Various energy bar wrappers and strange cores of varieties of fruit remain strewn around the floor of my Toyota. I think Margaret Mead might find the remains in my car a little confusing. And I’m pretty sure I can put away that Warbler Field Guide for a few months that I found stuck under the back seat cushion. And as far as the trunk…we don’t even want to go there.
 
I asked my good friend Julie McCall if she had any birding resolutions for 2012 and she also came up with a few. First, wear two pair of socks in the winter. Second, invent the perfect 100% effective all-natural insect repellant. And I think the third is the most serious - stop imitating bird calls in casual conversation, or at least wear a disguise while doing so.

This is a very good resolution to keep as it may prevent future interventions by non-birding family members, friends, and even local authorities. This is an especially good resolution if you have been doing a screech owl call while waiting for a bus or riding the subway, which may bring too much unwanted attention. Unless there's a chance of attracting an owl, then who cares, just go for it.

But as Julie suggested to me, there are more serious resolutions that birders might want to consider for the upcoming year. Here are just a few:
-Get a kid out birding.
-Plant more native species in the backyard.
-Volunteer with a local conservation group or nature center.
-Suggest to your local school boards and teachers that more nature-oriented programs be introduced to students.
-Write to your local, state, and federal representatives to help protect our natural resources.