While some would strenuously argue the point, birding is primarily a visual pursuit. Of course, ace birders would correctly assert that their ears may be their greatest assets in the field, while others like my buddy Mel in Texas would point out that even the blind can enjoy birding. But those accurate exceptions miss the point.

Bird watching, in its purest form, requires birds and watching. We cogitate quite a bit about the birds, but how often do we consider the concept of watching? Connie Kogler of Birds O’ The Morning has clearly given the idea a lot of thought! Ponder her pointed questions on how to watch a bird while enjoying an insightful edition of I and the Bird #142.

What have you been watching? If the answer is anything other than “amazing birds” you can move on. However, if you have had your eye on amazing avifauna, and have been moved to write about your incisive observations, you should share them with the audience of I and the Bird. Our next host is Pacific Northwest nature nut Mike at Slugyard. Send your links and summaries to me (mike AT 10000birds DOT com) or Mike (mikebezner AT comcast DOT net) by the first of February for the 2/3 edition.

Written by Mike
Mike is a leading authority in the field of standardized test preparation, but he's also a traveler who fully expects to see every bird in the world. Besides founding 10,000 Birds in 2003, Mike has also created a number of other entertaining but now extirpated nature blog resources, particularly the Nature Blog Network and I and the Bird.