Yesterday I began what I quickly realized would be a gargantuan task: deciding where to bird on our trip to Asia.

I typed “Birding Asia” into Google, and the first site that came up was Oriental Bird Club (not the most politically correct name). On one page I found links to bird clubs from Japan, India, Cambodia, and many more. 

Given that there are some 10,000 bird species in the world (and about twice that many subspecies, with birding organizations splitting and combining species all the time), I suppose I should set a goal. But should it be to see certain spectacular species, or the ordinary ones that will be much easier to find? Should it involve a number?

I’m tempted to buy a book: not a field guide, but a book similar to our First-Time Asia travel guide, only designed for birders. Until I find one, I will keep looking on the Internet for something that will give me a way into this overwhelming research project.