Who’s Your 2023 Bird of the Year?

Look at this cutie! It's my personal 2023 Bird of the Year!

Last week I came across the @americanbirdingassociation 2023 Bird of the Year, which is the Queenfisher -- AH-mazing! Finally a female bird of the year!

Furthermore, there's a way to discover your own bird of the year, should you choose to play along!

Why would you want to do this? Well, first of all it's simple & fun. Just go out on January 1st (or when you learn about this) and the first bird you see is your personal 2023 Bird of the Year!

You choose what “first” means, i.e. the first bird you see out of your window? on your morning walk? or does it have to be on a hike? There aren’t any rigid rules here … you could consciously choose a bird you've always wanted to learn about, or simply go outside with your eyes closed, open 'em up & the first bird is yours!

Second, you become attentive to the world around you through the life of a specific bird in your area. And attention is Yoga.

My 2023 Bird of the Year - The AMERICAN TREE SPARROW

I went out January 1st on the Sheepskin Trail, & honestly got lost in my thoughts, totally forgetting about my quest ;). I noticed movement to my left — & there was a group of sparrows flitting in the bushes. Yet what species?

Having worked on the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve as a wildlife biologist, a mentor of mine told me on our first Christmas bird count, “By the time you’re done here, you’ll have a whole new appreciation for Sparrows!”

He was not wrong. There are 44 species of sparrows recognized in North America. Once you look closer, the variety is fascinating!

“And so, continuing what you know of Yoga, this teaching of Yoga is presented.” - Yoga Sutra 1.1

Our Yoga practice continues to teach us when we get off our mats & into the world. We become curious about the world around us ... about our connection to the beings around us. Winter, in particular, is a great time to hone our curiosity & attention skills -- the season is naturally a more reflective time, providing us opportunity to ask questions, discover, consider.

How about you? Do you already practice finding your Bird of the Year? I’d love to hear more from you & be inspired together!