Do you know that feeling you get when you look at the stars on a clear night? When you stand alone, in silence, with a whole universe twinkling above you? Such a vast array can make us feel small—minuscule, even—but connected to the world in a deeply intimate way.
Do you know that feeling? That deep sense of awe, of wonder, of connection that swells in your soul?
That’s how birding makes me feel.
Birding is a hobby unlike any other—it asks that we slow down, that we take notice, that we listen, that we wait. In the process, we may find ourselves more fully appreciating the world around us. Much like the stars, birds can remind us that we are part of a world that is bigger than our own.
Tundra swans fly in the evening sky, a full moon in the background. Photo by Monica Hall
That world feels tumultuous right now, changing by the day as we adapt to new procedures to flatten the curve of this COVID-19 pandemic. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, exhausted, or scared, know that you are not alone. I have been struggling to adapt to the new level of anxiety that permeates my life and the lives of my friends and community, struggling to make changes and sacrifices that I did not feel prepared for.
My comfort has been in birding. It’s grounded me, given me calm, even simply distracted me for a few special moments of escape.
If you’re reading this, chances are you already care about birds. But maybe you haven’t looked at them lately, in the midst of all that’s going on. Or maybe you’ve always wanted to learn more and are suddenly finding yourself with the time.
Here at Madison Audubon, we’re starting up a new Entryway to Birding blog series to inspire you to look to the birds, especially in these strange and trying times. We want to help you learn about all the ways birding can expand the boundaries of your world. New birder, non-birder, seasoned birder—however you rate your skill level, we hope this blog series will have something for you.
Each week, I’ll share birding stories—of fun sightings and lessons learned—and talk a bit about my experiences as a new birder. For those of you just getting interested in birding, there will be resources and tips to help you along the way. Birding is a rewarding hobby, but can feel intimidating when you don’t have someone to show you the ropes. Don’t worry—I’ll be here to share all of my embarrassing birding faux pas with you. ;)
An eastern bluebird sits on a fence post at Yahara Heights County Park. Photo by Caitlyn Schuchhardt
Between now and next Monday, my challenge for you is simple: to spend a few minutes taking notice of the world of birds around you. You don’t need binoculars. You don’t need a field guide. You just need a few minutes to stand in silence, to listen, to look. Maybe you pay closer attention to the nest boxes you see along a park trail and spot who may be building their home for the season. Maybe you set a chair by a window you don’t often sit by to see who might fly your way. There is a whole world of life around you, and my hope is that a few minutes (or more, if you can spare!) of looking to the birds can bring you the same sense of wonder and connection it brings me.
There are other reasons that now is a good time to start birding, too:
You’ve maybe seen this article from the National Audubon Society about how birding alone can be an ideal activity to practice while social distancing,
or this one about how birding can help you practice mindfulness and empathy,
or this one, about the benefits of birding on mental health.
Struggling to stay far enough away? Put an imaginary turkey vulture between you and everyone else. Image credit to Wings and Talons
Governor Evers has included outdoor activity as an “Essential Activity” in his Safer at Home order, and that means that you can still get outside and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature—birds and all. Just be sure that you are maintaining at least six feet of space between yourself and others; avoiding visitor centers, shelters, and playgrounds; and limiting your touching of shared surfaces at any facilities you may use along your travels. I would recommend going alone or only with members of your household, seeking out spacious parks with wide trails, and going early in the morning to avoid crowds.
If you aren’t able to get outside because you are self-quarantining, you can still keep an eye on what visitors you get just outside your window. As an apartment dweller, I don’t have a yard—but my second story window does have a good vantage point on some nearby feeders! If you live in a location that seems sparse on birds, careful watching to spot one can be all the more rewarding! But if that still fails you, take a peek at some of the many bird cams offered by The Cornell Lab of Ornithology. (My favorite is the new barred owl cam—check out this recent foggy morning hooting session and try to not smile!)
To some, birds may seem trivial right now. Telling people to look at birds when we are in the middle of a global pandemic sounds a little crazy, and I get it. Birding will not solve the complicated challenges we are facing in this pandemic. But for those of us seeking connection, seeking calm, seeking joy, seeking wonder, seeking to feel anything that is not fear and uncertainty … there are birds.
And they are calling.
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Written by Caitlyn Schuchhardt
Caitlyn is the Communications and Outreach Assistant at Madison Audubon. She’s crazy for birds because they changed her life. She’ll be back next Monday with her birding “spark” story—the moment she was irrevocably hooked on birds. Between now and then, she’d love to hear about the birds you’re seeing and hearing. Leave a comment below or email to drop her a line!
