But I should have known—when the gods seem to smile, they may in fact be laughing. - Kenn Kaufman

You had to make the effort to have the luck.

The whole thing might have been erected by a demented billionaire—which it was, I reflected, since it had been built by the U.S. government.

Perhaps my Big Year attempt had no value in itself, but it had led me to incredible places, a whole series of extraordinary destinations. It had taken me through life-changing experiences. Regardless of final list totals, it had been worthwhile.
Listing, at its best, could be a wonderful quest, I reflected. We list-chasing birders, at our best, could be like knights seeking the Holy Grail—except that the birds were real, and we birders were rewarded at every turn. If we made an honest effort, the birds would come.