One of the pleasures of being a part of the Friends of Malheur is having the privilege of representing the organization at public events. The past few weeks I’ve been able to do this at both the Harney County Migratory Bird Festival and the Earth Day event put on by the Environmental Center in Bend. At the Bird Festival I hosted one of the five stations on this year’s Bird Crawl, while at the Earth Day event I helped staff the Friends booth.
In theory, these volunteer assignments are “work,” but in reality they are just plain fun. I don’t think there is a better way to spend time than being outdoors and talking about nature with other like-minded people. Being outdoors is always a pleasure, but it is the people I meet who make these events so special.
In the birding world there is a very special sense of community. If you’re a member of the Friends of Malheur, I suspect you know how easily birders come together in all sorts of settings to enjoy each other and the natural world. Knowledge passes from person to person and instant friendships blossom.
I saw this the past several weekends. My Bird Crawl station was on the deck at the Malheur Refuge visitor center at refuge headquarters, and a steady stream of happy people came by the watch spring birds and get their Bird Crawl cards stamped. Everyone had their binoculars at the ready, and shared sightings flowed from one group to the next. Smiles abounded.
At the Earth Day event, FOMR’s table offered an opportunity for “children of all ages” to touch replica bird skulls and eggs. This simple approach brought in family after family, most with young children, and again the human interchange was a joy to be as part of. What can bring more pleasure than seeing fascination appear on children’s faces?
When we are asked what makes us birders, most of us probably answer with something about the beauty of birds and the challenge of seeking them out. But I propose, if we think a bit more, most of us will admit that being a part of the community of birders is almost as important. As birders we connect with others who share our interests and values. We share knowledge; we share a sense of wonder. What can be better than that?
– W. Tweed
