When it first began in 2005 the Bird of the Year struggled as do all new things to take hold straight away. But looking at the number of votes cast already in this year's competition, compared to last year (and we're only about half way through I think), it has just accelerated in popularity and participation enormously every year since. And likewise the number of nominees in the contest has increased, so that there must be at least one if not more native birds and their home habitats that nearly everyone who's looked at them all will have learned about.
So for that angle it's been a terrific success, and once again we owe the people who've pushed it congratulations.
Those native birds in the list have been great poster girls and boys for their habitats and a reminder to look after the places they live.
If you haven't voted already I recommend you do so, and take the time to read the multitude of information about the different birds. Makes some good casual reading.
PS Go endemic wetland and coastal birds...8-)