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You can do it alone or with a group; morning or night; during most months of the year; for little or no cost. It can provide family bonding; serve as a therapeutic pastime; contribute to the greater community and improve your health. It’s bird-watching! The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s report, Birding in the United States, rates Minnesota as the 4th highest state, for bird-watching. Thirty-three percent of the population identify themselves as birdwatchers. Opportunities abound for seniors in the metro and Rochester areas to bird-watch simply for pleasure or in pursuit of life-long learning. Mental, Emotional and Social Health Benefits of Birding Mental Health The University of Minnesota hosts an Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI). Of the 123 OLLI sites nation-wide, the Minneapolis site is the only one in Minnesota. Last year, of the 235 courses taught here, 10% dealt with environmental studies, including bird watching. Scott Loss is a PhD student in Conservation Biology. This spring, Loss will teach an 8 week introductory birding course with both classroom and field experience. Veteran OLLI member, Eliot Schweitzer welcomes the younger generations’ involvement. Schweitzer, who for years has driven a van rented from U of M for bird outings is ready to pass the baton or, in this case, the car keys. Social Health Emotional Health Caregivers who find temporary relief from their perpetual duties are more apt to maintain emotional health. Respite care provides a break from care giving to the family member and enables the caregiver to continue involvement in activities they found meaningful before illness struck their family. For Ken Marble, West St. Paul, bird-watching provided that stress-buster. Marble, who took an early retirement, leads a bird group hosted by the local senior center. Marble arranged for someone to stay with his wife when she was ill, so he could maintain his leadership duties. On occasion, his wife, Jean, has ridden along with the group. Folks with limited mobility can enjoy bird-watching. Some reserves are suited for driving through acres with fruitful viewing from the car window. Birding can be done as a group-activity. Participants bring their unique strengths to the table: accurate navigating, perfect vision, good hearing, quick memory, recording skills and responsible reporting. Family Time Marble grew up watching his dad’s birdfeeders in his back yard. When Marble and Jean raised their family, they spent much time outdoors, camping and kayaking. Their interest in birding was a bridge between the generation gap. For years, Marble and their adult son Craig have phoned each other, almost daily, to compare sightings from respectively, the suburb and the Carlos-Avery area. Marble, who took an early retirement, enjoys leading the bird group because it affords him a position of teaching. “I like to introduce others to the thrill of spotting a new bird,” said Marble. “And it’s politically correct,” he continued, “Someone might balk when you say hunting or fishing but no one takes offense at birders who just quietly and carefully walk through the land.” Marble’s bird watching is complemented by his son’s hobby of photographing birds. Craig employs state-of-the-art photographic equipment to provide clear still-images, which confirm the bird’s characteristic markings. Marble can then report, with certainly, their sightings to the Minnesota Ornithologists’ Union. Contributing to the Greater Community Birding Organizations The Minnesota Ornithologist’s Union (MOU) is an entirely volunteer based and volunteer driven non-profit group of 1000 adults from all disciplines. More than 50% of members live in the metro area. They collect data then distill and disseminate their information. While the group maintains an academic atmosphere, their programs are not exclusive to scholars. Programs are free and open to the public. The Audubon Society reports dramatic decrease in the number of birds in Minnesota open country. For example, Audubon studies show a 75% decrease over the past 40 years in meadow larks and red-headed woodpeckers. Both of these organizations support a current state-wide project which monitors bird activity in Minnesota. Many participants report involvement enhances their bird experiences while honing their observation skills. Others find it motivating to contribute to an accurate base from which to compare future trends in bird activity. oel Dunnette is a MNBBA regional coordinator, serving in the Rochester area. Dunnette is passionate about the project's mission, to intelligently and effectively manage Minnesota’s bird population. “A person does not need to be an expert to contribute” Dunnette says, “But does need to have the patience to watch and note breeding behavior of any kind.” Rochester Teeming with Birding Opportunities For 30 years, Dunnette has been a member of the Zumbro Valley Audubon Society (ZVAS.) “I’ve seen membership increase modestly but steadily, to 300 members,” Dunnette said. The Quarry Hill Nature Center (QHNC), Rochester, hosts several programs each month including Saturday bird watching hikes, Sunday bird bandings and Tuesday classroom programs. QHNC’s featured guest-speaker in March is Don Mitchell, VP of MOU, one of the few federally-permitted hummingbird banders. Dunnette says the QHNC programs are, “…good opportunities to dip your toes into birding.” To learn about spring birding opportunities in your local community, simply inquire at your local parks and recreation department. For example, in Anoka county, a 5 week class taught by respected birder, Lyle Bradley begins in March. Bradley’s Ornithology/Birding class description includes: “Make a deeper connection to the environment. Identify 50 bird species. Learn about the fun and excitement that is birding.” An Invitation If you made a New Year’s Resolution to improve your overall health, consider bird watching! The following information guides you to local resources. www.birding-minnesota.com Photo courtesy of Three Rivers Parks
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Birding Boomers