Now that I am writing, I am selecting random topics, in no particular order. I want to be clear that management can not be held responsible for anything I say that might be less than factual. I am writing about my thoughts and feelings, and readily acknowledge that I might be mistaken, or straight-up wrong.
Today, I thought I would write about birds. Birds have taken a much larger role in my life, now that we are in a pandemic with Covid-19. Our yard has a beautiful forest-like feel, as it backs up to undisturbed woods. We have always had our share of wildlife—racoons, possums, snakes, deer, foxes, and others, passing through as they navigate pockets of undeveloped woods in the suburbs. We have always put out bird feeders, and sometimes remember to fill them. The occasional owl or hawk sighting has been a highlight for years.
During our spring and summer lockdown, we have been spending most of our time at home, often sitting on our screened porch. We can’t help but notice the preponderance of birds in our yard. During this time, there have been fewer machine noises, so it is much easier to hear the birds’ songs. And, let me tell you, there are A LOT of songbirds in our yard. And a lot of woodpeckers. Woodpeckers are so very cool, until you realize they can do some serious damage to your wood house. But, none-the-less, I still put them in the cool bird category.
We have taken walks on nearby trails, and the birds are there too! Am I more aware? Have they always been around? I assume it’s a combination of slowing down and being more observant, mixed with less interference from industry and bustle. Whatever the reasons, I am totally INTO birds right now. So much so, that I have downloaded apps that give me Identification tools to ID birds by description, photo, and song. Yes, I can even record the sound of a bird on my phone, press a button to get it analyzed, then, find out what kind of bird was singing joyfully from deep within that bush. There is so much information at my fingertips!
Not only that…I am a birder! I can run a tracking program and identify birds that are here right now, then upload the data to HELP THE BIRDING COMMUNITY LOCATE, PREDICT, AND ENHANCE MIGRATION AND ENVIROMENTAL ISSUES FOR BIRDS ALL OVER THE WORLD! I didn’t even know I had this power or this desire a few weeks ago. You might think I’ve gone stir crazy, but I’d say, crazy like a cuckoo-bird!
Will my obsession with birds become a lasting hobby? Probably not. I have a pretty solid history of getting totally into something, lock-stock-and-barrel, only to lose enthusiasm, as time goes on. But, it is my thing right now. And, I find evidence that other people are also enjoying their relationships with backyard birds right now.
I think that’s important, if, for no other reason, than to understand that whatever our plight, nature continues. There’s been no physical disaster, so the birds, bees, plants and trees continue doing what they have always done. Spring comes, then summer follows. Soon it will be fall. There is consistency in the natural world. Also, the things that have elevated importance in our lives may be less stable than we thought. Whether we have been forced to slow down, or whether the rug has been yanked out from under us, you cannot deny that things around us have changed drastically.
I like to think that the birds are singing their songs of encouragement.
”What will you do today?”;
“You can do it!”;
“Keep trying!”;
“That a girl!”.
What can we learn from birds?
Be consistent! Continue to show up to do what you are meant to do! Share resources! Go where you must! Spread your wings and fly! Add a little flair, when you can! And, above all, keep singing!