The Duke of Soperton, our male Northern Cardinal
Article by Curtis Beaird
Photography by Curtis and Norma Beaird
If you enjoy discovery. If you like excitement. If you enjoy a rush of adrenaline, you will love bird watching. The word "watching" may describe the traditional and passive understanding of what has become "birding".
"Yeah," we say.
"I'll throw up a bird feeder, toss out some seed, and see what happens."
Then, it does happen. You are surprised by the beauty of a bird you have never seen. Cardinals show up in droves. You see a Blue Jay feed its mate. The wow factor sets in, and the rush is on. Questions flood your mind.
"What kind of bird is that?
Where did that bird come from?
I've never seen one of those.
Wonder if I'll see a Bluebird?"
Eastern Bluebird (Male)
I know they are beautiful . But, I've only caught a glimpse. You notice an article about Bluebirds telling you they will nest in anything, even an old boot. "Well, I've got an old boot!", you think to yourself.
The quest has begun. The passive act of absent-mindedly glancing at sparrows out the kitchen window is on it's way to becoming a full-blown hunt.
You start reading the labels on the back of bird seed packages. They report bird names, and possible sittings of birds you never knew existed.......the American Goldfinch, House Finch, or Nuthatch.
American Goldfinches on the thistle sock
The picture of the Pileated Woodpecker or a Red-Bellied Woodpecker does you in. "I want a picture of that bird." You leave the store with two bags of seed, three feeders, two books about North American birds, and you reach for your camera.
In the blink of an eye, birds and your imagination have come together in as sure a relationship as coffee and cream.
Chipping Sparrows enjoying white millet
Possibility has met satisfaction.
Curiosity and wonder have met the practical, and near at hand.
Your wife tells you, "Today is National Bird Day!"....... and you are glad."
Happy Birding.
Copyright 2013, Curtis Beaird. All rights reserved.
