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Largest number of bird species spotted-world
record set by Alan Davies and Ruth Miller
LONDON, UK -- Alan
Davies, 46, and Ruth
Miller, 43, have observed 4,327 different species
during their year-long tour-setting the world record for the
Largest number of bird species spotted in a year.
Alan Davies and Ruth Miller
(photo) , who met through their work for
the RSPB, sold their house in Llandudno, North Wales to fund
their trip, which took them from humble British back gardens
to Arctic ice packs.
Mr Davies, 47, said: "Birds are my passion, always
have been. From a very early age, birds have been the focus
of my life. "To see birds in wonderful places is what I live
for."
They sold their houses in Llandudno to fund
the trip, titled The Biggest Twitch, which has spanned British
back gardens, Asian rainforests and Arctic ice among other
terrains.
Ms Miller, 44, said: "Knowing we've beaten
the world record feels pretty good. It's been quite a tough
challenge."
Having marched through six continents, the couple
are currently back in South America as their voyage enters
its final stages.
After a brief return to their rented flat in Wales,
they spent Christmas in the Ecuadorian jungle, where they
proudly spotted such species as the Vermilion Tanager, Green
Jay and Saffron-Crowned Tanager.
On their blog, they wrote: "Highlights
along this track included Bearded Guan, Black-and-Chestnut
Eagle.
"A female Masked Trogon added a splash of colour.
Leaving the park behind we headed for our lodgings at Madre
Tierra at Vilcabamba (the valley of longevity) and had our
Christmas supper of roast turkey."
The trip began on January 1 in Arizona,
USA, where the couple also aim to end up tomorrow [DEC 31].
Alan
Davies: "When I'm old, I want to be able to look back
on my big adventure. The chance to see exciting destinations
and wildlife is irresistible, and if I can go round the world
with Alan seeing the most bird species ever in a single year,
so much the better."
The couple said they plan to maintain their blog
after their return to Britain, "to keep you up to date with
our birding adventures and let you know how we settle back
into normal life, if we do."
Related world records:
Biggest
rabbit-world record set by Herman the giant rabbit
Oldest
cat-world record set by Mischief
Largest
potato-world record set by Khalil Semhat
Largest
rutabaga-world record set by Norm Craven
Oldest
living animal- world record set by Jonathan the tortoise
Monday, December 29, 2008
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