There are many ways we become birders. Some of us may be born into it while others become birders late in life. There are many species that are “trigger” birds: Blackburnian Warbler, Painted Bunting, Roseate Spoonbill, or the awe-inspiring Bald Eagle.
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!
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…