I got started a little later than I had planned on Jan 1 to get my 2013 year bird list started. Darn champagne!
Nonetheless, it was a great day. I saw 37 species, to get my list off to a good start. I was surprised to find 4 western meadowlarks in falling snow on Airport Road in the Mission Valley, as they are “summer” residents of Montana.
The last two birds of the day were a short-eared owl and a great horned owl.
I saw those two species after the colorful first sunset of 2013, over the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge.
You’re off to a great start! I started a 2013 Big Year Birding project myself here in Eastern Washington. Good luck on your list!
http://birdladyblog.blogspot.com/2012/12/my-big-year-2013-birding-project.html
I have a special ‘bird fence’ that I watch when I go into town. Spotted my first of many Western Meadowlark there.
Katie, that sunset is gorgeous!