During a run last month with one of my Jiu Jitsu brothers along the river we saw two people standing off the side of the trail out in the middle of nowhere. As we got closer we noticed they had binoculars, guide books, hiking boots and as one was looking towards the river the other was taking notes. My buddy quipped “what do you think they are doing way out here?”
A few random guesses later we came to the conclusion they were bird watching. Next came the realization that yes, bird watching is still a thing. So began my quest to learn more about not only the birds the men were watching but the bigger world of bird watching.
A few clicks of the keypad and I quickly found the Fresno Audubon Society web site and it was taken away to a whole new view of what I had thought was just bird watching. The Fresno Audubon Society mission statement pulled at my heart strings citing the goal of conservation, science, education and advocacy. I think it would be a challenge for most people to read the whole mission and not feel engaged by the message.
“Fresno Audubon believes in science and education as mechanisms of empowerment and positive change. Science informs our decision making in both our advocacy and education programs. We support local Citizen Science as a method to building a sustainable environment for people, birds, and other wildlife.” – Quote from information page.
After geeking out of their web page for about a half an hour I’ve learned about the local and national movements, had my eyes opened to the science behind bird watching, checked out they have field trips and found an interactive bird watching hot spot map and signed up for the email newsletter so I can be up to date on future events and meetings. Speaking meetings, they are having the January general meeting Tuesday 1-13-15 which is tomorrow if you are reading this on publish day.
Once again the outdoors lovers of FresYes have done something great for our environment, our play areas, our wildlife and its citizen outdoorsmen and women. I encourage you to check it out and if you enjoy the outdoors as I do and want to protect it and its inhabitants locate the paypal button and spend the $20 to become a member and download the birdwatching checklist.
Now the next time I’m running along the river with a friend I’ll be armed with a little more knowledge about the world around me and that in my view is priceless.
- Invitation to the Ball - November 6, 2015
- Sportsman’s Warehouse, the New Kid In Town - July 20, 2015
- The Freewheel Project - July 13, 2015
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