Like some people are obsessed by sports, others have passion and obsession for birding, to the point of travelling across the world to see as many bird species as possible. In the year 2018, the 30 year old Arjan Dwarshuis crisscrossed over 40 countries in all the seven Continents to break record of the most bird species seen in 365 days (a year). Of the estimated 13,000 bird species in the whole World, Dwarshuis watched over 6,833 (more than 50%) of them in only one year.
Big year, a birder’s competition for yearlong passion of watching as many bird species as possible within a specific geographical area is one of the greatest mission for birding within a given state of country. Dedicated and passionate birders with lots of spare time and money as well as easy-going partners participate on the Big year competition at the North American record from time to time and it is presently held by John Weigel, who saw up to 840 species in 2019.
However, World-wide Big years are almost rare and not heard of, given the over gruesomeness, exorbitance, numerous logistics involved. Before Arjan Dwarshuis, the record for most bird species seen in a year was set by Noah Strycker who saw a total of 6042 birds in 2015 alone. He was allegedly hooked on Birding by a 5th Grade teacher and after College became a full-time Birder.
For birders, visiting a foreign place/region to see a myriad of beautiful bird species up-close is an unmatched experience. With more than 13,000 bird species in all the seven Continents of the Planet, just seeing 10% is a lifetime dream.
If you ever get the inspiration to see as many as 1000 bird species in a single destination, visit none other Uganda, the pearl of Africa within its numerous birding destinations, including Mabamba wetland, Murchison falls National park, Bwindi impenetrable national park, Rwenzori Mountains, Mgahinga national park, Queen Elizabeth National park, Kampala, Lutembe bay, Mabira and Budongo forests, along the shores of R. Nile, Lake Victoria and so much more.
