year of the bird

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"One reason that wild birds matter—ought to matter—is that they are our last, best connection to a natural world that is otherwise receding...The radical otherness of birds is integral to their beauty and their value," writes acclaimed novelist Jonathan Franzen in his cover story for the January National Geographic. Franzen is also an avid birder.

National Geographic has declared 2018 the year of the bird to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. In part to raise awareness to the plight of birds around the world as did the bird treaty act did a century ago. 

Yet, before you think this is an ode to birds, it is not, it is a celebration. Yes, many species are in danger, too many. (Read my UT Press books Ghost Birds and Ephemeral by Nature.) Birds are indeed fragile and struggling primarily due to habitat loss. But let me remind you that they are also smart, adaptable and tenacious. Birds are not descended from dinosaurs. They are cousins with most of today's bird groups sharing the planet with dinosaurs all those years ago. Imagine a nuthatch-like bird hopping around on the leg of a brachiosaurus! But the last great extinction event of 86± million years ago that did in the dinos, did not whip out the birds. They figured out a way to carry on.

To join in the celebration I will be doing more birding programs this year than ever before. Here are the next two.

Saturday, February 3, 10 a.m. to noon
Birds and Biscuits: Bird Song at Ijams
(Recommended for ages 8 and up) They’re colorful. They’re musical. They are present year-round. It’s no wonder that birds have fascinated people for generations. Learn some of the songs and calls you hear in your yard and what they mean, from chickadee chatter to meadowlark melodies to cardinal chips. Ijams provides a morning snack of warm biscuits, jam and honey. The fee for this program is $10 per person. Call 577-4717, ext. 110 or go online to ijams.org/events/

Sunday, February 4, 1 to 4 p.m.
Winter Waterfowl at Cove Lake with Ijams
(Recommended for Ages 8 and up) Join me for a beginner’s birding workshop at Cove Lake State Park. The lake serves as a magnet for migrating birds, including hundreds of geese and other waterfowl. I will give you the tips of the trade as you learn the basics of bird identification. Please bring binoculars and a blanket or lawn chair. Meet at Ijams. Spaces are very limited, so register today. The fee for this program is $8 per person. Call 577-4717, ext. 110 or go online to ijams.org/events/


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