Happy July my nature loving friends. Ken Hall aka Bird Nut here…
The title of this article is a question that will get a bit of a frown from this old guy. Some will say birding is just not for them. Well my response is, it should be. One of my greatest regrets is that I didn’t start avid bird watching and photography years earlier, when birding wasn’t cool. Don’t get me wrong, I was most interested in watching birds, it just wasn’t cool to admit it. It was kind of like telling people you liked Barry Manilow songs… which I did, and do like, and proudly admit it today. I also proudly admit that I am a bird nerd. One of the positives of getting older, you really don’t care what others think.
Up until seven years ago, I had not come out of the cellar and admitted I was a birdaholic. My wife gifted me with a nice, not overly expensive, digital camera and a nice compact set of binoculars. I already had some great bird books I’d gotten years ago, and kept hidden. A bird journal was added, but I have yet to use it for fear a bird may fly by while I was writing in it. The stereotypical mode of dress expected never impressed me. I don’t own any knee high black socks, chest high khaki shorts, suspenders, or a pith helmet. So I stay with the basic t-shirt, shorts, and ball cap. This allows me to blend right in with the commoners. That is until I wander off trail, into a tree, or a ditch while staring up into the trees. Or while in mid-conversation a bird sings, and I rudely zone out and wander towards the song.
Birding is a great way be with yourself, clear the cobwebs, so to speak. But also with the right person a great social time. My sister and I have had our weekly bird watching wanderings for over five years now. The rules are simple, no discussions on politics, or other ills of the world. Foul language is to be refrained from, unless you’ve just missed an opportunity at a lifer photo. Be in good physical condition to move at a snails pace. And know that when the birds are talking, people don’t. Linda is a great birding companion. My wife chooses not to wander with me very often. Even though she is in outstanding condition, she is a fast-paced walker. Funny though, the few times she’s gone with me she talks of how sore she is afterwards. Must be the Tai Chi style I use when birding.
It is proven, being a bird watcher is an excellent mental and physical activity. It lowers blood pressure, heart rate, and anxiety. A wonderful opportunity to meet self-minded, nature loving, kind-hearted folks, or to just catch up with family. Just the other day I met a lady, likely close to my age, holding her four-year-old grandson, pointing out the various birds. The little guy was excited, and paying attention, and although he is only four, I believe he will remember that.
Birding, or birdwatching is a simple, not costly activity. A journal, and a pair of binoculars are great starters. Eventually add a camera if photographing is a desire. A cell phone can be a great camera. There are many online bird identification sites. They can identify a birds from a photo, song, or a description. Jefferson County, especially Wheat Ridge and Golden, have many parks with viewing areas easily accessible to wheel chairs or those with physical limitations. Let the birds come to you. When limited for time, my backyard is a wonderful birding area. I maintain one feeder pole. It’s amazing the variety of birds that stop in.
I truly believe birdwatchers are some of the best stewards of nature. You won’t see a bird watcher leaving trash as they wander. Many, including myself, pick up others trash for deposit to a nearby trash can.
So why not give it a try. It is a great way to spend time away from the hustle bustle of the world. Birds are absolutely the best therapy out there. Have a wonderful July. Hope to see you on the trail.
Follow my photos on FB Birds of Colorado, or Bird Friends of Colorado.
