Isoo O'Brien and the Cook County Big Year Record

Today Nate and Evan go birding with Isoo O'Brien.

We finally get a chance to sit down with Isoo O'Brien, an Evanston, Illinois native who recently set the Cook County Big Year record. If that wasn't impressive enough, Isoo is a high school senior. 2020 was not a normal year. Most people will probably never forget it. It was especially memorable for Isoo.

In this episode, Isoo tells us about his big year. How did he plan for it? What were some of the high points of the year? What were some of the low points? All of a sudden, COVID hits and we are under a stay at home order. How did that affect his birding and also his mental aspect? Many times the mental aspect of a Big Year is overlooked, chasing not only birds but a number. Isoo tells us about these struggles.

If you have ever thought about doing a Big Year, or have done a Big Day/Year in the past, maybe you can relate to some of the joys and struggles that Isoo experienced.

Happy Birding and Happy listening

BIO

Isoo O'Brien is an Evanston native and a senior at Evanston Township High School. An avid birder since age 9, Isoo is a volunteer field trip leader for local clubs across the Chicago area. He currently holds the Cook County big year record at 288 species.