Yearly Naturalist Goals -- 2018
This blog post is a little late to the party as most people were sharing their goals at the first of the month. Whatever. Posted within the first month counts for me.
For the last three or four years I have set birding or naturalist goals for myself. Each year it seems that I add more and more goals to the list. This year I have landed on 10 goals for myself.
1. Have photos for 75% of my life birds.
I had this goal last year as well but only got up to 63% so this year I’m looking to move it up.
2. Audio for 25% of my life birds.
To be honest, I’m not really sure about this one. I currently don’t even own any recording equipment except a small microphone which plugs into my iPhone.
3. Participate in a dragonfly moon.
Inspired by Josh Fecteau’s website, I have attempted to do at least one or two moon challenges each year. In this case I will spend one moon cycle seeking out and identifying at least 15 dragonflies and damsel flies.
4. Participate in a mushroom moon.
I will spend one moon cycle seeking out and identifying at least 15 different types of mushroom or fungus.
5. Screen-light summer.
Once school ends for the year then I have little need to be on a computer or my phone. So this summer, as I did a couple years ago I’m going to go screen-light and attempt to limit my total screen time to about 1-2 hours a day.
6. Complete all eBird challenges.
I will probably talk about this one again later, but basically each month eBird issues a challenge. Each person who meets the challenge will have his or her name entered into a drawing for a free pair of binoculars.
7. Increase monthly bird numbers throughout the year.
I have been keeping track of how many birds I have identified on a monthly basis for the last few years and this year I am setting a monthly goal to beat my highest number.
8. Identify over 300 birds this year.
Each year I give myself a number goal. The last couple years it has been 300 and that keeps me busy but not too crazy busy.
9. Draw 1 nature picture a week.
This one is probably the hardest of the bunch, as I have no drawing skill at all. That said, if I can stick with it, then I should be better by the end of the year.
10. Start a blog/website as a way to share what I see and learn.
Subgoal. Post on that blog/website at least once a week throughout the entire year.
Comments
Solid goals. I forgot to set any for this year. I should really set some second half of the year goals.
It is never too late to set goals. I set this at the first of the year but haven't been too good about keeping up with them.
I think I posted mine last year. I didn't quite succeed at meeting all of them but I did nail 8, 9, and 10. I couldn't believe it took me 39 years of life to see a black bear.
Congrats on the Black Bear. I had seen one when I was in high school in New Mexico/Colorado area but I hadn't seen one in Maine in the 12 years I've been here until about a month ago when one crossed the road in front of me in western Maine. It was very cool.
Add a Comment