So many questions …

There is  something about birders in the field that attracts non-birders. They see us with our bins and that is all they need to start asking questions. I try to be a birding ambassador, so I usually answer them. But, it is hard to be pulled away from looking at an interesting bird. Below are some of the most common questions/comments I get.

1. What are you looking at? Usually, someone stops and tries to see what has me fascinated with the tree tops or a bush.
2. We have those birds here ?!? This is a common question at a raptor watch. People are amazed when I tell them that Bald Eagles fly over our watch site on the Toronto lakefront. Sometimes, I tell them to look up because there goes an eagle right now.
3. I saw a (pick your colour) bird. What was that? I throw out a few bird names and that seems to satisfy most people.
4. To go with the question above, people whistle or make sounds, then ask what does that. Many times, I tell them it’s a rodent or bug, which they don’t believe.
5. Sometimes, someone will get me to come look at a bird. When I identify it for them, they ask if I am sure it’s that bird. (It leaves me wondering why they asked an expert if they don’t want to accept the answer.)
6. Are you a bird guide? Do you lead walks? I tell them to look online for the local bird club (e.g., Toronto Ornithological Club). These clubs offer free walks, open to all.
7. In Florida, I get asked if I’ve seen any alligators. Most places I visit have at least one, so I can make these people happy by pointing them out.
8. Here is my favourite comment, overheard by me, when two women were talking: “Ask the birder. They know everything.” It is nice to be appreciated!

Note: Cartoon of Northern Cardinal at top of column generated by Google Gemini.