New Birds John Saw in 2011

Unlike the amazing year that had preceded it (117 lifers and several new states), my 2011 wasn't nearly as exciting as 2010. Except for two separate class trips north into Oregon in the fall, I stayed entirely within California that year. However, that summer I made my first trip to the Salton Sea, where I saw 7 new birds. Also, after reaching #300 in 2010, I reached #400 in 2011: a Laysan Albatross on a fall pelagic trip out of Humboldt. I didn't see a new bird on my birthday like the previous year, but I did see my first Yellow-bellied Sapsucker on the day right before my birthday.