Thursday, August 29, 5:00 to 6:30 pm: Big Year Birder, Gino Ellison at Sawyer Free Library

How many different bird species could you dream of seeing, capturing a sound recording of, or photographing, from January 1 to December 31 of any given year? Have you ever considered doing an ABA (American Birding Association) Birding Big Year? How about a county or statewide Big Year? Why would you want to even do one? How does one plan out all the logistics to ensure that each of the important states are visited at the most opportune times? Can you do this alone, or do you need to seek out help? If you find yourself asking any of these questions, or are just interested in birds and birding, read on!

On August 29th from 5:00 to 6:30 pm, the Sawyer Free Library will host Rarified Air – One Passionate Birders’ Big Year Quest, with Gene (Gino) Ellison.

Come and meet Big Year Birder, Gino Ellison, and see tons of beautiful bird photographs, while also hearing one birder’s tale about a 12-month quest of a life time. Learn about the mishaps, the successes, the lessons learned along the way, the hilarious birding stories, the new life-time friends made on the journey, and the joy of reporting 801 bird species during 2023! 

Be warned… if you attend, you just might get the urge to plan a Big Year yourself! 

This will be a 1 hour presentation, followed by a brief question and answer session*.

More about Gino:

Eugene (Gino) Ellison, is a lifetime resident of Massachusetts. He is happily married to his wonderful wife Kate (38 years) and they have three fun kids and four active grandkids. Gino is now retired from the investment business as well as the Professional Bass Fishing Tournament circuit. Gino has been affiliated with Bass Pro Shops for over 25 years and still makes several store appearances each year. Gino is a hunter, fisherman, conservationist and passionate birder who leads dozens of walks in Massachusetts. He greatly enjoys volunteering with Mass Wildlife and with Mass Audubon at their family birding and fishing events. Gino just completed a successful ABA Birding Big Year in 2023 and is scheduled to speak at birding festivals and clubs around New England and nationwide.

The event will take place at the Sawyer Free Library located at 21 Main Street located in downtown Gloucester. No registration is needed. All are welcome to attend. If you have questions, visit SawyerFreeLibrary.org or call 978-325-5500.