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Why Should I Attend a Field Trip?

By Jason Frederick, SCAS President

Let me tell you a story about a trip I took with a non-birder and hopefully it will answer some questions you may have. A few years ago, a great friend of mine named Robert wanted to see a Bald Eagle in the wild. I knew there was a good chance of seeing one at Viera Wetlands, so we headed there. We walked around near the South-west corner searching for this amazing bird. There were several duck species swimming around with American Coots and Common Moorhens everywhere. From the South came a Red Tail Hawk that stirred up the ducks into the sky. He eyed one, made a swoop at it, and snatched it in mid flight. The duck was quacking and "begging' to be released, but it was lunch time and that hawk wanted that duck. Suddenly from the West came this majestic Bald Eagle and to show the hawk exactly how to make a duck a meal, it swooped down to the bank of the pond. With talons out it grabbed a duck and headed to a near by tree to enjoy lunch. It was a National Geographic moment and we both just stood there in shock and awe at the sight.

I had a video camera and my 35mm Canon Rebel on my hip. Robert looked at me and asked if I got a shot of the action. I just smiled and replied, "Nope!" Neither camera came off my hip and the only proof of the experience is that of the images in our heads.

Now, what did I learn? To have a great time on a field trip, there is no experience required. The field trip leader and others on the trip can and will teach you how to identify the wildlife we encounter.

Allen Cruickshank once wrote, "The best way to learn to identify birds is to go into the field and to go often." Books are great to help you in the beginning, but pictures in a book do not move or make noise. Nature will teach you more than any book. I learn new things on every trip. More times than I can count, I have learned that birds do not read the books and they often do things that, according to the books, they are not supposed to do.

I have met people from all over the world on field trips and have become friends with many of them. Where else can you talk about the hobby you love and not have people look at you with that "here they go talking about birds again" look on their face. Field trips are the best place to meet people that are as passionate about birds and nature as you are.

Birding and exploring nature are not only enjoyable, but are good for you too. A recent study found that going into nature is a great way to reduce stress. The walking on field trips is also a great way to get some cardio vascular exercise as well.

So, check the calendar on the Field Trip page and get out there. We are waiting for you and so are the birds. If you do not come to us, we will have to come to you. Do you want to cook for a crowd?

Hope to see you out there!