Cook County Birdwatcher Spots Record Number of Birds in 2024
Achieving a Lifelong Goal
Tarik Shahzad’s newfound passion led him to an extraordinary achievement. Just two years after picking up birdwatching as a hobby, he set a Cook County record by spotting 294 species in a single year.
A Birdwatching Journey
Shahzad’s passion for birdwatching began in 2022 when he joined a field trip with the Chicago Ornithological Society to observe the fall migration.
“It was absolutely spectacular. From that moment, I was hooked,” said Shahzad, 27, who lives in Evanston. “Here in Chicago, we’re lucky to have such diverse bird species migrating along an ancient flyway that has existed for thousands of years.”
Completing the Cook County Big Year
By 2024, he set out to complete a “Cook County Big Year,” a challenge to identify as many bird species as possible in the county in a calendar year. Participants in the Big Year challenge submit a list of birds they see, along with photographic evidence if possible, according to the American Birding Association. Most birders, like Shahzad, use logs such as eBird to track their progress.
The Power of Weather and Community
Shahzad made the most of his free time — birding every weekend, day off, and even after work. His success came down to a mix of careful planning, weather tracking, and support from the birding community.
“People would find rare birds, let me know, and even help me locate them,” Shahzad said. “Weather patterns and the time of year also play a big role. Different birds appear in different seasons, and Lake Michigan is key to a successful Cook County Big Year. The lake and nearby skies act as hot spots for rare birds.”
Rare Bird Sightings
Shahzad documented several rare bird sightings throughout the year, including a Sanderling fueling up for its migration on May 11, 2024, at Montrose Beach.
A Sanderling fueling up for its migration on May 11, 2024, at Montrose Beach.
|
Provided by Tarik Shahzad
Setting a New Record
The previous Cook County Big Year record was 293 species. Shahzad was lucky to surpass it by one when, on Dec. 8, he spotted a Short-tailed Shearwater at Montrose Pier.
Climbing Change
This seabird, typically found in the Pacific Ocean, migrates between Australia, Tasmania, and the Bering Sea. Its appearance on Lake Michigan was extraordinary and highlighted the effects of climate change on bird migration patterns, Shahzad said.
“Seeing this bird on Lake Michigan is almost unimaginable. Shrinking Arctic sea ice may have pushed it into Arctic waters and eventually the Great Lakes,” he said. “It’s a remarkable example of how climate change alters bird migration. This bird, which spends most of its life on the open ocean, ended far from where it should be. It’s both exciting and concerning.”
Conclusion
Shahzad’s achievement not only sets a new record for Cook County birdwatching but also highlights the importance of preserving natural habitats and addressing the impact of climate change on bird migration patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How did Tarik Shahzad achieve his record-breaking year?
A: Shahzad relied on a mix of careful planning, weather tracking, and support from the birding community to identify as many bird species as possible in Cook County in a calendar year.
Q: What were some of the rare bird sightings documented by Shahzad?
A: Shahzad documented several rare bird sightings throughout the year, including a Sanderling fueling up for its migration on May 11, 2024, at Montrose Beach, and a Short-tailed Shearwater at Montrose Pier.
Q: How does climate change impact bird migration patterns?
A: Climate change is altering bird migration patterns, causing some species to shift their migration routes and habits. This is part of a broader trend driven by climate change, with species worldwide adapting to changing environmental conditions.
