Big Year Update: Chases, Dips, and the Joy of the Journey

 I can’t believe it’s been nearly two months since my last update. Yikes!

On April 20, I set off on the first of two trips across the island in search of vagrants. A Greater Sand-Plover, a new species for the province, had been showing well in Biscay Bay for nearly a week. Unfortunately, I arrived two days too late—my first dip of the year.

Keels, Bonavista Peninsula

The following days were spent combing the Northeast Avalon, the Bonavista Peninsula, and the Straight Shore. Finally, some luck at Cape Freels, where I found two European Golden-Plovers. While deciding where to sleep that night, I got a message: a Eurasian Oystercatcher had been reported in Torbay. I guess sleep would have to wait.

Bonavista

At sunrise in Torbay, I began an all-day search—but once again, no luck. Still, the road trip wasn’t without rewards. I added several new birds to the list, including Northern Shrike, Wood Duck, Ruddy Duck, and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.

European Golden-Plover, Cape Freels

Northern Shrike, St. Paul's

After a week back home, it was off on another chase. Newfoundland’s first record of House Finch had been spotted in the Codroy Valley. By the time I reached Deer Lake, it hadn’t been seen in over a day. And just then, a Glossy Ibis was reported in St. John’s. GPS reset! I arrived early the next morning and spent the entire day searching, but came up empty again. The return trip home brought a few additions of arriving spring migrants, though the shadow of missed rarities still lingered. But I press on.

American Woodcock, Forteau

Spring has been slow to arrive this year, with only a trickle of migrants, single-digit temperatures, and persistent north winds. On May 19, I joined birding friends John and Ivy for a planned trip to the Codroy Valley—two weeks earlier than usual. Despite the cool weather, we birded hard for four days and added 24 new species to the year list, including Northern Parula, Cape May Warbler, Nashville Warbler, and Tennessee Warbler.

Northern Parula

Upper Ferry, Codroy Valley

The biggest highlights, though, came from two more chases. First, Kathy Marche, a birding friend from Kippens, reported an Eastern Towhee coming to her yard. We arrived early the next morning, and after a short wait, I added not just a new year bird, but a new species for my provincial life list.

Cape Freels. Southern Bill Storyboards? There has to be a story behind it!

Then, just before our final day, a late-night text set the stage for the trip’s top moment: “Possible House Finch at Stephenville Crossing!” With permission to visit, we were off the next morning. After several misses this spring, I kept my hopes in check—but this time, success! Another new bird for my provincial list, and sweet redemption.

House Finch, Stephenville Crossing

As of today, my Big Year total stands at 172 species—a full 100 behind the record. A bit of a confession: chasing the record is becoming less important than the adventure itself. I’ve realized I love, more than anything, finding my own birds.

Tricolored Bumble Bee

My beloved Tree Swallows

Will I still chase? Absolutely. But for the next couple of months, I’ll be mostly birding right here in Labrador.

Before that, though, I’m embarking on an exciting new experience: co-guiding a birding tour across Newfoundland with Eagle-Eye Tours. I’m enormously pumped… and more than a little nervous.

Here’s to more surprises, new birds, and meaningful moments on the trail. Happy spring birding, everyone.

—Vernon