis. My field guide suggests the color of the iris as a distinguishing field mark for adults in nonbreeding plumage.