Christian Cooper, science writer and host of “Extraordinary Birder With Christian Cooper”, discusses the pleasures of birding, the importance of inclusion in nature, and how anyone can connect with the awe and wonder of the world. He shares a powerful anecdote about correcting a professional birder's identification and earning their mentorship. Christian also provides a valuable birding tip on using binoculars for bird watching.
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Quick takeaways
Birding offers a variety of pleasures including appreciating the beauty of birds, joy of scientific discovery, and the thrill of encountering rare species.
Birding reminds us of the interconnectedness between the natural world and human activity, highlighting the influence of human actions on bird habitats and migrations.
Deep dives
Birding: Engaging with the Natural World
Birding, also known as bird watching, is the act of going out to enjoy the wild birds around us. It involves watching, listening, and appreciating the beauty of birds and learning about them. Birding allows us to engage with the natural world, providing a sense of calm and connection to nature. It can be done in both urban and natural settings and encourages us to be present and observe the wonders of bird life.
The Seven Pleasures of Birding
Birding offers a variety of pleasures that enhance the experience. Firstly, the beauty of birds, their songs, colors, and patterns captivate our attention. Then, being in a natural setting provides joy and appreciation for the environment. The joy of scientific discovery arises when observing bird behaviors and learning new facts. Birding also offers the joy of hunting without harm, as we search for and observe birds in their natural habitats. The pleasure of puzzle-solving comes from identifying and differentiating between bird species. Additionally, birding offers the joy of collecting through maintaining lists of birds seen, along with the thrill of encountering rare and elusive species, known as the unicorn effect. Lastly, birding allows us to share our passion with others, passing it on and experiencing the excitement of others discovering the beauty of birds for the first time.
Birding and the Context of Human Impact
Birding reminds us of the interconnectedness between the natural world and human activity. Birds are not separate from our human-built environments, but rather a part of it. As humans, we have the ability to modify and shape our environments, just as birds build nests and other creatures modify their surroundings. It's essential to recognize the influence of human actions on bird habitats and migrations, such as climate change and urban development. Understanding this context enriches our appreciation for birds and their place in the world.
Getting Started with Birding
Birding requires minimal equipment, but a pair of binoculars can enhance the experience. Beginners can start by simply observing birds with their naked eyes, whether it's from their windows, in a park, or during a nature walk. Being attentive to bird movements, sounds, and silhouettes can help spot and identify different species. Bringing binoculars to the eyes while focusing on the bird, rather than vice versa, greatly improves visibility. By immersing ourselves in the natural world and cultivating curiosity, anyone can embark on a fulfilling birding journey.
If you ask Christian Cooper, a science writer, editor, and the host of the show “Extraordinary Birder With Christian Cooper”, birding can teach us all kinds of lessons about life, self-acceptance, and joy. In this episode, Christian shares what he deems as the seven pleasures of birding, why inclusion is especially important in life-affirming pursuits, and how anyone (city-dwellers and countryside-residents alike) can commune with nature to unlock the awe and wonder of the world around us. For the full text transcript, visit go.ted.com/BHTranscripts
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