mso-page-orientation: portrait; Was it really that intense? C: Ive seen contradictory reports about which actor is playing which birder. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Over the course of the year it took to research and write the story (which is surprisingly funny), the author had a change of heart. Birders count species in the upper valley with ACES Aspen Public Radio | They've merely taken the science, the avocation, the passion -- whatever -- of birding to a whole new level. Any funny birding experiences you could tell us? The race was on: Losers eat dirt. first signs of Komito's interests in birds. Second birder is Al Leventin, a very wealthy man who lives in a mansion in the Colorado Mountains. A lot. Greg Miller is a friend of my wife and me. And now with birding, it's all about what you see, you hear and also the feeling., Birders count species in the upper valley with ACES. A short moment later, Robertson, the biologist, spotted a nuthatch shimmying down a tree trunk. By Bernadette Murphy. Police Academy Sponsored Cadet $68,120 per year. Met him in person for the first time this year and he is the most down to earth, kind, excitable fella. And, as in any good tale of adventure, each player has a potentially fatal flaw: Komito his ego, Levantin his chronic seasickness, Miller his empty pockets. Home; . Your support helps secure a future for birds at risk. Audubon Society has big expectations for boost in birder numbers from 'The Big Year': Aerial View C: Thanks for the interview, Al. I've been here 50 years, and I started birding before I got here, and I'm still doing it, he said. Ethel Levantin All Rights Reserved. Roaring Fork Audubon's downvalley count I enjoyed the book tremendously. Learn how her father, grandparents, and the Christmas Bird Count sparked a family tradition and a passion for birds. Levantin would never say this, but according to his fellow birders, hes kind of a big deal. 2. Seeing the many species of ducks in the Roaring Fork River, especially the Common and Barrows Goldeneyes, ignited a spark in me to learn more about birds. This years Christmas Bird Count, which started Dec. 14, runs through Jan. 5. Two other birders, Sandy Komito and Al Levantin, were also doing Big Years in 1998. That way, scientists and birders can help protect these feathered friends into the future. This leaning tree is their favorite tree because right underneath the hunting is the best.. I lived in Colorado for a year and didnt know where to find Rosy-finches. Sandy Komito, Al Levantin, and Greg Miller were grown-up Tom Sawyersadventurous, joyful, and really . There was a mockingbird in Arizona last year that I didnt chase.