Welcome to Birding Without Borders
Can one “bird nerd,” with little more than a backpack and a spotting scope, crush the round-the-world Big Year record?
Birding Without Borders
Follow our intrepid correspondent as he sets a new Big Year world record.
The Final Species List in Taxonomic Order
All the birds Noah saw in his Big Year, grouped by family.
Lessons From the World’s Biggest Year
After 365 days and a new world record, Noah reflects on what he learned—and shares some tips for anyone itching to get outside.
Watch a 5-minute video of Noah's 2015 Big Year adventure:
Day 365: So Long, and Thanks For All The Birds
Noah rings in the New Year with a rare owl on the last day of his Big Year.
Follow Along:
Day 311: Kuala Lumpur
November 07, 2015 —
After bumping awake in Malaysia, Noah sees the world's largest hotel—and 10 more species of birds.
Day 310: Looks like Chicken
November 07, 2015 —
But it's actually a Sri Lanka Junglefowl, so it gets counted.
Day 309: Rained Out
November 07, 2015 —
Noah's feet are squishy with leeches as he birds on his last day in Sri Lanka.
Day 308: Leaving the Mainland
November 05, 2015 —
Noah fends off bloodsuckers while searching for Sri Lanka's endemics.
Gear for a Year
Everything Noah brought fits into his 40-liter backpack.
Day 299: Five Thousand Birds: A Dream Comes True
At long last, Noah reaches his goal…with months to spare.
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