why the site?
There are a few reasons I decided to make this site. First, it turns out that there is a lot of information about birding that is still passed along in the old form of oral tradition. So if you’re not out birding regularly with experienced birders that are well connected, you are very likely missing some important pieces of information. I’ve tried to intentionally gather and share that type of information here.
I have also learned that people come to birding and grow as birders by taking many varied paths. As a result, some people may not intuitively realize some of the tools and resources that are out there, so I’ve tried to include what I’ve found to be all the useful tools and resources here.
In talking with a variety of birders out in the field, friends, and on trips that I lead for several organizations, I find many people are interested in learning more about different aspects of birding, and so it made sense to put it all in one place. I’ve applied my teaching and communication skills from being an Actuary and Middle School Math Teacher to try and make the information easily digestible, complete, and accurate. Please feel free to email me at donna.stumpp@gmail.com with any feedback or suggestions.
about me
I came to birding by accident when a co-worker who was an avid and experienced birder asked if I wanted to come along one time. I like new things, and love learning, so I said, ‘Sure, why not?’ And so it began. That first trip was to the Rocky Mountain Arsenal which is not far from where we worked. I was astounded by how many birds, and how many different birds, we saw in just a couple of hours.
He was a ‘chaser,’ someone that is seeking to build their list of how many different species they’ve seen in a certain region. It often requires going to specific places where uncommon or rare birds are being seen in order to view them yourself, often on a moment’s notice. Birding was fun, so I tagged along for a year while he chased, learned a ton, and saw a lot of different birds.
I also discovered during that year that in addition to enjoying wandering around in nature observing birds, I also really enjoyed exploring new places. I was surprised how varied and beautiful Colorado is. It was then that I realized I wasn’t really a chaser, but more of a ‘birder,’ someone who enjoys being in nature and just noticing the birds that are there. It’s a very different style of birding.
Because I’m not very patient when I don’t know very much about something I’m interested in, I’ve been seeking out and soaking up knowledge about birds and birding as fast as I can. I enjoy getting out often, seeing new places, and birding alone as well as with friends. I like reading bird books, and am always looking for new online resources like videos of talks at local birding groups, and more ways I can use eBird data.