Blog

Migration is an exciting time for birders. The number and variety brings enjoyment and fascination to almost everyone. Birding is commonly thought of as an activity of counting birds that have been seen or heard. The total species noted, along with their number, is often thought of as the objective. Recently a walk of Jocassee Wild Naturalists led by ornithologist Dr. J. Drew Lanham brought a new appreciation of birds passing through. Taking time to consider each bird as an individual having goals and struggles gives an often ignored insight into their lives. As put by Drew, “only a few weeks ago, many of these birds were across the Gulf of Mexico living in the presence of jaguars, howler monkeys, and capybaras.” A seldom considered fact. These tiny and fragile creatures are able to do something we simply can’t: live largely unassisted in a place far away and annually travel vast distances, all in an effort to find food and a place to raise their young. Each bird faces navigational challenges, predators, hazardous weather, and now pressure from ever increasing human-made barriers. What an incredible gauntlet they face each year. So let us welcome these tiny travelers. As people who care, let’s make their stay as safe and as pleasant as possible. ~Carson Johnson, Jocassee Wild Naturalist (and birder)