As most of you know by now, Dorian has been a passionate birder from a very early age. From what I understand, it all started around the age of 6 when he first became curious about the birds sitting outside his Philadelphia home. I think his parents saw this as an opportunity to focus his crazy energy on something productive, so they encouraged and supported this interest. Given the other stories I've heard about his childhood, I'd say they his parents did the world a great deal of good by focusing his menacing ways on something as harmless as birdwatching. Anyway, without further ado, I present some photos from Dorian's childhood. A lesson for all significant others out there: it always pays to be friends with your significant other's parents. Many thanks to Dorian's mom for these photos :)
Baby Dorian with his parents, Bea and Clive
Dorian's first sea watch. I bet he is trying to
identify the gull sitting in front of him
Little Dorian birding as part of a
Victor Emmauel Nature Tour group
The Birthday Boy
As a "gift" to Dorian, I thought it would be fun for everyone to leave a comment in the blog about one thing his Biking Big Year year has impressed upon you. I know the year is really starting to wear on Dorian. I think it will serve as a little motivational boost to hear from you about how his year has impacted you personally. If you rather share it with him directly, you can email bikingforbirds@gmail.com . Also, if you'd like to make a donation to his cause in honor of his birthday, that would be awesome! You can click on the big green box in the top right corner of the screen.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DORIAN!!!
Happy Birthday Dorian, It's been a real pleasure following your amazing birding adventure!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the daily reminder to get outside and enjoy nature. As a birder of opportunity I enjoy stories of the various destinations, detailed searches and struggles, and helpful birders you have encountered on your journey.I have not traveled to see many extra species yet, but love the kind perspective you offer for all.
ReplyDeleteHappiest of Birthdays Dorian!!!! I wake up each day looking forward to the latest posts about your adventure! I truly squeal a little bit when I see "biking for birds" either in my email inbox or on a Facebook post!!! Not very dignified for a 50 year old mother of three but there you have it - I'm a total fangirl. I hope today is sunny, dogless, bird rich and that you get a restful nap as well as some nourishing food!! The countdown is on for this incredible endurance feat!! We are pulling for you!!!! Hang in there!!!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Dorian! I hope your gift arrives in the form of a Ferruginous pygmy-owl!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday. May you enjoy many fabulous birthday birds. Your journey is inspiring!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Dorian! I really appreciate you dedication to the year and to keeping us up to date with your daily posts, no matter how tired you are. I look forward to reading the blog every morning with my first cup of coffee. The information about biking and birding has been wonderful. I was happy to be able to help you a teeny bit by steering you to http://earth.nullschool.net/ for winds. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday! As someone who has bike toured cross country while keeping a blog, let me say that I'm impressed at your ability to keep writing *everyday*. I know how wiped out you can be at the end of a day, and how demoralizing it is to write an entry when you don't feel like there was anything worth talking about. Not to mention the fact that you are including maps and photos, which are just that much more tweaking and messing about with bits.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all of that effort, which is what makes it possible for all of us to join you on your adventure!
Happy Birthday, Dorian!! Hope the day is commemorated with another year bird or two. Keep on chugging- the finish line is in sight now!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Dorian. As someone who has done several long-haul bike trips, I have some awareness of the level of stamina and personal fortitude that you have had to call upon. What you have done is commendable and inspiring. I dont think your year will end on December 31st, just the "first leg" will be over.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday, Dorian! You're on the home stretch, and we're all pulling for you!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Dorian. One thing this effort has hammered home is that this country is BIG. It would be amazingly, outrageously insane to attempt a thorough green big year in the US. You'd have to be a real nut.
ReplyDeleteSo keep up the good work! I'm sure that there's at least one more surprise bird out there, fluttering its wings in anticipation of its discovery through the bins of a relentless bird-dog.
Happy Birthday Dorian and thanks for making life just that little bit better. I've enjoyed all of your year-long odyssey and it is really difficult to pick highlights out of so many outstanding little adventures, but I think if I was to go for one it would be the last gasp Sinaloa Wren - persistence really did pay off. Good luck in reaching the finishing line
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Dorian! I always eagerly await your postings and enjoy the excitement of a new find for the year. Congrats on the Hook-billed Kite.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday, Dorian! I have been a faithful reader this whole year and want to congratulate you on having nearly completed your odyssey. Thank you for providing gorgeous pictures and a glimpse into your adventure.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Dorian! Thanks for sharing your adventure. I have learned me a lot from you this year.
ReplyDeleteCheers, Bob
Happy birthday, Dorian! I hope you celebrate the day with great bird sightings and some seriously delicious food. Your stamina and determination are absolutely inspirational.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday, Dorian! I have been following you since you passed through Louisiana back in the spring. Your blog is the first thing I read each day with my morning coffee - I'm always excited to hear about your new sightings. Your journey is truly inspirational - Thank you for sharing your adventure!
ReplyDeleteWoot Woot! Hope you had a good day. I'd say one thing that you've done that has inspired me is your patience and persistence in searching for birds. It has really paid off. I think I need to be more like that in my birding. I am also impressed by all of the wonderful, helpful, and supportive people you have met. Your blog has been positive and upbeat, and renews my faith in the goodwill of people all over our country.
ReplyDeleteHappy B-Day. I hope by the time you read these comments you have found the owl. I read your adventures every morning before work. Starts the day off right. You have proven one person can accentuate a cause and force people to think about the consequences of their actions. I know I will attempt to bird in a greener fashion henceforth. Looking forward to the upcoming book and a more detailed account of your year and your views.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! You've inspired me as I'm out and about biking around in MN looking for birds!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, man! I guess it figures that when you're doing a big year, one of those days is going to end up being your birthday. -Dave
ReplyDeleteBest to you on your birthday! Your trip has been inspiring and I look forward to hearing about your future years filled with birds, big days, and more adventures.
ReplyDeleteBut.. but.. but..... what am I going to do when your Big Year is over? Where will I go to be reminded of how awesome it is to stretch your personal boundaries, and how huge the payoff is?? I'm already sad. Happy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteCateK
Happy Birthday, Dorian! We enjoyed meeting you and waiting out the storm with you at Sabine Woods in April! We are so impressed with your enthusiasm, determination and stamina-- for biking, birding and blogging. i don't know where you get the energy at the end of every day to produce a coherant, informative and entertaining blog post but I thank you for keeping us all informed and up to date! All the best to you as you tackle new adventures.
ReplyDeleteFrom spending the country's birthday with you, birding at Pawnee on July 4, to your birthday today, you and your blog have helped make my year amazing. Finish strong! Lori
ReplyDeleteDorian, since that day of Soras at Great Meadows when you said you were going to do this, I have been riveted by your progress, and by your courage. Happy Birthday, and finish strong!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Dude.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday and a safe rest of the ride. from another hockey fan
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! I've been following your big year since spotting you (and the sign on your bike) at a pull-out in Big Sur. I've been super impressed and inspired.
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ReplyDeleteHappy birthday Dorian -- your big year has been a huge inspiration to me. Can't wait to see what surprises the final weeks hold. Chris in Denver
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Dorian. Your Big Year shows us all what is possible with a little inspiration and a lot of hard work. I look forward to reading your blog every night and will miss it. Congratulations on an epic year!
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