Local Big Year
Here’s how to set yourself a challenge of seeing as many bird species as you can in one year.
What is a ‘Big Year’?
A Big Year is a personal birdwatching challenge where you try to identify as many bird species as possible within a set area over one calendar year. Rules usually include:
You can count a bird once it’s either seen or heard.
You’re allowed to ask other birdwatchers for advice.
You don’t have to need a photo or audio recordings of each bird (but it helps).
Undertaking your own nation or international Big Year can take a lot of time and money. That’s where the Local Big Year comes in.
What is a Local Big Year?
A Local Big Year is the same idea but closer to home. You choose your own boundaries for where you’ll do your birding over the year. You could base it on your suburb, local government area (LGA), or state/territory. The boundaries are totally up to you.
When should I start?
Big Years typically run from January 1 to December 31, but you can start yours any time. Just track one year from your chosen start date.
What do I need?
Binoculars and/or a scope will help you see more birds.
Use the lifer list method to record birds you see using a notebook, spreadsheet or phone app. Log the species name, date, time and location.
Use a field guide to help you identify what you’re seeing. The more familiar you become with your local species, the more confident you’ll get.
