It’s a soppy, overcast Sunday in Nevada, a perfect opportunity to hunker down, settle in, and peruse the newest addition to my library, a book called “Gulls of the Americas.” (Ever bought something on a lark?) Yes, it’s all about those pesky critters who swoop in to nab your crumbs after a beach picnic. And, just in case you think a Gull is a Gull is a Gull? You’re wrong. There actually are 36 different species of what poet Robinson Jeffers describes as ‘slim yachts of the element’. Perhaps, after studying the 1,160 photographs included in this 516-page marvel, I will even be able to identify some.
For those of you who are asking “Why would one want to?”, read on.
In the Spring of 2009, desperately needing something to feather and cheer up my Nest, I registered for the three-day Laughlin Bird & Wildlife Festival. Granted that Laughlin, a tiny resort town of 7,000 people, is a community known more for its casinos than birds and wildlife, but, never mind that. Located on the banks of the Colorado River in the southern tip of Nevada, it was only an hour’s drive from my home. Since I was flying solo, I was willing to go out on a limb, pay the $25 entry fee, enroll in several aviary field workshops, and book an $18 room for three nights.
Although I now know that Birding is the second most popular pastime in North America, I had never before even met a Birder. That’s nothing to crow about since more than 47 million people give a hoot about Birding and lay out $30 billion-a-year to pursue it.
Let’s fly forward two years, several species, and a three-pound book on Gulls later, when my only question might be, “Why did I wait so long?”
“Birds are one of the most successful animals the world has ever seen.
They have survived for over 100 million years, singularly mastering without
aid the land, sea, and air. They live in almost every environment the
planet has to offer, from harsh Antarctic expanses to barren deserts, from
bustling cities to remote and unforgiving seas.” Patrick Merrell
Following my exhilarating and hilarious experience in Laughlin, where I had to beg and borrow binoculars every day (Well, who knew?), I enthusiastically embraced this ornithological hobby with the joy and passion I was eager to experience after more than a decade of challenging caretaking. Rose Kennedy, who knew a little bit about grief herself, put it perfectly, ‘Birds sing after a storm; why should people not feel as free to delight in whatever remains to them?’.
My obsession grew with my involvement, skill, and, I might add, just winging it. In just two short years, I have not only zealously birded locally, but also in California and Arizona, attending bird festivals in Monterey and Lee Vining. Over time I joined the Audubon Society and other bird/conservation organizations; started my Life List of viewed birds; connected socially with other Birders; participated in the Christmas Bird Count (burrrrrrrr); and, have grown intellectually while studying to increase my proficiency.
Admittedly, the real feather in my cap has been my Life List. What you also need to really understand is that Birders make Lists about anything with wings. They LOVE lists. No, Birders are bewitched and mesmerized by Lists. Lifetime Lists. Big Year Lists. State-by-State and Country-by-Country Lists. Backyard Lists. Birds-Who-Eat-Burgers Lists. The possibilities are limitless. And, yes, Birders are sometimes competitive, as Mark Obamascik’s entertaining book, “The Big Year, A Tale of Man, Nature and Fowl Obsession” clearly illustrates.
Although, after 24 months, I am still known as “Marywhoisnewtobirding” (said all in one breath, a running phrase) by my birding buddies, I will try not to ruffle their feathers by putting forth my own list.
My Ten Reasons for Birding
- 1. You may already be a tree-hugger, green geek, aging athlete or nature-lover. But. Can’t hike as far nor as high these days? Can’t bike like Lance anymore? The knees are gone, no more tennis or golf? Birding enhances the outdoor experience in a more gentle fashion. Birding is User-Friendly. They chirp everywhere.
- 2. Like photographers, Birders increasingly grow more aware of their surroundings, fine-tuning their ability to spot, identify and savor the moment. Sure, a Robin has an orange breast, and Donald Duck quacks, but it’s the field markings that distinguish the species. It’s all in the details.
- 3. If you’re a photographer, amateur or professional, Birding offers hundreds of new subjects. A caveat to that, birds will not pose. They just won’t.
- 4. If you’re an artist, and, I am not, birds are wonderful to draw. I’m no Audubon, but I purchased several “How To Draw Birds” books and often turn a lonely-evening-lovely by sketching a bird I’ve recently discovered.
- 5. Whatever your economic level, schedule, or location, you can become a Birder. Grab a pair of binoculars, borrow some books from the library, walk outdoors and just wing it.
- 6. Birders are genuinely nice-ies. Wasn’t it Will Rodgers who remarked that he’d never met a Birder he didn’t like? Generous with their know-how, you’ll spot veteran Birders hoisting 50-pound Spotting Scopes (for locating and sighting birds) over their shoulders. While that poundage may be an exaggeration, the exertion of it is not. Then, it’s “Marywhoisnewtobirding”, you have to see this bird.”
- 7. Birding is social, breeding worthwhile and lifelong friendships.
- 8. If you become a Birder, you will undoubtably join some clubs and organizations, both locally and nationally. For starters, two excellent sites are: http://www.aba.org./ and http://www.audubon.org/
- 9. Grandchildren? Birding is a wonderful opportunity to expose them to, what could be, a lifelong hobby. My 7-and 9-year-old granddaughters own their own binoculars, have begun Life Lists, and can already recognize many species.
- 10. According to a Chinese Proverb, “You cannot prevent the birds of sorrow from flying over your head, but you can prevent them from building nests in your hair.”
All quotes acknowledged and taken from “Bird Brain-Teasers, Puzzles, Games and Avian Trivia,” compiled by Patrick Merrell.
(Maybe you noticed that I’ve enjoyed throwing a number of avian phrases and bird species into this essay. Another List, perhaps?)