It appears my email may have failed to materialise early this
morning. My apologies if it reaches you twice, but I feel compelled to respond
from my usually quiet corner.
As a newer birder (2nd
year in), thanks to “older” (rather than “elder”) participants for your
comments in support of the not so experienced. May I just say that, for
me, every bird I discover is usually the result of an absolute labour of
persistence (except for the Drongo, which is being a right drongo), so well
rewarded by even the most fleeting of sightings. It is from this very
chatline that I don my shabby bins, my walking shoes and my considerable
enthusiasm, and go forthwith to advised location.
Personally, as with all birds
I see for the first time, I won’t forget my first sighting of a Koel calling
stridently from its tree in Kambah, which I thought (with all the innocent
pleasure I manage to muster each time I see even a Whistler, Grey Shrike-thrush,
Fairy-wren or common little Sparrow) was just fantastic, and what this is all
about.
I hope I never lose the sense
of wonder and excitement I get from seeing my first, or even my fiftieth,
sighting of these magnificent creatures. Please don’t lose yours or
forget what it was like when you were first undertaking your individual voyages
of discovery.
