I began this series a few months after I began birding. I was truly a rookie birder. I’ve passed the nine-month point and we’ve moved into a new year. So I’ve been wondering, how long do I continue to use the rookie moniker as a birder?
Urban Dictionary defines a rookie as “a beginner, a starter, somebody doing and trying something for the first time.” That’s really an apt description for where I started. I knew nothing about birds. I knew nothing about different species. I was unable to even identify all but a few of the most common birds I saw. I didn’t even know how to find out the information I needed. I was a complete loss at using binoculars to track the birds. I was definitely a beginner.
During the past months, I’ve focused on collecting and studying information on birds. I’ve subscribed to a bird magazine and read it from cover to cover. I’ve downloaded Merlin, a birding app, on my phone to use in the field to identify what I see. I’ve bought three new bird books and dug out two others my hubby gave me years ago when I was laid up from surgery on my achilles tendon. He thought watching the birds would keep me entertained at the time. Apparently, I wasn’t ready back then.
During the past months, I purchased new binoculars and have practiced using them. I’ve learned to watch trees for movement before ever raising the binoculars to find the birds.
During the past months, I’ve read articles on birding etiquette that protects the birds and other birders. I’ve read about what colors not to wear when birding so I don’t frighten the birds away. And, I’ve purchased two hats to use when birding, because looking up into the sunshine while trying to see a bird is murder.
During the past months, I’ve worked on my photography skills in order to be able to document what I see. I’ve upgraded my camera lens so I can photograph birds from a distance.
During the past months, we’ve set aside time to bird. We’ve made the time we spend birding a priority.
It seems like I’ve done everything I could possibly have done during these past months to become a successful birder.
So, can I continue to hang onto the designation of rookie? I’ve come a long, long way from where I started at the end of March. But, I’ve still got a long, long way to go. I’ve learned a lot, but there is still so much to know. I still feel like a beginner, and I’m not sure I’m ready to claim to be anything more. I think I’ll hang onto being a rookie for a while longer.
