Here are the tallies as of Oct. 31 in the Meadowlands Big Year contest for 2013.

We have one really tight competition, and a record already — Mike Newhouse has eclipsed last year’s winner, Chris Takacs, by one bird as of 10/31.

Congrats to all for competing. Most of the tallies are up from last year at this time.

We hope you are having fun near to home, and seeing lots of great birds.

Keep in mind that some birders are in the Meadowlands all the time, and others get here occasionally, so their birdage may differ drastically.

If your name’s not on the list and you’d like to compete, please e-mail Jim Wright at jim.wright (at) njmeadowlands.gov.

Here is the leader board as of  Oct. 31:
1. Mike Newhouse 212 (NJMC, setting a target number for competitors.)
2. Chris Takacs: 205, (2012 reigning champion, ineligible for prizes
in 2013 as a result, lives in district)
3. Ray Duffy, 178 (in district)
4. Jackie DeMarco, 162 (out of district)
5. Mike Wolfe, 161 species (out of district)
5. Dennis Cheeseman, 161 (out of district)
7. Jim Wright,  155  (NJMC staff, along for the ride)
8. Zach Batren, 152 (out of district)
9. Mike Turso 138 (out of district)
10. Rob Fanning 134  (out of district)
11. Oliver Stringham, 130  (in district)
12. Julie McCall, 127 (in district).
12.  Roy Woodford 127 (out of district)

Link to Big Year totals last year at the end of October is here.