I hope that the group will indulge me if I reflect on my 50 years of
birding....today. I was a callow 15 years old when a school pal asked me if
I'd like to go along on a bird walk with him. I already had an interest in
science (especially astronomy) and I wanted to learn more about the
"natural sciences." He showed me an early version of Roger Tory Peterson's
field guide, and I was astonished.
The next day, May 30, 1963, we headed out into the woods with my Lafayette
7x50s and a notebook. We listed about 25 species. I was instantly hooked.
I cannot say enough about birding as a hobby. It has inspired me to travel
to most of the 50 states and explore the avifauna of Venezuela, Costa Rico
(twice), Trinidad and Tobago, St. Lucia, Jamaica, and parts of Europe. But
you don't have to travel....I'm still finding new things in the birds that
come to my feeders and nest in my trees (and, currently, in my
garage....bless those Caroline Wrens).
I hope that all on this listserve can boast one day of 50 years of birding
(or more)....it's a lifelong avocation that never gets stale.
And if you have any opportunities to invite someone along on a bird walk,
do so. You may be starting a grand new adventure.
Fred Burggraf
Dentsville, MD
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