"And what," people sometimes ask, "is the real attraction of bird watching? Why does it collect so many followers?" Well, for me its charm is that it's difficult, it's out of doors, it requires patience and an enquiring mind, and the objects of the study are not only interesting but beautiful.
Peter Scott
Years ago I was fortunate to visit the The Wildlife Trust in Slimbridge, Glos., England, and it was there that I very quickly developed an enormous admiration for Peter Scott. Not only a conservationist and artist of great renown, he was an accomplished wordsmith, and I think his few words above encapsulate so beautifully what those of us who are mad about birds feel every day.
The weather might be gloomy, the clouds threatening, the wind chill, and the path muddy, but surely all of that pales into insignificance when set against the sighting of a Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus).
The elation of finding an Eastern Screech Owl (Megascops asio) quietly watching the world go by is indescribable.
It is often said that an American Robin (Turdus migratorius) is common, but it's only common in the sense that it is frequently seen.
It is by any other measure anything but. It is possessed of uncommon beauty, a cheerful musical song, a confiding nature, a joy at bathing and is a hardworking, dedicated parent. Whose sombre mood could fail to be improved upon meeting up with a robin?
A Mallard (Anas platyrynchos) is familiar to all, and loved by adult and child alike.
People seem to have an inner compulsion to strew seed for these friendly, approachable ducks, and to see them peacefully feeding alongside a squirrel is in stark contrast to the barbarism humans all too frequently inflict on each other.
It is said that "Music has charms to sooth a savage breast" (William Congreve [1697]), and so it does. The soothing power of nature is not to be overlooked, however.
Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) pair for life and exhibit qualities humans would benefit from emulating. I am very fond of geese and so was Peter Scott, so I know I am in good company.
A Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) patrols the skies with such grace, and mastery of its environment, that one cannot fail to be awestruck at each encounter.
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) is a tiny bird that exudes beauty and charm, and enlivens our spirits on even the coldest winter day.
What did Peter say? - "Interesting and beautiful."
Indeed! And loved by all who take the time to know it.
You could be forgiven for thinking that we had embarked on a long outing, beating a path through woods, meadows and swamps to get these pictures, but you would be wrong. They are the result of a couple of recent walks over the past few days, through local parks. There were casual walkers, dogs and their human companions, cyclists and even people on those motorized scooter contraptions.
Even in human-modified landscapes, birds are there to be enjoyed. I would never want to live without them. And I am sure I never will.
