Why Join a Board of a Society

As an avid birder, I submit that by birding we become aware of and intensely involved in our surroundings, in nature itself.  I live with the conviction that we, as individuals and as a species, are a part of nature—not apart from nature. Think of the last time you left your normal confines behind and headed to a nearby park or a forest or the lake.  You have left behind the discordant hustle bustle of city life for the tranquility and beauty of Mother Nature.  And you were peaceful.  The difference is so noticeable that one cannot wonder whether it is folly or expedience to invest so much of ourselves in the confines of city existence.

As a part of nature we are compelled to engage in responsible stewardship.  We are, in fact, endowed with the wherewithal to do so.  Some would go so far as to argue a Biblical mandate exists.  For others, there is just some truth in the admonition that “a species cannot long live in its own filth”.

Brown Thrasher
Photograph by Bill Ravenscroft

Whether it is from a pessimism or optimism we approach stewardship, it is clear the collective can accomplish great things and small enhancements.  The mutual benefits of a societal effort are the visible and outward sign of our belief in the common good, the balance of nature, and prosperity for ourselves. Once convinced of this we begin as individuals to do our part, to effect a change in our own behavior, decisions, and activities.  Thence, we become involved in organizations with whom we find congress and common purpose.

Ultimately, the decision to step into a leadership role becomes the logical conclusion.  With that decision, one gains an enhanced perspective, friendships, and connections to the community.  It enables the employment of skills one already possesses and the acquisition of new ones.  It provides an avenue to become actively involved in one’s community.  It provides opportunity to live one’s beliefs.

Carry On!

Oh, for a means to carry my stuff!

February 16, 2012

The Swift TLS by Mountainsmith

Birders are always looking for ways to conveniently carry their stuff as they head to the field.  An adventure made so much easier because one can carry and gain access to a needed field guide, or camera or notebook, that’s what it’s all about.  Here it is; the Swift TLS is a two in one.  It can be used as an over the shoulder bag or a lumbar pack.

Mountainsmith makes these eco-friendly packs and each carries a lifetime warranty.  Grab one for you and go have fun.

Learn more.

Visit us at www.kingbirdfeeders.com for quality binoculars, spotting scopes, bird feeders, bird houses, field guides, and gear.

Park Greeter at McKinney Falls

Red Tail Hawk
Photograph by Roy Smallwood

 

Following up on last week’s post, we were greeted by this individual just prior to the entrance to McKinney Falls State Park.  The park is just southeast of Austin.  It is a marvel that something as great as this park lies so close to a major city, but it does.

 Our Red Tail greeter has found a wonderful spot to hunt.  There were sufficient high perches as well as a fence line from which to draw his vantage points.  The field looked as if it would provide some tasty meals.

Lower McKinney Falls
Photograph by P Smallwood

Once inside the park we headed to the visitors center where we learned about Thomas McKinney and his family’s life on this ranch in the late 19^th century.  The original homestead is partly restored.  We could not get to it this day for the falls were flowing with the water from very badly needed recent rains.  Another day, perhaps.  No matter, we hiked and found other birds and flora.

A Park in Need of Help

Last Saturday we did something we love to do and have done quite often.  We visited a state park.  It was a grand day.  The weather was perfect, a crisp morning that warmed into a sun filled afternoon.  The park was not crowded, but we were happy to noticed that other people were about and enjoying the park as well.

My state has found itself in a financial crisis, as have many of yours.  Our legislators have for years neglected and underfunded state parks.  This year they chose not to ignore; they chose to gut the state parks budget.  To be fair, the state parks weren’t the only entities to feel the pain of the legislature’s budget cutting. 

However, wildfires have damaged so many acres in my state.  As fate would have it, one state park was almost completely consumed by the worst wildfire in this state’s history.  Rains have come since, eroding soil and damaging roads and other structures in the park.  The effects of these twins of fire and rain were exacerbated by the lack of funds and resources to combat them.

One must acknowledge the varied and many missions of parks.  Some preserve history; tell stories of our ancestors and their toils to carve out a living, to establish a community, and to build a country.  Others, document the presence of creatures that once roamed our lands, swam in our waters, or flew in the atmosphere above.  Some afford us the opportunity to escaped the hustle of our lives and relax.  Others still allow us to know the wonders of nature.

The state parks helped mold the tight bonds between members of my family.  In them, my children were taught to be resourceful and flexible, that they could endure some inclement weather, that a little dirt was good for their disposition as well.  On camping trips, we learned to divvy up the chores, and the more everyone helped, the faster we all got to the fun stuff.

The same can be said for today’s families and parks.  The parks can prove an avenue to great fun, learning and building strength of character and relationship.  If you can, this is a plea for you to help out your local park.  Find one to support.  Your world will be better for it.