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Reflections on the Great Backyard Bird COunt

2/24/2023

1 Comment

 
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Guest column, by Marlene Koslowsky

(Marlene is a Georgia Audubon member, birder, and amateur photographer who lives in Fayette County)
​


Today is the day after the annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) for 2023. It’s my 11th time participating, my first was in 2013. Way back then, when I saw something somewhere about the GBBC, I said, "Hmm. I could do that." I’d never used eBird before. Ha! I’d never seriously looked at the birds in my own backyard before. But I had the time, and thought, "What do I have to lose? Maybe I’ll learn something."


Eleven years later, bird by bird, I’ve grown to totally love something so simple as watching birds, and all they are, and all they do. I am an amateur photographer and have honed those skills with birds in mind, enough that I’ve had a few photos published. I am quite proud of that.

But more than that, I now have a relationship with nature I never had before. It’s like my eyes are suddenly open. It’s not that I never noticed, but I totally took my natural surroundings for granted.

Each birding experience is a treasure. Because of my photos, I have a souvenir – several – from each outing. Better still, I have personal experiences with each bird I see. I don’t remember every encounter, but I do remember a lot of them. These are buried inside my head and heart and have touched my soul in a way never expected.

The GBBC may not offer prestige or fame. But it may open a door, a door a person may not know was never closed in the first place.

I hope to be around for a few more of these. I am grateful. Thank you, Cornell Labs, who came up with this fabulous event for every single one of us. 


1 Comment
Cynthia Langley
2/27/2023 09:03:21 am

This is lovely and a beautiful tribute to the birds and the GBBC. I feel the same way. Thank you, Marlene.

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  • Home
    • Login
  • Ways to Give
    • Join/Renew
    • Donate
    • Wish List
    • Leadership Giving
    • Planned Giving
    • Sponsorship Opportunities
    • Shop in our Online Store
    • Support Georgia Audubon When You Shop
  • Conservation
    • Climate Change
    • Wildlife Sanctuary Program >
      • Map of Georgia Audubon Sanctuaries
      • Wildlife Sanctuary Requirements
      • Sanctuary Resources
    • Habitat Stewardship Program
    • Habitat Restoration >
      • Piedmont Park Exhibitat
    • Building Collisions >
      • Project Safe Flight
      • Lights Out Georgia
      • Collision Resources
    • Species of Concern >
      • Chuck-will's-widow
      • Ruby-throated Hummingbird
      • Chimney Swift
      • Wood Thrush
      • Brown-headed Nuthatch
    • Plants for Birds >
      • Plant Sales
    • Coffee and Chocolate
  • Education
    • For Youth >
      • Georgia Urban Ecologists
      • Homeschool
      • Scouts
      • Youth Birding Competition
      • Camp Talon
      • Conservation Career Resources
    • For Educators >
      • School Programs
      • Learning About Birds Curriculum
      • Professional Development
      • Connecting Students with STEM Through Birds
      • Resources
    • Master Birder Program
    • Scholarships
  • Engagement
    • Field Trips
    • Injured/Orphaned Birds
    • Volunteer >
      • Volunteer Code of Conduct
    • Advocacy
    • Community Outreach
    • Beloved Naturalist
    • Travel >
      • SE Arizona 2023
      • Michigan 2023
      • Maine 2023
      • Utah 2023
      • Madagascar 2023
      • Southern California 2024
      • Costa Rica 2024
      • Big Bend & Hill Country TX 2024
      • Colorado 2024
    • Community Science
    • Birding Resources >
      • Birding Sites in Georgia
      • Accessibility
      • Georgia Birding Network
      • Why Birds?
  • News & Events
    • Press Room >
      • In the News
    • Upcoming Events >
      • Program Participant Safety
    • Georgia Bird Fest
    • News Feed
    • Georgia Grows Native for Birds Month
    • Georgia Audubon at Manuel's Tavern
    • Early Birds Book Club
    • Newsletters
  • About Us
    • Mission and Programs
    • Equity, Diversity, Inclusion
    • Annual Report
    • Board and Staff
    • Best Management Practices
    • Job Opportunities
    • Our History
    • Contact or Visit Us