Massive alligators emerged from dark depths of the marsh to bask on the nearby banks. Wading birds slowly strode by them seeking snails, fish and other delicacies.
“They’re too cold to be predatory now,” my biologist sister said. Suddenly, the one closest to me lifted its head and plunged back into the water. Yikes! I’d gotten too close. My fingers still gripped my sister’s arm as she added, “Well, they can still defend themselves. So they may not eat you, but they still can bite.” I kept my distance after that show of reptilian speed, especially since these gators were the biggest I’d ever seen.
Then the swift movement of a secretive wading bird caught my eye. An American Bittern, about the size of a chicken, plunged its beak into the water and brought up a fish. Handsome patterns on its brown feathers enabled it to blend into the marsh grasses, especially when it lifted its beak skyward among the tall reeds. When watching birds, movement helps us to know right where to look. In this case, the bittern’s quick action meant it got breakfast. Other birdwatchers on the Payne’s Prairie boardwalk had spotted it, too.
“Kids, come quick,” called a tiny white-haired woman. “It’s a Lumpkin eating a fish!” She stood next to me by the rail, beaming with joy. “I’m just learning about Lumpkins, and I want to show my grandkids,” she remarked. I didn’t want to embarrass her, so I whispered that it was a Bittern, and the bigger wading birds with white spots hunting for apple snails were the Limpkins. “Oh darn,” she said. “I thought I knew my Lumpkins! I just love them so.”
Her words made my day! To learn about birds at any age is wonderful, but especially for older adults who are willing to discover more about them with children. Bravo for this enthusiastic grandmother. The excitement she shared with youngsters at that moment was more important than an incorrect name.
Her enjoyment reminded me of my brother-in-law from California who came with our family to Jekyll Island. As an avid fisherman, I was surprised to see him just sitting on a chair among the trees looking up at the branches. I slid into the chair next to him and asked what he was watching. “They’re so beautiful. I’ve never seen red blue-jays before,” he replied with a grin. “There are so many, and they’re all so bright!” I told him they were Northern Cardinals, but he said he’d always remember them as red blue-jays.
I mentioned this experience to an Oconee Rivers Audubon Society guide who leads bird walks in the Athens area. Ed said, “To show beginners a male cardinal with sunlight on its wings is a great way to inspire them.” He explained that birding is for all ages and moments like that help new birders want to learn more.
The saying that we protect what we love is another good reason for older birders to share their interest with youngsters. When learning together about birds, adults of all ages are serving as role models. Kids may grow more involved in protecting birds and other wildlife and their habitats. Birding is an activity that brings hope.
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