People
around the world are attracted to wild birds.
I myself was raised around a “bird-watching” family. My grandmother used to
place an old tin pie plate on her windowsill and spend hours watching the
different birds visit her make-shift bird feeder as she sat nearby knitting
or doing crossword puzzles.
As I grew older, my dad followed his mother's example in this pleasant pastime and hung a bona-fide
bird feeder in our yard. This opened up a whole new world of “nature at your
doorstep” - especially in the wintertime when food is scant for wild birds.
When I grew up and had a family of my own, I continued the family tradition
of feeding the wild birds in my own backyard. Yes, I became a bird watcher.
I remember the distress I felt when I noticed a gray squirrel hogging
precious seed at my bird feeder, frightening my Cardinals, nuthatches and
titmice. I began researching ways to keep the squirrel from my feeder. I
heard of a device called a “squirrel baffle” and presented the idea to my
father, who was now retired and enjoying bird watching more than ever. He
said to me, “Jo, the squirrels gotta eat, too!” (Oh, my dad's philosophy
again).
Ancient Romans used to think that they could see the future by observing
bird flying or listening to their calls. I remember reading “Huckleberry
Finn” by Mark Twain when the hoot of an owl signaled death in the community.
If you ever read the book by James Michener called “Hawaii”, one of the
characters in the book thought an albatross was some sort of omen and trying
to communicate with him. Even in the present time, some cultures and people
are afraid of birds and what they do.
Today, many
scientists study the changes in bird population and how they can be a
reflection on the health of our environment. Take the bald eagle for
instance.
The bald eagle was once near extinction. In the early 1960's, bald eagle
pairs numbered less than 500 on the mainland of the United States. However,
changes in our environment and making laws to protect the bald eagle brought
them back in abundance. They no longer are on the brink of extinction as
there was a count of more than 10,000 bald eagles in 2007. Have you had the
thrill of viewing a bald eagle in the wild? I did – and it was a moment that
took my breath away! (I actually thought the eagle was lost!)
So, why DO people like bird watching? What's the attraction?
In case you've never noticed, birds can be very interesting to watch. Their
activities encourage us to stop whatever we're doing and watch them as they
flutter around, eating bird food (be it seed, fruit or nectar), protecting
their young, building their nests – and more.
Bird watching is a great way to relax and enjoy some quiet time. No matter
where you live or visit, there are always birds to watch and enjoy.
After a careful study of the birds that visit your bird feeder, you may find
that different types of birds even display different personalities! This is
so true – just study a blue jay vs a mourning dove – both so different, yet
beautiful in their own way!
So, bird watching has become a pastime shared by many – and this hobby is
growing! You are invited to join the fun of bird watching and getting to
know them better.
People
around the world are attracted to wild birds.