As usual lately I'm bringing up the rear seeing a Rare visitor to our area this time of year. I finally had a lovely visit with the Orange-Crowned Warbler and a fellow birder as we marveled at how social it was. Do not feel obligated to look at all the photos, but it took me so many visits (not at 10am) to finally land it (at exactly 10am) this morning. Don't get me wrong -- I knew it showed up at 10am, I just had to work. Only 50 more work days in this lifetime! Enjoy this adorable (it's tiny) bird. On to the next "White Whale" bird!
I had an epiphany today while out birding and listening to my Birding Murder Mystery. One of the characters said "Beginning birders identify birds. Experienced birders recognize them."
Aha! That is it!
At this point, I'm getting good at identifying some birds (although I still need to ask for help more often that I'd like). There are some I recognize and it's more every month, but I long to be a birder who doesn't need to verify the photo or even check the book.
When a started out in late 2019 a very wise birder told me it takes years to be a good birder. At that point I did not appreciate the nuance. I do now. Right now I would say I'm an adequate birder. I admire the dedication and tenacity it takes to be a good birder. I hope to be one, someday.
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