Here is the winning entry of our contest, the defining moment when Lisa, from Refuge Watch, knew she was a birder.
When I was growing up, I loved animals, but I often made fun of birders, since I didn’t understand the fascination with all the different species. To my young eyes, a lot of the birds seemed to look the same.
But then I became interested in a local national wildlife refuge that hosted hundreds of waterfowl each migration season and was also home to a large population of nesting bald eagles. Seeing bald eagles fishing and playing over the marsh was an inspiring sight that began to fuel my interest in other birds — including birds in my own neighborhood.
While at home one afternoon, I noticed that the bushes outside my bedroom window seemed to attract a large selection of birds. Although these species weren’t as majestic as the bald eagles, they were interesting nevertheless, and I began photographing them through my bedroom window. Soon I had photos of chickadees, titmice, mockingbirds, blue jays, cardinals, and finches – sometimes with their chicks in tow.
Suddenly I realized I had become a birder! From that point on, every bird was of interest, whether I had my camera or not. And it all started with a trip to my local wildlife refuge.
Lisa wins the amazing book, Bird: The Definitive Visual Guide. Congratulations!
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Much thanks to the Birdfreak team for this wonderful contest prize and for all they do for bird conservation.
The Internet could use more sites like this one.
What a neat story! I ditto the remarks about the Birdfreak Blog. One day I’m going to have to go birding with you guys! As for me, I think I was born with the Birding Gene, as I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t interested in birds. It’s like breathing.
Vern
Lisa – You are welcome and we appreciate all that you do… thank you for your wonderful words
Vern – We would love to go birding with you sometime!! Agree 100% about birding being like breathing… in fact, without birds we wouldn’t be breathing…