Nebraska Bird Partnership

The Grand Island and Hastings Public Libraries were both recently presented with copies of the Mark Obmascik book "The Big Year" by the Nebraska Bird Partnership.

Greg Miller, one of the birders featured in the book and the inspiration for Jack Black's character in the movie of the same name, will be visiting central Nebraska in March to share his Big Year experiences firsthand.

Obmascik tells the story of Greg Miller and two other birders as they individually pursue their goal to see as many bird species as possible in North America in one calendar year. 

Greg's story is perhaps the most compelling of the three birders.  He is at a physical and emotional lowpoint in his life.  While the other two birders are fairly wealthy, Greg must continue to work full time to fund the venture, but still ends up borrowing from family and eating a lot of peanut butter sandwiches in cheap motels.  Greg's story is less about birdwatching, and more about pursuing your dreams.

Nebraskans are invited to participate in a discussion of "The Big Year" book in association with Greg's visit in March.  The book discussion is part of the "Nebraska's Big Year" series of events being held in spring 2012 as a collaboration between the Nebraska Bird Partnership, Central Community College, and the Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center.  Financial sponsors include the Hall County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Moonshell Arts and Humanities Council, and the Wild Bird Habitat Store.  For more information about Nebraska's Big Year events, visit the NBP Events page or find us on Facebook.