I’m starting a new thing on the blog called “Bird Art.” I love taking their photos even though my Dyslexia and indifference to titles make it hard for me to know precisely what kinds of birds they are. Rather than get snarky or frustrated notes from serious bird lovers, I propose this: if you think I’ve gotten a name wrong, please correct me on regular blog posts or my e-mail, [email protected].
You can work it out on the blog with other bird lovers if there is a disagreement.
I won’t join in as I only recognize a few birds, like the woodpecker below. Yes, I have a learning disability.
I welcome corrections unless they are offered by snotty, arrogant, or nasty people (I think this covers about half of Facebook). The Correction Police on social media remind me of trolls, and I tend not to like them. They aren’t trying to be helpful but superior.
Ordinary bird, flower, and plant people are unfailingly friendly and helpful, and I welcome their corrections and identifications. I’m no good at that.
Please don’t call me stupid or lazy, and we’ll get along fine. You don’t need to like me; please be kind, and I will respond. I’m happy to acknowledge errors or suggestions and fix them; since I don’t know what kind of birds these are (and don’t care much), please feel free to jump in if I fail. Thank you.
The art birds will be photographed just inside our living room window. If they show up, I’ll take photos every day. So far, so good. I’ll get to know them, maybe even their names.
I loved the first photo, shooting through the frost. It captures the feeling.
I just wonder how the birds handle the winter weather. Like you, I don’t know the names of the birds that visit our feeder. My husband got me a “Birds of Ohio” book and binoculars that I rarely touch. I enjoy just being in the moment with them.
They do fine
When we people watch, do we need to know their names? I like to think that the birds at our feeders don’t call each other by name, they just share the space. Or sometimes push each other off! The beauty of your photos is enough for me. Thank you for letting us see the birds and flowers as if we were part of them. They lift my spirits each day.
Even if I can’t remember the name of a bird or a flower, they are still beautiful to me, though I do like to know their names. Sometimes that need to know has ruined an experience for me. I have my phone with me at all times, and there I am, digging around the internet, trying to find the name of something and life is passing me by. I am trying to put my phone away and just enjoy things. I enjoy your bird and flower pics so much.
Hi Jon, You might have fun with the free app Merlin Bird ID. It is produced by the Cornell bird lab. You can describe the bird, or photograph, or record the song to ID the bird. I have used all the features and they work well. As a curious person who admires our feathered friends I find it easy and lots of fun! Perhaps you would enjoy it. It makes ME smile, just like your beautiful photos.
Thanks, Steph. It’s a nice idea but not my idea of fun…taking photos is fun for me.I have way too many apps.
These are especially beautiful photos Jon. Thank you! I look forward to your blog each morning. I think birds must smile at the names we give them.
The Merlin Bird ID doesn’t do it for me in the winter at all. HOWEVER, in summer, they show up when I’m gardening with my n’hood garden group, and the only notice we get is their yelling at each other. That Merlin Bird ID gets us then. We can’t see them but with the app, we kind of know what to look for as they flit around.