Birders’ reasons to be thankful

Birders have some of their own reasons to be thankful on this special day. An informal survey of some Seabrook Island Birders resulted in a good list. My original plan was to list 10 items but the survey resulted in more than 10. Do you have others to add to the list?

The items below are in no specific order and multiple people had similar responses. I’m sharing below in first person without identifying the specific person(s) who provided the idea.

I’m thankful that wherever I am (and travel), I can enjoy watching birds! Whether at home, traveling to lands near and far, and even while cruising in the middle of the ocean (and underwater where I saw the Galapagos Penguins).
– Birding has taken me to places I never dreamed I would go.
– Birding takes me to some of the most beautiful places in the country

I’m thankful for the many areas near Charleston where there is excellent bird habitat.

I’m thankful for the conservation efforts of many entities to provide habitat for birds.

I’m thankful for all the friends I’ve made while birding. They have taught me so much.

I’m thankful I can text my birding friends for help with bird ID and they think that’s perfectly normal.

I’m thankful for an excuse to be outside on nice days (and not so nice days).

I’m thankful there are bird games I can play when not outside birding (Wingspan and Bird Bingo to name just two).

I’m thankful for all the continuing education inherent in birding. There is always something new to learn.

I’m thankful for waking up each day to have the opportunity to get out and observe nature and birds and the beauty that surrounds us.

I’m thankful (or lucky) to protect my ears as a youth so I can still hear the birds.

I’m thankful for all my mentors who helped me build my skills.

I’m thankful that I have the chance to share my knowledge and continue my learning with the people who let me go out birding with them.

I’m thankful for the community of birders who also appreciate nature and birds, just like me. (Birding friends are the best!)

I’m thankful for being part of a passionate community that makes me feel worthy of my existence.
Then, being able to share my passion with others and see them get the passion.

I’m thankful to birding for making connections to people and places that will last a lifetime. Birding has made memories with others, with birds, and with places that will last forever and be a part of my fabric.

I’m thankful for SIB who introduced me to fellow birders, continues to increase my birding knowledge and has shown me new places to bird.

I’m thankful for the beauty of the birds themselves. I can delight in even the smallest brown bird.

I’m thankful that bird watching is inclusive. Any age, any physical ability, any economic class at any location can participate at some level. Birders love to teach wherever birds are.

I’m thankful for the quest of seeking out a “new bird” along with the adventure of exploring new places.

I hope these have added to your appreciation of the day and your world.

Submitted by: Judy Morr (with lots of input from others)
Photographs: SIB Media Library