The rules of engagement
Before we embark on The Biggest Twitch, we need to get a few things straight. What rules are we playing by? If our world record attempt is to stand the test of time, we think it’s essential that any other players are aware of the rules we will follow. We mean to keep things simple:
1. Our year begins on the stroke of midnight 1st January 2008 and ends on the stroke of midnight 31st December 2008, giving us 366 days as 2008 is a leap year. We will count any species seen on 29th February 2008. A list of these birds will also be kept so anyone wishing to subtract this extra day’s total from The Biggest Twitch total will be able to do so. We will ensure that we only have 366 days by taking careful note of time zones at the start and finish of The Biggest Twitch. As we will be starting on 1st January 2008 in Arizona, USA, we will finish The Biggest Twitch at midnight 31st December 2008 Arizona time, regardless of where in the world we may actually be.
2. All species must be wild birds, alive, and no domestic or captive species may be counted.
3. All species must be recorded by both of us during the course of the year, though not necessarily the same individual bird at the same time. A species will only count if both of us are happy with the identification, and we will not accept identification purely on the say-so of a third party.
4. The use of local birders and guides to help find bird species is permitted.
5. The Biggest Twitch will be using Clements as the official taxonomic guide to species.
Simple!