Was The Big Year Based On A True Story
Released in 2011, The Big Year is a comedy movie that centers around birdwatching. The movie features a star-studded cast that includes Steve Martin, Jack Black, and Owen Wilson. The movie follows three birders as they attempt to break the record for the most birds spotted in a single year. But, was The Big Year based on a true story?
The Big Year Plot
The Big Year follows the story of Brad Harris (Jack Black), Stu Preissler (Steve Martin), and Kenny Bostick (Owen Wilson) as they attempt to break the record for the most birds seen in North America in a single year. The current record holder, a legendary birder named Greg (Jim Parsons), is also attempting to keep his title.
The three main characters embark on a year-long birding journey that takes them all over North America. They encounter various obstacles along the way, including bad weather, equipment failures, and personal conflicts. Despite these challenges, they remain determined to break the record.
Is The Big Year Based On A True Story?
While The Big Year is not based on a specific true story, it is inspired by real-life birdwatching competitions. In fact, the movie is based on a book of the same name by Mark Obmascik, which chronicles the true story of three birders who attempted to break the record for the most birds seen in a single year.
The book follows the real-life experiences of Sandy Komito, Al Levantin, and Greg Miller as they compete to break the record. Each of these birders has a unique backstory and motivation for attempting the record. Sandy, for example, is a retired pilot who is looking for a new challenge, while Greg is a seasoned birder who is determined to maintain his record.
Real-Life Birding Competitions
While birdwatching may seem like a peaceful and solitary activity, there are actually many competitive birding events that take place around the world. These competitions range from local events to international tournaments and can have strict rules and regulations.
One popular birding competition is the World Series of Birding, which takes place annually in New Jersey. This event challenges teams of birders to identify as many bird species as possible in a 24-hour period. The competition raises money for bird conservation efforts and has raised over $10 million since its inception in 1984.
The Importance of Bird Conservation
While birdwatching competitions can be fun and exciting, they also serve an important purpose in promoting bird conservation. Birds are important indicators of the health of our environment and can be impacted by changes to their habitats, climate, and food sources.
Many bird species are also threatened or endangered due to habitat loss, pollution, and other human activities. By participating in birdwatching and birding competitions, individuals can raise awareness about the importance of bird conservation and support efforts to protect these vital species.
Conclusion
The Big Year may not be based on a specific true story, but it is inspired by real-life birdwatching competitions and the experiences of dedicated birders. The movie serves as a reminder of the excitement and challenges of birdwatching, as well as the importance of bird conservation efforts around the world.