Book excerpt: In 1998, Sandy Komito engaged in what serious birders call a Big Year run. This is a year-long marathon contest where a birder tries to see as many different birds as possible in a single year. This book, written in his own inimitable style, is a fast-paced, exciting story of his experiences on the road detailing the joys of success, the disappointments with failure, all a part of the drama experienced during his year-long adventure where he set the new North America record of 745 different birds seen in a single year. Based on his extensive travel experience, he includes suggestions & insights as to how one can save money in dealing with airlines, rental car agencies & motels. A rather interesting feature is a section called, "My Little Black Book" providing names & numbers of people & places to call for those wanting to duplicate some of the travel he has experienced. Packed into this "Little Black Book" are suggestions as to where to find low-priced airlines as well as travel to Alaska's lesser-known places. It's an authoritative wealth of information for those interested in birds, nature, travel & adventure. 355 pages including 16 in full color. $34.95. Bergen Publishing 41-76 Rys Terrace, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 or, [email protected].