A very public individual who shall remain nameless recently targeted my part of the world in a typical rant, disparaging “…an area that just isn’t working like upper New York state, where people are getting very badly hurt (economically).” I had to laugh at that, considering both the vibrant economy and high quality of life here in Upstate New York. Then again, there is one surprising area where downstate has us beat: avian diversity. Is that supposed to be how upper New York isn’t working?

Despite its now nationally-known shortcomings, Upstate New York is where both Corey and I will be birding this weekend. I’ll be traveling through the Finger Lakes, while Corey enjoys the Capital Region. How about you? Where will you be this weekend and will you be birding? Share your plans in the comments below.

Whatever your plans this weekend, make time to enjoy SkyWatch Friday. Also be sure to come back Monday to share your best bird of the weekend!

Written by Mike
Mike is a leading authority in the field of standardized test preparation, but he's also a traveler who fully expects to see every bird in the world. Besides founding 10,000 Birds in 2003, Mike has also created a number of other entertaining but now extirpated nature blog resources, particularly the Nature Blog Network and I and the Bird.