‘The Big Year’ is a non-fiction book that follows the competitive birding journeys of three men: Sandy Komito, Al Levantin, and Greg Miller. These three birders set out to break the record for the most bird species seen in North America in a single year.
Along the way, they encounter challenges, setbacks, and moments of triumph. Obmascik’s writing style is humorous, poignant, and informative, providing readers with a captivating look into the world of birding.
Plot Summary of ‘The Big Year’ Book
The book opens with a description of the Big Year competition and the three birders who are vying for the top spot. Sandy Komito is a veteran birder who is determined to break the record. Al Levantin is a wealthy retiree who is using his unlimited resources to see as many birds as possible. Greg Miller is a family man who is balancing his birding obsession with his responsibilities at home.
The rest of the book follows the three birders as they travel across North America, encountering a variety of challenges and setbacks along the way. They battle harsh weather conditions, mechanical failures, and personal conflicts. Despite these obstacles, they continue to push forward, driven by their passion for birding.
In the end, one of the birders emerges as the winner of the Big Year competition. However, the true message of the book is not about winning or losing, but about the power of pursuing one’s dreams and passions.
Film Adaptation of ‘The Big Year’
In 2011, ‘The Big Year’ was adapted into a film directed by David Frankel. The movie starred Jack Black, Steve Martin, and Owen Wilson as the three main characters. While the film received mixed reviews, it still serves as a fun and lighthearted adaptation of the book.
Locations Featured in the Movie
The film adaptation of ‘The Big Year’ was shot in a variety of locations across North America. Some of the most notable locations include:
- British Columbia, Canada
- San Francisco, California
- Quabbin Reservoir, Massachusetts
- Attu Island, Alaska
Key Characters in ‘The Big Year’
The three main characters in ‘The Big Year’ are Sandy Komito, Al Levantin, and Greg Miller. Sandy is a grizzled veteran of the birding world who is determined to break the record. Al is a wealthy retiree who is using his resources to see as many birds as possible. Greg is a family man who is trying to balance his passion for birding with his responsibilities at home.
Other notable characters in the book include:
- Brad Harris, Sandy’s friend and birding partner
- Clay Taylor, a birding expert who serves as a judge for the Big Year competition
- Bigfoot, a mysterious and elusive birder who is rumored to be attempting his own Big Year
Memorable Quotes from ‘The Big Year’
Obmascik’s writing style is filled with humorous and insightful quotes. Here are a few of the most memorable:
- “Birding is the perfect antidote to the human tendency to take life too seriously.”
- “Birding is a way of life, a philosophy, a way of being in the world.”
- “Birding is like a treasure hunt, where the treasure is a tiny, feathered creature that can fly away at any moment.”
- “Birding is a reminder that the world is full of wonder and beauty, if only we take the time to look.”
Soundtrack by Theodore Shapiro
The soundtrack for the film adaptation of ‘The Big Year’ was composed by Theodore Shapiro. The music is whimsical and playful, capturing the lighthearted spirit of the book. Some of the standout tracks include “The Big Year Overture” and “The Year Begins”.
Curiosities and Fun Facts about ‘The Big Year’
- The term “Big Year” was coined in the early 20th century by birders who were attempting to see as many bird species as possible in a single year.
- The current record for the most bird species seen in a single year in North America is 836, set by Sandy Komito in 1998.
- The Attu Island scene in the film adaptation was shot on location in New Zealand, as Attu Island is too remote and difficult to access.
- Jack Black, who played Brad Harris in the film, became an avid birder after filming ‘The Big Year’.
Tips for Cosplay and Dressing like the Narrator and Brad Harris
For those interested in cosplaying as the characters from ‘The Big Year’, here are some tips:
- The narrator is not a physical character, so there is no need to dress up as him.
- Brad Harris, played by Jack Black in the film, wears a variety of birding gear throughout the movie. To cosplay as Brad, you could wear a khaki vest, binoculars, and a birding hat.
Mark Obmascik – Author Bio
Mark Obmascik is an American author and journalist. He was born in Denver, Colorado in 1960 and attended the University of Colorado. Obmascik started his career as a journalist, working for the Denver Post and other publications. He is best known for his books on birding and the outdoors, including ‘The Big Year’ and ‘Halfway to Heaven’.
5 Best works by Mark Obmascik
- ‘The Big Year’
- ‘Halfway to Heaven’
- ‘The Forgotten War’
- ‘The Colbert Report’
- ‘Boulder: A Sense of Time and Place Revisited’
Other Media by David Frankel
David Frankel is a film director and producer who has worked on a variety of projects. Here are some of his other notable works:
- ‘The Devil Wears Prada’
- ‘Marley & Me’
- ‘Hope Springs’
- ‘Collateral Beauty’
10 Similar Movies to ‘The Big Year’
- ‘A Birder’s Guide to Everything’
- ‘The Big Twitch’
- ‘The Birders’
- ‘The Birder’
- ‘The Big Year for Cats’
- ‘The Big Year for Dogs’
- ‘Birding with Kenn Kaufman’
- ‘Birders: The Central Park Effect’
- ‘Birding: The Film’
- ‘Birdman’
Book Club Discussion Questions for ‘The Big Year’
- What motivates each of the three birders to attempt a Big Year?
- How do the birders’ personal lives impact their birding journeys?
- What role does competition play in the book?
- How does the book portray the relationship between humans and nature?
- What did you learn about birding from reading this book?
10 Similar Novels to ‘The Big Year: A Tale of Man, Nature, and Fowl Obsession’
- ‘H is for Hawk’ by Helen Macdonald
- ‘The Feather Thief’ by Kirk Wallace Johnson
- ‘The Thing with Feathers’ by Noah Strycker
- ‘The Genius of Birds’ by Jennifer Ackerman
- ‘Birding Without Borders’ by Noah Strycker
- ‘The Warbler Guide’ by Tom Stephenson and Scott Whittle
- ‘The Birds of Pandemonium’ by Michele Raffin
- ‘The Birdwatcher’ by William Shaw
- ‘The Goshawk’ by T.H. White
- ‘The Sibley Guide to Birds’ by David Allen Sibley
Buying Guide and Gift Ideas for Fans of ‘The Big Year’
For fans of ‘The Big Year’, here are some gift ideas:
- A pair of high-quality binoculars
- A birding guidebook
- A birding-themed t-shirt or hoodie
- A bird feeder or birdhouse
- A birding-themed coffee mug or water bottle
- A birding-themed wall calendar or poster
Conclusion
‘The Big Year’ by Mark Obmascik is a must-read for anyone interested in birding, the outdoors, or pursuing one’s passions. The book is filled with humor, insight, and memorable characters that will stay with the reader long after they finish the last page.
Whether you read the book or watch the film adaptation, ‘The Big Year’ is sure to inspire and entertain.
