I'm Not Lost...I'm Bird Watching

I wonder where that expression:  "For the Birds" ever got started? It seems to imply it's just left overs and not the choice food or activity.  The birds around my house are not just getting scraps and slim pickings.  Only the best for my little featherd friends.  My son made the comment once..."Gee the birds eat better than we do!" Yup, it's a hobby of mine: I'm a Bird watcher. 

When I was a younger woman, I did not understand the interest in Bird Watching....now I do. There is a certain serenity in the watching, identifying and photography of birds.  The older I get, I am fullfilling a stereotype that "older" people bird watch.  I guess it is a sterotype for a reason; as a retired person I have more time to enjoy watching, listening to and snapping a few photos for my "Birder's book."  Perhpas when I was younger I was involved with other things and did not feel compelled to use precious free time looking at birds.  Yet, when one is trying to reduce stress, the opportunity to relax and view the flight of an Eagle soaring high or listen to the song of a Chickadee...well it is time well spent.

Rose-breasted grosbeak

I remember my Mom was very good at bird identification and several gifts my sister and I gave to her were bird related.  I know my sister gave her several feeders. I had given her a beautiful throw festooned with several colorful birds.  After she passed, I now have that beautiful throw to warm me on chilly evenings. Once for a birthday gift, she gave me the most fantastic "Birder's Bible": The Peterson Field Guide to the Birds.  She showed me how to use the book to idenify species and also how their coloration depends on the season. It has become a great tool for birding and I frequently think of Mom when referencing it.

Magpie in Anchorage, Alaska

The beauty of Bird Watching is that is doesn't take fancy equipment or alot of money to partake in the hobby. Just looking around your environment can bring a multitude of sightings; and not just in your own backyard.  When travelling, it  is such a treat to see birds you don't normally see at home.  When my husband and I were at Glacier National Park we saw a Stellar Jay, cousin to the Blue Jay, but a vivid and unique color of blue.  Also, when visiting my family in Alaska I always see Magpies and try to capture them in a photo.  They are kind of "bullies" in bird world, but they have the most beautiful plummage.

I saw a video the other day that made a great comparison between Pokemon and Birding. Remember Pokemon? My sons were crazy about them. The Pokemon creatures' images were depicted on cards for gameing.  The cards were collected, traded and played with. Also the Pokemon phenomina spread to almost every kind of merchandising you could imagine including a tv series, clothing, waterbottles and lunch boxes. Just about every elementary school teacher had to deal with that craze. I remember the tag line was: Gotta catch em all!  So you gotta catch them all, bird species that is. It has been said that Birding is just Pokemon for adults. There are so many varied and unique types of birds in this world that one will likely never "catch them all", but the quest is sure fun! Keep your binoculars and camera ready!  

                                                                           Julie Etta Smith

“A bird does not sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.” — Maya Angelou.