Why Bird Watching?
Humans have always been fascinated with birds. The ancient Romans, for instance, believed birds could tell the future. The Bible has many instances of birds as symbols as well–the dove, the raven, and even sparrows. (For more on Birds of the Bible, see The Symbols of Christianity). Today, we continue to use birds as metaphors. The United States has a bald eagle as its national symbol. So what, you’re thinking, why should I care about birds? Birds can be an indication of overall environmental health. If you’re interested in the environment, paying attention to birds can give you insight into many aspects of nature. If you’re not a “nature-y” kind of person, bird watching may still interest to you. Why? Well, with our busy lifestyles, we often forget to slow down and enjoy the surroundings. Bird watching gives you the chance to, you know, slow down. It’s also great for the info-junkie within. Bring a notebook and keep careful track of the birds you see.
