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As one year winds down and anticipation builds for the beginning of another, ’tis the season for New Year’s resolutions. This year, with so much uncertainty from my cancer diagnosis and so much I couldn’t control in the latter half of 2024, my own resolutions are much more meaningful and even mandatory.

The Typical Resolutions

Of course, there are always the typical resolutions for a fresh, optimistic start in the new year – eat healthier, better daily habits, more fiscal responsibility, and losing bad activities. My personal goals also include better professional productivity (which has suffered dramatically owing to my health uncertainties), home improvement projects, and stronger connections with those I care about, regardless of distance. I hope to restart my crafting hobbies and even return to volunteering, or perhaps begin a new volunteering opportunity.

Birding Resolutions

I also have bird-related resolutions for my new year’s optimism. Out of necessity, my birding has very much fallen by the wayside in 2024, and while I’ve still enjoyed backyard birds as well as spotting birds casually in other places, I haven’t done nearly the birding I’d hoped for in the past grueling 12 months.

Still, a new year is always a time to recenter oneself and return to what one enjoys. I plan to start by decluttering my birding – removing that which no longer works physically, mentally, and emotionally – then restart birding in a bigger, better way. But what does that mean?

For me, first I will clean out my field bag. I haven’t used it in months, and it needs to be ready for birding at a moment’s notice. This will be an easy fix, no worries there.

Next up – and a more difficult task – is to realign both pairs of binoculars I own. My casual binns are a store brand pair with 8×42 resolution, ideal for peeking out my office window at whomever may visit (winter warblers are plentiful in my oak trees on the right days). My more intense binns for dedicated birding are a Vortex Diamondback with 10×42 resolution, which offers stronger color and a bit sharper focus with slightly better magnification, at a great price point for budgeting.

Because chemotherapy wreaks havoc on one’s eyesight – my eyes now tire more easily, are more sensitive to bright lights, and have more trouble focusing – both pair of binoculars need some adjustments in order to provide me the best views. I will have to take some time to do this, so they are always birding ready. Furthermore, I may have to make these adjustments several times throughout the year as my eyesight continues to change while the treatment effects subside (which can take several months).

Finally, I want to investigate more local options for birding. Far too often, we get caught up in “big” trips and top destinations, overlooking the small hotspots that can be very productive places for birds. I have a couple of local favorites already, but haven’t visited them in far too long. I also want to find more and discover more options I can enjoy for birding year-round without the hassle of a larger, more elaborate trip.

More Birding Resolutions

Of course, there are many other resolutions a birder – any birder – can easily make to improve and better enjoy whatever type of birding they may prefer…

• Buy a new feeder to attract new species, such as a dedicated fruit-and-jelly oriole feeder
• Plan a bird feeder cleaning schedule to be sure and always offer safe and healthy foods
• Plant sunflower seeds or other birdseed options for natural foraging (and saving money!)
• Install cat deterrents via landscaping or other means to ensure a safe yard for visiting birds
• Take steps to safeguard birds from window collisions or other hazards in the yard
• Reduce outdoor lighting and turn off more lights during peak migration periods

How will you improve your personal birding into the new year? Share your tips, hopes, and birding optimism in the comments so we can all plan great resolutions to be better birders – in our own ways – in the months ahead!