05/29/2026
📰Welcome to the Birding Community—You Belong Here, Too
by Bernie Wilson, Bird Photographer and In Color Birding Club Board Member
I am a retired English Professor and have always loved photography. I accidentally came to the world of intentional birding as I endeavored to learn new equipment purchased for a road trip. Many years and thousands of hours later, I continue to hone my skill and also my knowledge of the birds I record.
What began almost by coincidence is now a major element of my daily life. I have learned the names of most of the birds in our area and we have traveled fairly extensively in search of birds in other places, domestic and foreign.
As a person of color, it did not escape my attention, early on, I saw few others who looked like me, but that did not deter me. The joy, peace and sense of connection I feel with the natural world buoyed my spirit, lifted my mood and lowered my stress levels immensely. To become a “birder,” all that is needed is the desire to spend time looking for or at birds. As the species are ubiquitous, this activity can be done anywhere and everywhere, anytime of year, and can be done by anyone who has a desire.
Thankfully, today, there are more people from otherwise marginal communities that are embracing our beloved pastime. This is true in our region and is being replicated across our vast country.
Continue reading: https://fow.org/welcome-to-the-birding-community-you-belong-here-too/
📷Bernie Wilson