I hate to point out the white elephant in the room but the sport of bird watching has a problem. A fair amount of birders are arrogant and unforthcoming with information. I personally don’t see the point in not sharing the passion I have for birds and birding.
There are a number of “snooty” moments I have stored in the back of my brain. Early when I first started going places to see new birds I encountered this attitude of your not worthy. Maybe because I had an interest in birding in my 30’s and didn’t have the elitist binocular brands or clothing. Or was the attitude I was given on that Hawk watch platform up north, directed towards me having a 2year old in a back pack and a six year old tagging along. Who knows but I didn’t let it discourage me. It only altered my behavior, which I’m just realizing was because of that early experience of being snubbed.
My outlook on group events changed. I did not want or need to go on birding outings that I saw advertised in various media outlets. If I encountered a group along a New Jersey trail I would smile and walk by. This was a learned behavior there was no reward for engaging others in my passion. Now if every bird watching outing was a positive experience the learned response would be different.
I’m here to tell you the moral of the story. Avoid letting a few change your attitude and enthusiasm to share the Avian world with anyone and everyone. I can walk into any room and find something birdy to say or share with complete strangers. Or if I’m in the woods I feel that those in the woods with me are friends, and any information I have to expand their enjoyment of the woods I will share.
I still revert back to my earlier behavior from time to time. But for every bird snob out there, there are 2 passionate birders that yield that energy to all they come in contact with. Be a snob if you have to, but don’t expect me to look up to your stuck up nose!
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