An end of year New York Times tweet admonished, “Before setting new goals, evaluate the previous ones.” So today I should begin by reviewing 2014’s resolutions. Last year, in what is no longer my shortest post ever, Renewed Resolve, I outlined my resolutions:
- Continue working on warbler identification.
- Work on identification by song.
- Learning more about my camera and how to take better photos. (from Prairie Birder)
Camera Resolution
Considering I’ve uploaded 300 photos over the course of the year, that’s nearly 1 per day I have consistently worked with my camera, most particularly discovering it’s limitations. I’ve gotten shots I’m happy with, shots I can live with, and shots that only belong in the trash heap.
I’ve also reached a point of frustration with the point and shoot, and the one I have in particular. So I’ve decided to upgrade to a dSLR. I haven’t decided which one (Canon or Nikon?), but I’m borrowing a Nikon currently and have rented a 500mm sigma lens for my upcoming trip to the Everglades (I depart tomorrow…. in 9 hours!), so continuing to work on photography will stay on the list.

Sanderling with a snack. Taken with Nikon 3200 Simga 500mm. Sandy Hook. Photo taken on December 27, 2014.
Songs Don’t Resonate for Me
I think any progress I made has been eroded by time. This might need to be a life goal. I did work on it significantly this year. I can tell you that Tennessee Warblers have a three part (sometimes two) whereas Nashville have a two-part song. What it sounds like? Haven’t a clue at the moment. To my ear, Hooded Warblers sound like they’re saying “Nice to, nice to meet you!” but to other birders that’s the description for a different warbler. Chestnut-sided?

Female Hooded Warbler, first of three Hooded Warbler sightings. Doodletown Rd, Bear Mountain State Park. Photo taken on May 17, 2014.
Wibbly-wobbly with Warblers
Warblers and songs sensibly go hand in hand. I had first looks this year at Blackburnian, Chesnut-sided, Hooded, Worm-eating, Kentucky, Cerulean, Bay-breasted, Grace’s, and Red-faced. (The last two in Arizona.) So it was a good warbler year! I began to really explore two warbler hotspots: Garrett Mountain (New Jersey) and Doodletown Road (New York.), but then the season ended. Think it needs to go back on this list.
Therefore, after serious reflection and a strong need for sleep, I’m just going to keep my 2014 resolutions, thanks.
- Continue working on warbler identification.
- Work on identification by song.
- Learning more about my camera and how to take better photos. (from Prairie Birder)
- Submit at least 1 paper for publication
I will add one new resolution, however. I need to get focused and get at least one of the two proposed papers out from my Masters Thesis. So this way I won’t feel so guilty when I miss birding to work on it….