Amateur Saskatchewan birder's year-long challenge

September 15, 2026

Media Release, Parks, Culture and Sport, Tourism Saskatchewan

Key points from this story:

• Doll has set out on a big year
• Documents year in video series
• Series titled Big Skies, Big Year
• Over 400 species observed in province
• Episodes feature experienced birders
• Latest episode focuses on shorebirds

Doll has set out on a big year, hoping to see as many species of birds as possible in the province within one calendar year; and documenting it all in a long-form video series called Big Skies, Big Year, found on Tourism Saskatchewan's YouTube channel<https://www.youtube.com/@TourismSaskatchewan>.

"This project is about more than chasing checklists," Doll said. "It's about showing off Saskatchewan and the birds that thrive here. It also gives me a reason to push myself and explore new places."

Getting out in nature to go birdwatching, otherwise known as 'birding', is one of the great recreational activities available in abundance in Saskatchewan. Located at the intersection of two major North American flyways, over 400 species have been observed in the province, creating a long list of potential bird species one could see throughout a calendar year.

"Saskatchewan is rich in bird species, offering both variety and abundance thanks to the diversity of its landscapes and habitats," The Wild View Tours Founder and Operator Jenn Smith Nelson. "It makes seeing a lot of different species easy - from waterfowl and shorebirds to songbirds, raptors and more. From your backyard to conservation areas and parks, birds are everywhere, including urban environments, making birdwatching easily accessible to everyone willing to slow down and look."

Doll has some tough competition for a big year, as Saskatchewan's highest ranked birders on eBird are sitting at almost 300 species seen so far. Each episode of Big Skies, Big Year features an experienced birder, helping Doll spot different species and increase his birding knowledge.

"Like the name implies, attempting a big year is no small feat," Avian Ecologist and Saskwatch Birding Tours guide Katelyn Luff said. "Similar to the migrations of the birds we aim to see, a big year is a marathon of effort. Participating in Big Skies, Big Year has allowed me to share a small piece of that appreciation with Mitch and all who tune in to follow his journey. We are lucky to experience birds at their best here in Saskatchewan."

Big Skies, Big Year features various Saskatchewan locations, many of which are hotspots for birding. The latest episode is about Doll's search for shorebirds during the spring migration.

ABOUT MITCH DOLL:

Mitch Doll is a Saskatoon-based travel and adventure content creator. As a Content Creation Consultant with Tourism Saskatchewan, he specializes in authentic, character-driven storytelling that connects audiences with Saskatchewan's landscapes, wildlife and people. His work has travelled far beyond Saskatchewan, appearing in international campaigns and publications, and gaining recognition from outlets including BBC, CBC and Canadian Geographic.