Birdwatching: Joy of spotting things full of life

Recently, I read a short article in “Birds and Blooms” magazine that explored the reasons why people feed birds. Of course, there was some variation from one person to another, but the general consensus seemed to be twofold: both to assist the birds through the winter and to attract them to the yard.

I suppose that my purpose in putting out food probably falls into those general categories, but the real truth is that I just love seeing the birds. Since I offer seed year around, I can’t truly say that I’m only trying to “help them through the winter.” In addition, although I really enjoy having the birds close to my home, that certainly isn’t my only opportunity to see them since I’m perfectly willing to venture pretty far afield to track down some particular species.

I think that I enjoy watching birds because they are so beautiful and so full of life. Probably some portion of my admiration is rooted in envy. How wonderful it must be to stretch your wings and fly up in the sky, to become free of the earth in a single moment. What is it like to have so much energy squeezed into a tiny body that you could withstand the coldest nights? How can a tiny ball of fluff, like a chickadee, be so intensely alive?

Whether you are already among those who are hooked on birds or are considering becoming a part of that fraternity, you might be interested in the Lynchburg Community Market’s Second Annual Bird Lover’s Day set for Saturday. In addition to the regular products, the market will feature a variety of bird related items.

Two speakers are scheduled as part of the day’s activities. At 10:30 a.m., Susan Wingfield, Master Gardener and member of the Lynchburg Bird Club, will talk about birds at the feeder. At 12:30 p.m., Jessica Rogers, a local naturalist, will discuss resident and migratory birds, including information on bluebirds and hummingbirds. From Lynchburg Parks and Recreation, the Nature Zone will offer displays and children’s activities. Representatives will also be available from the Virginia Master Naturalists and the Lynchburg Bird Club.

More than 65 million people in the U.S. count themselves as “bird watchers.” Come down to the City Market on Saturday to learn more about it.

News and notes
Melvin Mitchell, from Forest, called to tell me about a huge flight of Canada geese that he had observed on Jan. 13 near Waterlick Plaza on Timberlake Road. Within the space of a few minutes, he saw approximately 2,000 geese, all flying northwest from the city.

On Jan. 18, following the two nights of near-zero temperature, Mark Johnson visited some lakes in Amherst County to see how much of the water was open. Most of the lakes were pretty well iced in, but he found a little open water at Mill Creek Lake and observed nine species of ducks, including three redheads, one goldeneye and one lesser scaup.