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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Readers Choice 2006 Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Our Valley Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend October 13, 2006 Birders� Quiz: You are birding in areas of farms and marshlands when you see what appears to be a fairly large hawk flying low over the fields. It seems to �rock� back and forth as it searches for prey. The bird is mostly brown with a light-colored breast and a large white patch at the base of the tail on its back. What is it? (Photo by Richard Cronberg) Newcomer's interest brings familiar birds alive A fresh outlook can revitalize what we take for granted By RICHARD CRONBERG for the Mail Tribune As I think back to when I first became interested in birding, I remember wanting to learn all about the birds in our area. I wanted to identify them by sight, by song and by call. Later, I was determined to identify as many species as possible and I began traveling around our area searching for as many as I could find. My goal was to be able to identify every bird I observed without even consulting a field guide. I kept lists, I photographed every one that would hold still, and I teamed up with other skilled birders on field trips. Every time I identified a new species of bird, I was thrilled. It was all so new and exciting. But, as the years passed I eventually observed every bird that could be seen around our area many times over. I've never lost my enthusiasm and love for wild birds, but that initial thrill and excitement has been long gone. Several weeks ago I had an unusual experience that made me "rethink" this. I met a young wildlife photographer and birder who recently moved to our area from Florida via Chicago. He had observed most of the Eastern birds but was totally unfamiliar with any of the Western birds. I invited him to accompany me on a trip to Central Oregon to photograph high-mountain and desert birds. He eagerly agreed to go. When we passed a golden eagle sunning itself on a post next to the highway near Silver Lake, he almost jumped out of his skin. He was amazed to see red crossbills, pinyon jays, pygmy nuthatches, white-headed woodpeckers, and Western tanagers for the first time. To put it mildly, he was "bubbling" with enthusiasm. Advertisement We spent the day photographing these "new" birds, and he said that it was a day he'd always remember. We chatted all day about the birds that we had seen and he asked me where he could see other birds that he had only seen in his field guide. We talked about migrations, nesting areas, along with winter, spring, summer and fall locations to see these birds and to photograph them. The interesting part is that I found myself becoming just as enthusiastic about birds I had seen hundreds of times. I was actually seeing the birds "for the first time" through his eyes. Even though the young man thanked me over and over for taking him along on this trip and sharing my knowledge, I think I'm the one who benefited the most. It was such a joy to observe this enthusiasm that I hadn't felt in many years. I think sometimes that we get so complacent with a hobby, whether it is birding or woodworking or knitting, that we forget the excitement and wonder we experienced when it was all new. For me, this experience was like starting all over again. And, I enjoyed it immensely. Birders' Quiz answer: You have found a female Northern Harrier. Richard Cronberg is a birding enthusiast and photographer who lives in Central Point. Write him at P.O. Box 4283, Medford, OR 97501. Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Windermere Van Vleet Men's Clothing Southern Oregon Loans --> GMAT Prep Fundraisers Send Flowers Texas Electric Choice Entertainment Guide --> Casinos Canada Trunks, Footlocker Online Casino Reviews Online poker at AbsolutePoker.com