As we approach the end of the first month of the year, take a moment to consider how challenging January birding can be for many of us. Denizens of the temperate zones begin the calendar year in the depth of winter or height of summer, times when species diversity is sparse. The conditions under which those few available species can be found are often dreadfully hot or painfully cold. January birding away from the tropics can be rough sledding, but the challenges of this season make its rewards more dear. Plus, February is little better!

I’m running out of targets for my year list, so I’ll likely be found making another run at rare gulls or owls on the lakeshore. Corey can’t stop racking up 2018 birds and will continue his run somewhere in NYC this weekend.

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.