why learn by birding?

This website is a way for me to share the beauty I see when I go outside. It is a way to remind us that the world is beautiful and that life is constantly "happening" all around us. The song of the birds, the gentle feel of the breeze, the soothing gurgling of the water as it passes over rocks, the sunrises and sunsets...all of these things continue to exist even when our own lives seem dark or uncertain. They serve to remind us that we can still step outside of our situation  and fill ourselves with the peace that comes from nature. 

When I go outdoors  and use  my  senses   to  observe  the world around me it forces my focus on the here-and-now. The problems or fears that I may be feeling  are pushed aside and I am able to find peace. May  you,  too,  find  peace as  you  learn  to  see  the  beauty  that  surrounds  you.  

I've always loved animals and the outdoors. My poor parents had to endure the endless stream of puppies, kittens, turtles, hamsters and more as I grew up. Camping trips and long drives in the country when I was little set the stage for a life-time of exploring. In college I majored in Environmental Biology and spent a lot of time studying marine mammals and, of course, birds. It has been a privilege to have birded with some amazing birders (people thoroughly obsessed with birding) over the years and to learn from them (they are, by nature, very generous and thoughtful people). I have also thoroughly enjoyed  taking other people out on birding trips and sharing the experiences of seeing, hearing and chasing countless birds. 

Birding is not just grabbing your binoculars and hitting the trail. It is, rather, an art form that one hones over the years as you learn to look, listen and be still in order to observe what is around you. It is learning the habits of the birds you are observing and how to respectfully interact in their world. It is a wonderful chance at quiet introspection that often yields surprising results. It is, also, a delightful opportunity to connect with other people from all walks of life over the shared interest in those feathered, flighty beings we all search for and enjoy. Finally, birding is an opportunity to step outside of yourself and enter into a different world, even if for a short time, and gain peace and perspective. 

May you also find some peace and perspective as you visit this site. 

"Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better."  Albert Einstein