President's Message: Birding Helps You Experience More Than Just Birds

November 2026

By Jessica Parrish, President

There are many types of birders, and I would claim the title of “slow birder."

My life and work feel very fast paced, and birding allows me to slow down, listen and tune into a chip to see if I can scan around for a bird. While scanning around, I then take in the landscape and my thoughts will drift to “what kind of flower is that?” or “Hmm, it's gotten warmer since I first set out."

It's a time for me to be a little less focused and enjoy the essence of what it means to be outside. I enjoy a list, but you're not going to catch me chasing a bird.

That said, while I was leading the Beginning Bird Walk, I couldn't help to pick up on the excitement from other birders and photographers on the hunt for the Yellow Breasted Chat.

Often with bird walks, you'll have birders helping each other out trying to spot birds, pointing out characteristics that help identify birds beyond a shadow of a doubt. I keep a list, sure, but I have to think pretty hard on the last time I knew if a bird was a lifer to me or not.

Birding comes to us in all shapes and sizes. Backyard, urban, on foot, by ear only, etc.; maybe it's time to rethink how you bird and if there's another way to try. You might find a new joy.

The next time you see me, ask me about the perils of birding by car. I swear I haven't caused any accidents.