Chasing Birds Across Texas: A Birding Big Year (Louise Lindsey Merrick Natural Environment Series, No. 35)

Rating:
Summary: " where there is variety,there is challenge and opportunity"
Review:
If you like Birding ,you're gonna love this book.First I would like to point out another book."A Big Year" by Mark Obmascik, see my review dated 27 March 2003.This book was about three guys who set out to set a new record of seeing the most species in North America in one year;also a great read.
Now we got a similar book by a fellow who sets out to break the rcord of seeing the most species in Texas in one year.One big plus with this book is that it is written by the guy who did it,and has a much greater personal touch to it.
Of all the birders who would like to do such a feat,few are fortunate enough to actually do it.
Mark has really done the right thing here when he itimizes all the birds seen,and the ones he could have had,but missed.I criticized the other book for not doing this.Mark also included some great photos;but I would have preferred more on the characters he talks about even if that were done at the expense of some of the bird shots.A shot of Jimmy Sealy,for instance.

"I could enjoy the irreverent boys-in-the-woods atmosphere of
Brush's truck bed.Jimmy Sealy,for example,was always upbeat
and entertaining,an unapologetic,effusive American male
progressing from midlife towards retirement.In an e-mail
to trip participants prior to our arrival at the ranch,
Jimmy described himself to those who had yet to meet him:
"I'm short,fat,look like Boss Hog,have a full white beard,
and will be wearing the best looking gimme cap you have
ever seen.I'll have some Zeiss binoculars hanging around
my neck,will most likely be looking over your shoulder for
birds,and my right hand will be slightly cupped,as though
there should be a beer in it,and there may be."
Now there's a description of a character who begs a picture!
I'd also like to warn you,that if you're not very familiar with the layout of Texas,and also familiar with its birdlife;get a good map,a texas checklist and a good Field Guide handy,because you'll need them.
Don't let me scare you off;I've never birded in Texas,but plan to get there soon, to rack up just eight birds to get my list to 600.Reading this book makes me almost feel like I've been there;at least I know where I want to go.
Thanks Mark,you accomplished a great feat and shared it with us by writing a wonderful book.