Welcome to our monthly Meet a Birder feature! Some people believe you have to be a competitive, elite list-keeper to be a birder, but since there are so many unique ways to enjoy birds, we believe it’s time to redefine what that means. Anyone who loves and appreciates birds should be able to call themselves a birder, because the more bird-lovers out there, the better!
Know someone (maybe you!) who’d like to be featured? Email ksvabek@madisonaudubon.org.
MEET MELISSA KESLING!
Melissa Kesling stands in a green savannah with big twisted pines in the background. She holds binoculars and has a camera around her neck. (Photo courtesy of Melissa)
Hi! My name is Melissa and I love birds! I am an environmental educator at Aldo Leopold Nature Center where I have been for the past five years. I really started paying attention to birds in the last few years and feel like they have filled a void in my life I didn’t even know was there. If I’m not at work or spending time with my family, I am usually out looking for birds or leading walks for birding groups in the area.
What is your ‘spark story’—how you first got into birding?
I was introduced to my first real birding experience, where I went out and intentionally tried to find and identify the birds I saw, in May 2018. I went to Turville Point with a friend. I did not know at the time, but May is when warbler migration is in full swing. As we were walking into the park, I remember being completely awestruck by the number of tiny colorful birds, a.k.a. warblers, whizzing around in the canopy. I had never seen a warbler before, and couldn’t believe these amazing little birds were in Wisconsin. My friend was calling out the names of the warblers as we were finding them. I was in shock because I hadn’t heard of a single one of these birds! At the end of the walk I came to two conclusions: I was going to learn as much as I could about these fascinating animals and “warbler neck” is a real thing. In 2019, we set a goal to see 200 species in Dane County and I haven’t stopped since.
If you could Encounter any bird in the world, what would it be?
I don’t think I have just one! My answer changes based on the time of year or what I have read recently, like my favorite bird. As of right now, I would have to pick one of the birds of paradise. Watching them do their courtship dance is something definitely on my birding bucket list. Something a little closer to home would be an Atlantic Puffin. My daughter, who also loves birds, wants to see one as well.
Favorite places to bird?
My three favorite places to bird are UW Lakeshore Preserve, Lake Kegonsa State Park, and UW-Arboretum. I love places that have a lot of habitat variety and are pretty “birdy” all year long. I have been spending more time trying to explore some new places too.
What advice would you give new birders?
I think one of the best things a new birder can do is find someone to go birding with. This can be another person, it doesn’t have to be a birder, or join a group walk. It’s so helpful to have another person help spot the birds and remember different field marks so you can try to ID the bird, if that’s what you want to do. It’s also okay to just go out and look at birds without trying to identify them! Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions! I think you also have to be okay with not being able to identify every bird, and realizing it’s okay to make mistakes. Lastly, although not necessary, I think having some sort of ID guide is helpful. I personally like the Merlin Bird ID app I have on my phone. I think it’s easier than using a book and it is super helpful to have lots of pictures of possible birds right in your phone.
Now is the time to start if you have been interested in birding. There are some great groups that lead monthly walks right here in Madison. The Feminist Bird Club and BIPOC Birding Club are a few. There are also lots of field trips through local organizations [check out Madison Audubon’s upcoming field trips—Melissa will be leading one on October 9!]. These are great, because not only will you learn where to find birds, you will get lots of tips while out in the field.
Cover image: Yellow-rumped Warbler by Phil Brown.
