If you’re a birdwatcher, you may have heard of a “Big Year.” It’s when birders challenge themselves to spot as many bird species as possible within a single year. But you don’t have to travel the globe—you can start your own mini Big Year right in your backyard!
What Is a Big Year?
A Big Year is an adventurous birdwatching challenge, often involving travel across regions or countries to spot rare species. Serious birders use apps like eBird and Merlin Bird ID to track sightings.
How to Start a Backyard Birding Quest
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Install a few feeders with different seeds.
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Keep a logbook or use an app to record the species you see.
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Add bird baths or houses to attract more visitors.
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Share your sightings online and photograph them to connect with the birding community.
The Parallel for Pet Birds
Just as wild birders thrive on variety, companion birds crave novelty, too. New toys, puzzles, and textures prevent boredom and mimic the exploration they’d do in the wild.
BONKA Bird Toys: Variety for Every “Mini Big Year”
At Bonka Bird Toys you’ll find endless variety for your feathered friend. Switch up toys frequently to keep your bird excited, just like spotting new species excites birdwatchers.
Great picks include:
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Foraging Ladders for exploration
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Swinging Perches for activity
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Chewable Shredders for natural behaviors
Think of it as giving your parrot its own Big Year of enrichment—one new toy, one new adventure at a time!