My Love of Birds

Hello everyone!

Today's article will be about my love of birds. This love began early. I don't know how early. I learned after I became a "birder" that my grandmother also shared this passion, as did my favorite aunt, her daughter. I've always loved nature, being outdoors and things wild. But birds - they were special. I remember that at one point in my life I worked with a lady who had what she called a side porch. Occasionally, she would come in and say, "Those d--m birds woke me up again this morning!" I recall thinking to myself, how much nicer than an alarm. I can't think of anything nicer than waking up to bird song. No, I realize there are a few people that disagree. Vinnie, the character in "My Cousin Vinnie," for instance. He probably would prefer an alarm. To each his own.

When I decided to pursue the hobby of birdwatching, now commonly known as "birding," the first thing I had to do was buy a field guide and a pair of binoculars. I opted for what was the best field guide at that time and probably still is, if you're going to have only one, Peterson. Now don't get me wrong, there are many field guides out there and they are all good in their own way. I have found that what works for me is to have more than one on hand. The Peterson guide has drawings instead of photos. That may seem like a drawback but usually, it isn't. The photos will usually catch the birds at the wrong angle. But having both on hand is a good thing.

The next task was to learn the birds. I would spend hours pouring over the field guide. Then I got another field guide and I would spend hours pouring over it. Now, we all know the common birds of our area, Robins, Blue Jays, Mourning Doves, House Sparrows, etc. But, I began to realize there were many more. My husband would take me to parks, wooded areas, lakes - any place where birds I had not seen before might be seen. It was such a joy. Of course, all of my friends dubbed me "Miss Jane Hathaway" of the Beverly Hillbillies fame, although I never wore a silly costume like that. I took all of the magazines, and whenever I could afford it, I would buy the latest field guide or book. On one occasion, my husband asked me if I didn't think I had enough bird books. I told him a birder could NEVER have enough bird books. I think most, if not all, birders would agree with me.

Now, years later, I am not able to get out and go "birding." But, I have my books, I have the internet, and I have my memories, memories of walking down the lake at Morrow Mountain State Park in North Carolina and being "followed" by a Prothonotary Warbler. I also have many other memories that are oh so precious to me. I can't list them all here.

I am hoping that I can share my passion with my grandchildren when they are old enough. My son has expressed an interest in birds and did volunteer work last year at Flamingo Gardens in Hollywood, Florida, taking photos of the there birds for their website.

If you have never taken a look at birds, I urge you to take time to look at them, appreciate their music and beauty. They are fragile, and yet they are so very strong. A Ruby-Throated Hummingbird will make the flight across the Gulf of Mexico non-stop. It is the size of a Fisher Price Little People toy (approximately). The more I learn about them, the more I love them.