There's something about the quiet solitude of birding that appeals to many people, me included. But there's also a camaraderie that's a big part of the experience for most of us. Seeing a good bird or a migration spectacle or a crazy interaction is fun; seeing it with friends even more so. There's something that's so great about being able to turn to a friend and say "omigawd didja see that??"
Even when you're alone, that kinship is strong. Quite often, you're birding in place that was set aside to give nature some breathing room; it was done by people who wanted to make sure that others could continue to experience what they had felt when they came to the place. That desire to share the joys of birding is strong... it's why we're here Sunday mornings, isn't it?
It doesn't have to be a beautiful day if you're among friends.
ps - can anyone pick out the other Kossack in this photo?
Yesterday I went to see the movie "The Legend of Pale Male" (opens in new window). I've followed the story of New York's most famous redtail for nearly ten years now, and this was going to be even more interesting because the film maker, Frederic Lilien, would be there for Q&A after the screening.
The footage of the birds was wonderful - not surprising because this photogenic bird had been before the lenses for well over a decade now. But what really made the movie come alive was the community who came together around Pale Male and his families. It's hard to get a shot of a wild hawk taking a pigeon, or a fledgling jumping into its first flight (a pretty funny sequence in the film, as it happens). It's harder still to tell the story of a community being built through the events that shape them, to capture the warmth without becoming cloying. The band of friends and bird lovers becomes a powerful force when the hawks are evicted, pulling together to triumph over powerful, monied adversaries. (That was another welcome story line.)
Redtails are good at creating ties between birds and humans, I've noticed...
I have written several diaries about my experiences hawk banding, but not so much for the season that's just wrapping up. I showed up every week, but the hawks didn't. I didn't mind too much, though - we have a great group of people and that keeps me coming back. It's sort of the same thing here - I sometimes feel like walking away from the site when the politics out there get too frustrating, but this community keeps me coming back. (signing on the post this, it seemed appropriate to see noweasels' diary atop the rec list.) I love getting to share everyone's birding adventures and backyard moments.
I've been mulling over a birding trip for Bay Area Kossacks (and any others who might be in the area) for a while now. I'm thinking that sometime in late January or early February would be good - my schedule is more open that time of year, and there are a lot of good places to go and take in the wintering birds. Any interest? Let me know in the comments.
It's seems like we're a bit more toward the north bay, so I'm thinking about someplace like Solano/Woodbridge (I wrote about it last week) or Pt. Reyes. But there are many good places a little further south that shouldn't be too hard for the northerly folks - Baylands/Shoreline, for example. Any other suggestions?
(after I get a sense of who's interested and possible times, I'll email around to put together a plan. If your email is not in your profile, send me a message at the address in my profile so I can include you.)
UPDATE: Gotta attend to getting the house ready for a our cooking baking fest. I'll email folks tomorrow or Tuesday to start sorting out possible dates.