Reading about the adventures of fellow Ohio birders in pursuit of their Century List (100 birds in January) used to leave me jealous of their trip lists and the time they had to devote to birding.  Then, I came up with the idea of a competition the rest of us could join; one open to those of us with full-time commitments and limited access to the many birding "hot spots" of our state.

The winner of my semi-regular and unofficial contest to see who has the shortest January list, a contest with the joking name of "Biggest Loser," would then have a chance at state-wide infamy, and would also have a goal to beat for next year.

Thanks to all who participated, on and off list, and also to:  Al LaSala, who urged us to be bird watchers instead of bird spotters, to Andy Sewell, who advised me and my fellow losers that joining a Christmas Bird Count next Jan. would jump start our 2011 numbers, and to Shari Jackson, who reminded us that ALL birders are winners, no matter how long your trip list.

And now, the moment you have been waiting for - the Biggest Loser for 2010 ....

I almost gave the title to first time poster Kim Batzer, with a mere 26 species, until I heard from Steve Jones, whose busy work schedule has kept him out of the field all month and left him with only 15 birds for Jan.  Congratulations, Steve!  You are our Biggest Loser this year!!

All in fun, fellow birders, all in fun!

Keep looking up, and I'll see you in the fields,

~Kathi

Visit me at:
http://katdocsworld.blogspot.com/

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