We’re celebrating #BlackBirdersWeek — and today’s theme is #LiferMemories!

Hello, my name is Dexter Patterson. My birding story started about a month after the pandemic shut everything down across the country, including here in Dane County. I have always been fascinated by birds, but I never gave my curiosity the attention it warranted for anything substantial to come of it. Suddenly, I found myself outdoors a lot and taking pictures of birds I seldom ever noticed before in my neighborhood with my iPhone.

That initial intrigue had me seeking knowledge, so I started joining various birding groups on Facebook, and before you know it, I was hooked. The pictures on display in these groups are breathtaking but also inspiring. I wanted to be a bird photographer, but there was so much I needed to learn. I asked tons of questions, many I was initially scared to ask because I was a newbie. I didn't want to look dumb, but to my surprise, I was greeted with kindness and generosity from most members. I've learned a lot from my birding peers. I continue to build relationships with many birders I admire across the state, thanks to these groups. There's not a day that goes by that I don't see an image of a bird that motivates me to get outside, take photos, and study more about our feathered friends.

For any birders out there worried you need a super expensive camera or the best-of-the-best equipment to go birding, you don't. I use an inexpensive Panasonic FZ-80 point-and-shoot digital camera, iPhone 11, and my binoculars when I go birding. Someday I hope to save enough to purchase a DSLR or mirrorless camera with all the fancy lenses. Still, for now, I make the best of what I have, and I encourage you all to do the same. One thing I've learned in life is that your best will always be enough, and that's true for birding as well. Don't put so much pressure on yourself. Appreciate the birds and have fun.

Photos below are from Dexter’s Instagram feed (@wiscobirder): First row: American White Pelican and Great Blue Heron. Second row: Rose-breasted Grosbeak and Yellow Warbler

Over the past six months, I've also started to use tools like eBird to get tips on Lifers or birds I do not see on my typical birding outings. In April, I got a lead in one of the Facebook Groups. The Yellow-headed Blackbirds were at the Vienna Waterfowl Production Area on Hwy V in Waunakee, which got me super excited because that was fifteen minutes away from where I live. Since my first Spring trip to the Patrick Marsh Wildlife Area in Sun Prairie, the Yellow-headed Blackbird has been on my Lifer list. They have historical markers on the walking trail that explain the marsh's history. According to one sign, the Yellow-headed Blackbird was a common species you could see nesting in the cattails. Unfortunately, they no longer nest at Patrick Marsh. Nevertheless, I was thrilled at even the opportunity to see one in neighboring Waunakee.

When I arrived, I could hear the bird before I saw it. The distinct call of the Yellow-headed Blackbird reminded me of an old rusty door opening and closing in the distance. I focused my binoculars on the cattails, and before you know, there it was right in front of me in all its glory—a male Yellow-headed Blackbird. I was in fan mode and couldn't move for a few seconds. I slowly got my camera ready because I didn't want to scare it off, and I just started shooting pictures. Before you know it, I saw several males in the area and even a couple of females beginning to build nests. I remember calling my mom screaming, "I found it! I found it! I found the Yellow-headed Blackbird!" I spent a couple of hours watching them that day. I have gone back a couple of times since, including with my mother, and it never gets old. I'm a massive fan of blackbirds and feel like many blackbirds get a lousy wrap, which I believe distracts people from their beauty and contributes to them being underappreciated.

I've driven all over the state in the past year and a half, birding. Still, I need to remind myself that some of my most memorable birding moments have happened right here in Dane County. I encourage you all to get out and enjoy the beautiful parks and protected wildlife areas we have in the 608. In my short time as a birder, I learned that we have great birds around us all the time; we must pay attention. There's no better feeling for me than to tell a fellow birder, "Congratulations on your Lifer!" Let's connect on Instagram, and maybe, we'll bump into each other on the trails someday. Happy Birding!

Written by Dexter Patterson (Sun Prairie)
Instagram: @wiscobirder
Website: https://wiscobirder.picfair.com/