There’s something about birding that fosters easy, quick connections! I find most birders are incredibly welcoming and willing to help out. But having a Bruce is something special—someone who consistently offers direct guidance and support. I have so much respect for experienced birders who offer their hard-earned knowledge purely to share the joy in it. It sounds like he was able to make a big impact on you in a short time, and I admire your efforts to pay it forward!
So cool of those dog walkers were willing show you to the Barred Owl! I love when strangers go out of their way to help you find a bird just because they see the binoculars.
Now that the bush has been sufficiently beaten around, I want to thank you. Beyond the five lifers, lol. I’ve been moved by your willingness to just pick me up and take me birding (no matter how much you downplay it, it adds time). You even took me to see your nemesis, the American Pipit—though I know the Horned Lark really pushed you over the edge on that one lol. The Cleveland trip was incredible; I didn’t even realize birding like that was possible so close, but I wouldn’t have had to chance to experience without you.
Aside from that, I’ve learned so much from you. Every time we’ve gone birding, I’ve left with a mental list of birds I need to go home and read about. I don’t just scan for Black Ducks anymore; I check the gape to catch a vagrant Mottled. You’ve helped me navigate spots that would have felt confusing and overwhelming on my own (I think I should credit you for my Goldeneyes too, indirectly lol).
But more than anything, your confidence in me has meant so much. Birding has given me the chance to reinvent myself, and your encouragement about my abilities and enthusiasm has genuinely stuck with me.
P.s. You’re going to have to help me find this Barred Owl! Hoping to try again this weekend, and I refuse to make a fool of myself this time lol.
Well damn. Reading this just made my whole year. What wonderful words to wake up to
I've had so much fun birding with you and the lifers are especially thrilling. It's really gratifying to hear you've learned a few things from me, especially since you're going to surpass me as a birder in, oh, I'd say the next fifteen minutes or so...
Really looking forward to Operation Ruffed Grouse and spring migration. Hopefully some more winter birds will tern up too. Lots of birding to come!
That makes me so happy to hear! I’ve definitely learned more than a few things. But I wouldn’t go that far lol, like I’m still in awe of how you can nail split-second IDs while I need about 3-5 business days to process 💀
I’m really looking forward to Operation Ruffed Grouse too! Just a heads-up: if we see a Ruffed Grouse, I will never stop talking about it. I’ve heard some migration picks up soon, so I’ll be scanning the skies for male pattern baldness. They better come haha
I don't know either! What I do know is that we're going to have to go early in spring and early in the morning so we can hear the male's courtship drumming
And I will never shut up about it either when we find one. I might also barf with joy
oh foolishness is the key to living. In my opinion because I fall into that category. On a bird trip to Trinidad David Sibley was giving a talk about being the "fool" . He had insisted that he saw some LIFER bird and was so excited he called over the people he was birding with to show them. They assured him his new life bird was a stick and they all had a good laugh. Even David Sibley fumbles..
You are so right! I think I need to adopt that philosophy, since I definitely fall into that category too, haha. It’s good to know Sibley fumbles as well, now I can say he and I have something in common when it comes to birding lol
Ooh, I've encountered so many generous birders that have led me to unforgettable sightings including https://substack.com/@dan566 and https://substack.com/@thebirdherder. Thank you sooooooo much for the wonderful recommendation, Nate! I am thrilled I have almost convinced you to draw birds too!
I don't know if I'm more taken by the owl or Bruce or the old couple. I guess I'm taken by them all. In times that feel particularly callous, we sure need stories like these! Thank you.
well not only are we a tribe of birders loving birds and sharing their possible locations we get to see your delightful photos.. sleeping owl.. So I am stealing that for my new 'additional' name. Sleeping owl. LOL. love your hawk. Lucky you. Nettie not out birding cuz it is raining. I know i know.
There’s something about birding that fosters easy, quick connections! I find most birders are incredibly welcoming and willing to help out. But having a Bruce is something special—someone who consistently offers direct guidance and support. I have so much respect for experienced birders who offer their hard-earned knowledge purely to share the joy in it. It sounds like he was able to make a big impact on you in a short time, and I admire your efforts to pay it forward!
So cool of those dog walkers were willing show you to the Barred Owl! I love when strangers go out of their way to help you find a bird just because they see the binoculars.
Now that the bush has been sufficiently beaten around, I want to thank you. Beyond the five lifers, lol. I’ve been moved by your willingness to just pick me up and take me birding (no matter how much you downplay it, it adds time). You even took me to see your nemesis, the American Pipit—though I know the Horned Lark really pushed you over the edge on that one lol. The Cleveland trip was incredible; I didn’t even realize birding like that was possible so close, but I wouldn’t have had to chance to experience without you.
Aside from that, I’ve learned so much from you. Every time we’ve gone birding, I’ve left with a mental list of birds I need to go home and read about. I don’t just scan for Black Ducks anymore; I check the gape to catch a vagrant Mottled. You’ve helped me navigate spots that would have felt confusing and overwhelming on my own (I think I should credit you for my Goldeneyes too, indirectly lol).
But more than anything, your confidence in me has meant so much. Birding has given me the chance to reinvent myself, and your encouragement about my abilities and enthusiasm has genuinely stuck with me.
P.s. You’re going to have to help me find this Barred Owl! Hoping to try again this weekend, and I refuse to make a fool of myself this time lol.
Well damn. Reading this just made my whole year. What wonderful words to wake up to
I've had so much fun birding with you and the lifers are especially thrilling. It's really gratifying to hear you've learned a few things from me, especially since you're going to surpass me as a birder in, oh, I'd say the next fifteen minutes or so...
Really looking forward to Operation Ruffed Grouse and spring migration. Hopefully some more winter birds will tern up too. Lots of birding to come!
That makes me so happy to hear! I’ve definitely learned more than a few things. But I wouldn’t go that far lol, like I’m still in awe of how you can nail split-second IDs while I need about 3-5 business days to process 💀
I’m really looking forward to Operation Ruffed Grouse too! Just a heads-up: if we see a Ruffed Grouse, I will never stop talking about it. I’ve heard some migration picks up soon, so I’ll be scanning the skies for male pattern baldness. They better come haha
Actually, will they have molted into breeding plumage?? Yet another thing I have yet to learn
I don't know either! What I do know is that we're going to have to go early in spring and early in the morning so we can hear the male's courtship drumming
And I will never shut up about it either when we find one. I might also barf with joy
oh foolishness is the key to living. In my opinion because I fall into that category. On a bird trip to Trinidad David Sibley was giving a talk about being the "fool" . He had insisted that he saw some LIFER bird and was so excited he called over the people he was birding with to show them. They assured him his new life bird was a stick and they all had a good laugh. Even David Sibley fumbles..
Remind me to show you the “Bald Eagle” that I found behind our house a couple of years ago
You are so right! I think I need to adopt that philosophy, since I definitely fall into that category too, haha. It’s good to know Sibley fumbles as well, now I can say he and I have something in common when it comes to birding lol
He is one of the shyest people I ever met.
Ooh, I've encountered so many generous birders that have led me to unforgettable sightings including https://substack.com/@dan566 and https://substack.com/@thebirdherder. Thank you sooooooo much for the wonderful recommendation, Nate! I am thrilled I have almost convinced you to draw birds too!
Oh nice! Some more birders to follow! Thanks for sharing these :)
It's been so great to join the Ss birding/nature community as a writer and a reader. I could spend all day reading what you all contribute here
I have a sketch pad and all the art supplies in the world from my kids. Maybe I'll try my hand one of these days
Excellent story, thanks for sharing!
Thank you! Thanks so much for reading!
We hear owls all the time but I've never seen one in the twelve years I've lived here.
Do you know what kind??
no, I'm not good enough to tell their calls apart. But I love listening to them as I fall asleep.
The best sounds ever.
I don't know if I'm more taken by the owl or Bruce or the old couple. I guess I'm taken by them all. In times that feel particularly callous, we sure need stories like these! Thank you.
Funny thing is Bruce saw a Barred Owl the same day. Weird!
https://www.facebook.com/KStJBirdblog Kate St. John if you don't already know her.. She is a wonderous birder and is Frick Park often. birdsoutsidemywindow.org. her blog..
Yes! I’ve met her a couple of times. Really really great birder
well not only are we a tribe of birders loving birds and sharing their possible locations we get to see your delightful photos.. sleeping owl.. So I am stealing that for my new 'additional' name. Sleeping owl. LOL. love your hawk. Lucky you. Nettie not out birding cuz it is raining. I know i know.
Nate not out birding either. It’s miserable out there and my optics have taken enough abuse lately
Stay dry, sleeping owl, and thanks for reading!