Short-eared Owl

“What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?”

— David Attenborough

  • One of the main attractions is the opportunity to spend time outdoors in nature, appreciating the beauty and diversity of bird species. Bird watching allows enthusiasts to explore different habitats, from forests to wetlands, and observe birds in their natural environment.

  • Birders develop a profound appreciation for the diversity of bird species, as well as the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the need for conservation. This fosters a sense of environmental responsibility and stewardship.

  • Birding is a social activity that can be enjoyed alone or with others who share a similar passion. Birders form communities to exchange tips, sightings, and stories, and participate in conservation projects as a team, fostering a sense of camaraderie and connection to fellow nature enthusiasts.

  • Birding often goes hand in hand with photography and artistic expression. Capturing stunning bird images and creating bird-themed artwork allows birders to showcase their creativity and share their passion with others.

  • Birds often act as indicators of environmental health. Their population trends and behavioral changes can provide valuable insights into the condition of the environment. Declining bird populations can alert us to environmental issues such as pollution, habitat loss, and climate change, prompting us to take necessary conservation actions.

  • Exploring various habitats in search of birds often involves walking, hiking, or other physical activities, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.

  • Regular birding hones observational abilities, as birders learn to spot birds based on subtle visual and auditory cues. This skill translates beyond birding and enhances the ability to notice details in everyday life.

  • Birding involves continuous learning about species, habitats, behavior, and migration patterns. This intellectually stimulating pursuit contributes to cognitive enrichment and a lifelong thirst for knowledge.

  • Being a birder encourages a sense of discovery and curiosity. Each bird sighting presents a new challenge to identify the species, learn about its behavior, and understand its role in the ecosystem. This continuous learning process can be intellectually stimulating and satisfying.

  • Birds have also held cultural and symbolic significance in human history. They have inspired art, literature, and folklore in diverse cultures around the world. Their songs and calls have inspired musicians and poets, adding richness to human culture and heritage.

Birds play a crucial role in our ecosystem, making them an essential part of our natural world. Being a birder enriches your life and deepens your connection to the natural world.

Their presence not only adds beauty to our surroundings but also serves various important functions that directly impact our lives.

Do you know your birding lingo?

“It became the first Osprey on my life list.”

life list

/līf list/

noun

USE: ORNITHOLOGICAL

A list of all bird species observed by a person during his or her life.

  • Lifer | Lifebird: A first-ever sighting of a bird species by an observer

  • Nemesis | Nemesis Bird: a bird that has eluded a birder despite multiple attempts to see it

  • Little Brown Bird or LBB: an informal name used by birders for any of the large number of species of small brown passerine birds which are notoriously difficult to distinguish

  • Nottabird: Something that looks like a bird from a distance but turns out not to be a bird when binoculars or a spotting scope are used

  • Usual Suspects: Refers to the birds you would normally expect to see in an area each time you go there

  • Wood Duck habitat is along slow moving rivers, swamps and ponds where large trees overhang water; they are the only North American waterfowl who regularly raise two broods a year. The morning after hatching, ducklings are called by the mother on the water. They crawl to the lip of the tree cavity, and then plunge to the ground from as high as 50 feet, thereafter making their way to their mother. Because these newborns are limber and light, this characteristic is not detrimental to the species’ success.

  • Male color identifiers are iridescent green crest on the head, white chin stripe, white and black shoulder stripes and a tan side.  Female color identifiers are a white eye patch on a gray head, and a hint of a crest. The Wood Duck is about 17-20”, smaller than a mallard.

  • In the 1930’s, Wood Ducks were thought to be threatened with extinction – from the decline in habitat due to tree harvesting and from hunting pressure. Legal protection and provision by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has helped their recovery. Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Duck Stamp Act, the Artificial Nest Box Program was launched; these nest boxes in the U.S. and southern Canada have helped increase the range of wood ducks in the north and west.

Do you have the Wood Duck on your life list yet? Be on the lookout for this stunning duck in northern Idaho’s five counties!

Adapted from the Bird-of-the-Month Presentation by Heather Smith at the Chapter Meeting

Featured Bird

The Wood Duck is one of a few ducks who nest in tree cavities, sometimes as high as 50 feet, and perch in trees; they have broad wings and a long wide tail for maneuvering in the branches.

Aix Sponsa, which loosely translated means bridal duck, has no close relative except the Mandarin duck of East Asia.