Watching the Birdwatcher

beach.) 200 birds and conceived several terms Watching In truth this image couldn't be more which birders today continually make The Birdwatcher fallacious. Ofcourse, there are all types reference to. Then, there was William of bird watchers as there are all types of Bartram (1739-1823), creator of Cata­ by Jan Parrott-Holden Vancouver, Washington people. But the serious birders invest logue ofBirds ofNorth America. This tremendous amounts of energy and text did much more than list species. It vitality into their pursuit. If the par­ noted migration dates, nesting habits Stereotypes are interesting if some­ ticular species they are stalking nests and songs. It also expressed Bartram's what deceiving. We have them for prac­ high in the mountains, they hike. Ifthey personal preference for studying "live" tically every group that inhabits this long to record the "yank-yank" of a birds in the field rather than dead world ofours. For example, picture Miss white-breasted nuthatch, they may specimens, as was the general European Quigly, the local librarian. Chances are tumble out of bed before dawn, robust custom. Bartram was an undeniable you knew she was a fiftyish spinster and ready - even on a Sunday. Now to influence on Alexander Wilson who with a #2 pencil poking out ofher tight me, that's no wimp! created a masterful work entitled little topknot even before you laid eyes What is the driving passion which American Ornithology (a work which on her. The local biker club is naturally lures thousands of men and women to for decades served as the foundation for made up of long haired guys with the meadows, forests, mountains and all bird study in America). leather jackets and tattoos of''Mom" on shores' What keeps their interest It would take more than a single their muscular biceps. But pity we, the "high" despite the ridicule doled out by article to explore the impact these poor birdwatchers. For our stereotype is those who insist bird-watching is for several men and their colleagues had just as misleading. sissies? It's an interesting question. upon our modern day pastime of Perhaps it's the fact that we call our­ To find the answer we must at least birdwatching. And even with their selves' 'birdwatchers" rather than discover a basic understanding of the guidelines we would find arguments ornithologists that causes the problem, concept behind birding: how it evolved, concerning the actual purpose for that leads many non-birders to view us what it is and what it does for its birding as we know it today. There as wimps. Caricatures certainly haven't disciples. would be debate as to whether birding helped. I can't count the number of First ofall, birdwatching is not a new should be classified a sport, a study, an cartoons I've seen portraying the bird­ pastime. Fact is, we know that the avocation, a career. There would be sug­ watcher as a gangling, knobby-kneed earliest American birders were the gestions that it signifies little more than boy scout wielding field glasses and a Indians. Though these forerunners did an escape valve from the high pressure spiral notebook. (The type ofguy who not maintain records Like we do today, it lifestyles we lead. But I maintain that always gets sand kicked in his face at the is believed that they had great expertise the best defmition we can ascribe to this as observers. Joseph Kastner, author of pursuit be that birding is actually a A World ofWatchers, refers to the ten­ sensory involvement as unique to each dency of various tribes to name birds of us as our fingerprints. For some, after certain physical or behavioral birding encompasses the indescribable characteristics. For example, he thrill ofbeing able to identify a songster mentions the Malecite Indians of ew by its chorus. To others it may be the Brunswick who named the spotted gleeful knowledge that they were first in sandpiper "nan a-mik-tcus" or "rocks their bird group to spot and identify a its rump;' which is just what the piper truly rare specimen. Then there are the does. The spruce grouse was named people who regard birdwatching as a "ses-e-ga-tig-hes;' or the "bird that critical key in conservation programs. picks at the buds of evergreens and They are the ones who dedicate time weeps:' The latter bears reference to and efforts to meticulous tabulations ­ both the bird's eating habits and the counts that will show which way a par­ peculiar reddish-colored skin sur­ ticular species is going - either up or rounding its eyes. down in numbers. Early white settlers were also bird­ Birdwatching is really all of these watchers, but with a difference. They things and more. It is an academic exhibited a more analytical interest in workout and an athletic drill. It allows a birding and birds. Rather than a mere person to flex the muscles in his head descriptive interest, they kept records, and the muscles in his legs simultane­ made lists, involved themselves perhaps ously. And, when it comes right down more with the interrelationships to the nitty gritty, birding provides life­ between birds and their natural sur­ enriching experiences. It converts a roundings. Though there is hardly a one simple walk around the block into a fas­ of us who doesn't quickly link giants cinating nature study program. like Alexander Wilson and John James 0, we're never going to change the Audubon to the world of birding, we minds ofskeptics. There will always be tend to overlook so many, many others. that group who'll think our birding the Among these was an American physi­ sport of sissies. But let them hold tight cian and naturalist, Benjamin Smith to their silly stereotypes. Birders see and Barton (1766-1815), who not only wrote hear what others only dream about. the first American elementary botany They soar with eagles and sing with the text but made a concise listing ofsome nightingale.•

22 August/September 1987 Aviculturist Estate for Sale Finest Bird Farm

CUSTOM 8 YEAR OLD 2,600 SQUARE FOOT HOME. DOUBLE DOOR, FORMAL ENTRY AND DINING ROOM. SPACIOUS COUNTRY KITCHEN AND PANTRY. MASSIVE FAMILY ROOM AND FIREPLACE. FULLY SEPARATE LAUNDRY ROOM AND 3 CAR GARAGE. FULL MASTER SUITE WITH SUNKEN TUB.

85 Custom (4' x 12' x 8') all steel aviaries on concrete floors for easy upkeep. Exterior wall completely stuccoed to blend with house and property. All flights have fully automatic waters, metal feeders and secured saftyflight walkway. Automatic night lights and security lighting system provides after dark access to flights.

Located in Orange County's exclusive City of Yorba Linda, CA and fully sanctioned for its present use. This fully landscaped estate sized property has every amenity the modern aviculturist could want. Stock and inventory also for sale. $335,000 Offered Exclusively through Owner-Operators Finest W. and Winnie Van (714) 524-9653