Earth Day 2022 brings up mixed emotions for me. The last few years have shown us what can happen on a global scale, often when humans act in some way that is not in sync with ecosystems. (Most pandemics have something to do with multispecies relations.) Our relations with other creatures have, do, and will have an impact on human lives (and all our relations). So it behooves us to relate well to other earthly creatures. This is a complex task and requires asking a lot of questions.
I have a vivid childhood memory of my mother giving me Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring on Earth Day. It was a bittersweet gift, this gift of knowledge, but I have never regretted her gift. It is both a challenge and an honor to hold and pass on some kind of knowledge, to educate where one can, and to attempt some advocacy for those we care about.
I care about birds and humans. I want both to thrive. My position is as a witness, a supporter, an advocate, and ornithographer. In my work, I attempt to generate an understanding of avian intelligence, creativity, culture, and significance. I believe that humans need birds to truly flourish, even if many do not understand this. So, it falls to those who care about this real connection, to commit to supporting that connection as much as possible.
The last few years have seen some victories for birds, including several policy changes that support migration, protections for wetlands, and other steps forward. I rejoice in these victories. Though there are still huge challenges for avian life on this planet, it is vital that we do not despair. Through caring in actions, documenting, becoming citizen scientists, we can create significant changes.
Here’s a great link to get involved and create joy simultaneously: www.allaboutbirds.org/cams/cornell-lab-feederwatch/
Everyone reading this has something to contribute to our feathered friends.
Here are a few things you can do:
- Maintain a properly cleaned and prepared feeder.
- Plant pollinator-friendly, bird-attractive plants.
- Participate in community gardens.
- When gardening, make sure to prune carefully, especially watching for nests.
- Clean bird baths and bubblers give birds some needed hydration. And some sustenance for our hearts! Watching birds is a pleasure, as you probably already know.
Happy Earth Day to all my friends, every creature on this precious planet!
As I often say, A WORLD WITHOUT BIRDS IS UNTHINKABLE. SO…PLEASE CARE FOR THEM IN EVERY WAY POSSIBLE.