I’ve been traveling all over the West, chasing down bird species I rarely see, taking part in a very privileged form of birding known as “listing.” Last year I told myself that this is how I could become a better birder: getting binocular time with as many species as possible. Today I am staying home, and challenging that notion. I’m working on becoming a better birder right here in my backyard. I’m not burning a single ounce of gas, and it’s not costing me any money. I’m just spending the day noticing the subtleties of the birds that share space with me.
That's a great point Carl about the experts having spent so much time observing the more common species, they are have a better chance of identifying the uncommon ones.
I have found that on a much smaller scale in the area I regularly hike. I've come to know the various calls of the year-round birds like Black-capped Chickadees, Northern Cardinals, and others, the uncommon ones stand out that much more. It's like someone playing your favourite song and throwing in an extra note or two.
Black-capped Chickadees are some of the best birds out there, and I could never tire of watching them. I really enjoy how gregarious and almost playful they can be. They were so common along the Wasatch Front of Utah where I used to live & when I moved to the other side of the mountain range, I found out they’re very uncommon over here.
In the coming weeks, keep an eye out for my new logo, which features a wonderfully illustrated Black-capped Chickadee. Around 15 years ago I dreamed up a Black-capped Chickadee hanging on to the phrase “Life is for the birds” and I’m working with an artist to bring that to life.
That's awesome to hear about the new logo Carl and will definitely keep an eye out for it.
The Black-capped Chickadees for me a bird that keeps grounded in a way as well. That gregariousness and curiosity from them always makes me smile on my hikes when I see them.
That's a great point Carl about the experts having spent so much time observing the more common species, they are have a better chance of identifying the uncommon ones.
I have found that on a much smaller scale in the area I regularly hike. I've come to know the various calls of the year-round birds like Black-capped Chickadees, Northern Cardinals, and others, the uncommon ones stand out that much more. It's like someone playing your favourite song and throwing in an extra note or two.
Black-capped Chickadees are some of the best birds out there, and I could never tire of watching them. I really enjoy how gregarious and almost playful they can be. They were so common along the Wasatch Front of Utah where I used to live & when I moved to the other side of the mountain range, I found out they’re very uncommon over here.
In the coming weeks, keep an eye out for my new logo, which features a wonderfully illustrated Black-capped Chickadee. Around 15 years ago I dreamed up a Black-capped Chickadee hanging on to the phrase “Life is for the birds” and I’m working with an artist to bring that to life.
That's awesome to hear about the new logo Carl and will definitely keep an eye out for it.
The Black-capped Chickadees for me a bird that keeps grounded in a way as well. That gregariousness and curiosity from them always makes me smile on my hikes when I see them.