The Big Year

While I was validating groundwater data in front of my computer today, I couldn't help but daydream about traveling to some far away National Park.  Today, my mind was back in Yosemite. I know this is a classic sign of spring fever, and the warm weather today is partly to blame.

I think the other reason for my (practically total) lack of focus is because Scott and I watched the best movie on Saturday night, The Big Year.  I haven't really connected with a movie in a long time, and this film was a refreshing surprise for both of us.  A quick summary:  The characters in this story are birders, who each in a competition to see as many birds as they can in a single year.  This story is based on truth. "The Big Year" is an actual goal for a few hard core birders, and the current single year record stands in the 740s.  While I have no aspirations to conduct to attempt this sort of adventure, I absolutely love the idea of spending a year traveling to all of the wonderful unspoiled parts of the United States and reconnecting with the more natural side of things. 

Now, if you are believe the reviews on RottenTomatoes.com, you would think this movie is a dud.  Quoting the caption on RottenTomatoes, "Though made with care and affection for its characters, The Big Year plods along, rarely reaching any comedic heights."  Ok.  I do agree this movie isn't funny.  But, I don't think it is supposed to be.  The story is about commitment and sacrifice and obsession.  And the scenery!!  Just watch it for the marvelous panoramic vistas throughout the film.  And the birds!!  The bird footage is amazing. (Yes, I know I am biased.)   

So, now I am now second guessing my thoughts on taking the kids to an artificially created place like Disney World in the fall.  I really feel like we need to go to Alaska and see albatrosses.  Or go to Maine to see puffins.  Or go to the dessert to see roadrunners.  Scott and I have some big cross-country trip plans for about 5 years from now, so I think all those dreams are on hold until everyone is a little older and I can stand taking long car trips with them.

After the movie, Scott and I were discussing the favorite birding experiences we've shared together.  Well.... to be more accurate, I was reminiscing and Scott was staring at me with his mouth agape.  But -- we've had some really stunning birding moments: 

1) California condor soaring the in the Grand Canyon
2) Blue Grouse sitting in a pine tree stand and calling for its mate at about 10,000 feet elevation in Yosemite National Park
3) Wood Storks feeding in the Everglades
4) Flock of Sandhill cranes wading in a pond at a Florida rest stop of all places
5) Indigo bunting perched atop a hemlock tree along the Appalachian Trail up in the Lehigh Valley, PA
6) Osprey making a spectacular dive for and then and flying off with my fishing lure up at Lake Gowganda in Canada (no worries, it released the lure after about 200 feet)

I could easily rattle off another 20 favorite birding memories...I'll spare you....But, you know what I found out?  Scott doesn't remember the birds!  He "sorta" remembers all those things (he wasn't there for #6).  He has vague recollections, but nothing sticks out.  My memories of these days are crystal clear.  In contrast, he is just as baffled by my inability to remember sports statistics or players or specific plays from PSU football or baseball games, even though I was sitting next to him at the games.  Isn't it interesting how people are wired differently?

Anyway.... I'm going to go back to staring out the window hoping for an early sighting of a rose-breasted grosbeak.  It's probably time to get back to work.