Language of the Land: Birding Big Year

For birders, a “big year” is a calendar year in which the birder attempts to see as many species as possible, whether it be near home, in a particular county or state or a larger geographical area. In 2019, when Eric Schroeder realized he had several international birding trips scheduled, he decided to do a worldwide big year—his goal was to see 1,000 birds and raise $5,000+ for his volunteer organization, Golden Gate Bird Alliance. This presentation is a record of that year—the places he went and the birds that he saw.

Eric Schroeder worked at U.C. Davis where he had a thirty-year career as a lecturer and administrator. He taught for several departments—including the University Writing Program, the English Department, and the American Studies Program—and directed the Study Abroad Program for which he taught summer courses in Australia, South Africa, and Scotland. His volunteer work for the Golden Gate Bird Alliance includes serving on the Board of Directors for seven years, the last three of those as president. He currently serves as the Travel Program Coordinator for GGBA. He completed the year-long Master Birder Program (offered through GGBA and the California Academy of Sciences) and has published nature articles in Undercurrent, Bay Nature, and The Gull.