Who are our writers, and why do they contribute to the site without pay and with no real benefits other than worldwide fame? We thought they deserved a proper introduction, so we started this series to find out.
Your Birding History And Future
How long have you been a birder, and how did you get into birding?
It seems as though I have been a nature nut and birder forever. When I was a kid, the ravine near our home was a magnet for me. I would go down there looking under rocks for snakes and peeking into bird nests. Many times, I would be dive-bombed by an irate male Red-winged Blackbird.
Has your attitude towards birding changed with time – for example, did it get intense, do you focus on different things now, etc.?
In my late teens and early twenties, I would go birding with a friend, but it was casual. Then, there was marriage and children, so I was distracted for a few years. In my late thirties, I really got serious about birding. I started to travel and worked on building my life list.
What were the ornithological highlights in your life so far?
My highlights include seeing California Condors flying over the Grand Canyon in Arizona, Whooping Cranes in Texas, and being checked out by Yellow-billed Magpies in California. Going to Costa Rica and seeing all the fabulous birds (especially the hummingbirds) was a thrill.
What are your plans for the next few years, as related to birding? For example, trips planned?
Decisions, decisions. I am still plotting and planning, because there are so many great places, but so little time and money.
If you had to make a living off birding, what kind of activity would you try?
Writing more about birds (but, based on the revenue I am receiving from 10000birds, that may not be so profitable).
Your Life As A Non-Birder
What do you do for work?
I am retired.
Is there any link between your work and birds/birding?
Not applicable
What’s your favourite thing to do outside of birding?
Reading (about birds of course, plus mysteries and historical fiction), going to movies and plays, and especially rooting for our baseball team, the Toronto Blue Jays.
How does your personal environment (e.g., partner, children, etc.) regard your interest in birds and birding?
My adult children think I’m a little crazy, but they indulge me by occasionally going out with me and pointing out birds for me with their younger eyes. My husband finds my birding a source of endless amusement, which he shares with people we know (especially when we go to beautiful locations to check out water treatment facilities and landfills).
Birding General Info And Advice
What are some of your birding tips for beginners?
Join your local bird club, where you will find mentors who will help you on your birding journey.
How important are apps for your birding?
I do a lot of birding by ear, but I use Merlin for ID confirmation.
Do you have any favourite birding-related media (e.g., books, podcasts, websites, magazines, videos, etc.) you can recommend?
Ebird is a great site to post your trip reports. It will keep track of your life list. Also, it has lots of information on bird abundance to help you decide where and when to bird next.
Are there any aspects of birding you would like to learn more about (e.g., bird families, birding destinations, people involved in birding)?
I am always looking at birding destinations that I can dream about visiting.
10,000 Birds
Why do you write for 10,000 Birds, other than for the fame and glory?
I just thought it would be fun to be part of a blog, and it has been. I enjoy hearing that people enjoy my posts or get something out of them.
What do you like and dislike about the site? What should change?
I like the direction that the blog is taking. I think it is great that we have women contributors, younger contributors and writers from around the world.
In an ideal world, who would you want to contribute to 10,000 Birds as well?
I can’t think of anyone famous who would do it for free.
End
Is there anything else you would like to share with the readers of 10,000 Birds – maybe an answer to a question we forgot to ask?
It is never too late or too early to get into birding. If it interests you, do it and take a child along with you.
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