9 Things for the Mexican-American Birder

Recently Drew Lanham wrote an article entitled "9 Rules for the Black Birdwatcher" in Orion Magazine (Link Here).  This article was written with some good humor and a couple of reality checks for the birding community.  Indeed, the birding community could use better outreach into the different communities that make up our diverse nation.  Better Outreach means more effective monitoring of birds, conservation efforts, and a stronger community.

When I first became a birder, I could hardly tell one site from another and distinguish between the different kinds of warblers.  But as I grew and became a better birder, people started to know me, welcome me, and help me.  That was great of course, but I wondered how outreach from the birding community worked.  I know that many people going into school, spend their time mentoring and helping out science classrooms

The blessing of nature is that it helps people connect better to each other and better connections to nature help create better communities. We all have a responsibility to share the wonders of the natural world with each other for our own health and the health of the world.  While this didn't turn out to be much of a list, it is as the article was to me.  A great mental exercise and reminder of why we are outside and why we should try to share our joys with others.  Until the next, go outside and enjoy some pictures!

Coming Soon: an ABA Rarity, and a Reaction to a Commercial