Many thanks, Khanh. It was a pretty daunting task (28,800 miles driven
- which is 5,500 miles less than during the 2008 quest for 100 in each
county - an improvement in carbon footprint!) that could not have been
successful without the many birders who take the time to post their
sightings or share their discoveries. We had some record-setting
"county first sightings" along the way that were fulfilling surprises
and made a tangible contribution to Washington bird study. Ken reached
the 150 in all 39 counties goal many years ago, followed by the late
Patrick Sullivan. What an honor for me to fall into the third spot,
especially knowing there are several other birders close behind. All of
our trips were carefully planned in advance, relying on Ken's
encyclopedic knowledge of Washington's back roads and where the birds
are; data from Tweeters, Inland Birders, BirdYak, Whatcom Birds, LC
Birds, the Opperman ABA Guide, archives of WOS, Washington Birder,
EBird, statewide Audubon chapter websites, and tips from many
individuals. The excellent field trips offered by WOS and local Audubon
chapters also contributed a great deal. Special thanks to the many
birders who answered my endless email requests for more and specific
information, especially: Matt/MaryFrances/Michael/Guy, Ryan,
Grace/Ollie, Brad and Dan, Wilson, Ruth, Khanh, Paul, Bill, and Keith on
the westside; Nancy/Bill, Mike/MerryLynn, Michael, Andy/Ellen, Randy,
Scott, Tim, and Jon/Gina/Terry on the eastside. What a year! As to
2010, my goal is two-fold: Add 5 more species to each county checklist
(OK, I admit it - ticking is [mildly] addictive...) and take the time
now to be a better, rather than faster, birder and photographer.

Tom Mansfield in Seattle.

-----Original Message-----
From: Khanh Tran [mailto:fsprucegrouse at yahoo.com]
Sent: Monday, December 21, 2009 9:32 PM
To: Mansfield, Tom; washingtonbirder at hotmail.com
Cc: tweeters at u.washington.edu
Subject: RE: Southeastern Washington Birding Dec. 19 & 20

MEGA-CONGRATULATIONS to Tom Mansfield and Ken Knittle for accomplishing
an extraordinary achievement. That is a lot of time and energy in such
a short period of time. Quite the feat to reach 150 species in all
counties in Washington!

Hope you raise the bar for next year and set an all-time record!

Good birding and all the BEST,

Khanh Tran (Portland, Oregon)













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