Having feasted on roast duck for Christmas dinner and stuffed ourselves with chocolates in front of the TV last night it was back to earth today. Packing, neither of us enjoys this and we always end up taking far too much kit. Just how many pairs of pants and socks do you take? Slightly more critical to get right is the optics and photo gear and just as importantly the bits that go with them. Batteries and chargers look likely to take up most of our luggage allowance! Then there is the field guides, have you seen the size and weight of the Ecuador book? Drastic action was called for here, a Stanley knife, some glue and tape and a few minutes work and we have a book with plates minus the text and less than half the weight, result. Sadly can’t do the same with Sibley Guide for the US so will have to live with that one.
Hard to believe in few days time we will birding in Arizona and searching for such amazing birds as Roadrunner, Montezuma Quail, Prairie Falcon and Canyon Wren! We have checked the weather for Tucson and it looks good for New Years day, warm, dry and calm perfect for a big score.

Alan and Ruth www.thebiggesttwitch.com