Ornithological Enthusiasms

Among the exciting gifts and good wishes which I received at my recent elevation to the Secret Order of Octogenarians was a delightful little bird who will be welcome in the collection of pictures, paintings, sculptures, leadlight suncatchers, books and books, calendars and miscellaneous cuttings and computer printouts about those beautiful creatures. While contemplating this new addition to my avian family, I was forced to acknowledge that, throughout my lifetime, I had (like millions of other people) developed many interests, some of which had expanded closely to the realms of Obsession. This is obviously a very serious character flaw -- one which has given me an enormous amount of pleasure. The majority of these crazes eventually disappeared (usually to be replaced by a new contender) after the expenditure of time, money and ever-diminishing space. I will be kind to myself and use the label Dilettante, rather than the more truthful fickle dabbler. [ Is a Fickle Dabbler a type of Duck ?] One of these Enthusiasms has been constant -- the interest in birds and the pleasure they have given me in the wild and on the printed page.

Until about the age of 25, I was like most folk, a casual noter of birds if they thrust themselves forward to be admired. [Ah ! The wasted ignorance of Youth ! ] Then a neighbouring School Principal showed me his Field Book and raved on about the variety of birds around his house. The disease had been implanted and I was unaware that I had been infected. It was a gradual onset which increased exponentially as we wandered the country engaged in work and recreation. Here at Atherton we planted trees that would attract birds and we have been rewarded with permanent occupants and regular visitors.

Obsessions may come; obsessions may go; but bird-watching lasts forever !!