RUDIMENTS OF BIRDSMANSHIP CONSIDERED

A cartoon (based on some local birding characters)
Painting, courtesy Dena McKee

See end of article for details on this week's field trip

If you are going to pursue the great sport of birding, you will need an introduction to "birdsmanship", a British word that you won't find listed in Webster's. Birdsmanship is an elusive aspect of birding that consists of a variety of responses to birding situations; it enables one to spend an enjoyable day in the field with birders of greater or lesser competence, and emerge with your reputation for birding expertise either greatly enhanced or gone with the wind, depending upon how well you handle the thrusts and parries of a fellow birder who may have honed his birdsmanship to a fine edge.

I would prefer that you believe I am accomplished in the art of birdsmanship, but that is not true. However, since my last disastrous foray into the field with two highly skilled birders, I have given considerable thought to the rudiments of birdsmanship. For whatever my thoughts are worth, here are some simple guidelines which may help you to "outbird" the other guy.

If you are a novice birder, your best approach is to admit it, and appeal for help. This will absolve you from any blame for missed identifications, while putting the burden on your companions. You can learn a lot this way.

You may pretend that you are beyond the beginner stage, and you may advance this charade in several ways. First, tone down the gleam on your new binoculars, and if your hiking boots are still squeaky clean, try soaking for fifteen minutes in the nearest mud puddle. Pay particular attention to the "antiquing" of your new bird guide; give it all the character than benefits a well-used guide... spill some coffee on the cover, (this will stain well and leaves no sticky residue to attract insects). Drop it from the roof several times into your compost heap. Give it a few licks with your son's football cleats, and send it for a brief ride in your electric dryer. If you are to succeed in this impersonation, remember this rule.... Keep your eyes and ears open, and your mouth shut!

Your companion turns out wearing hip boots, a poncho, and a hat draped in mosquito netting, packing a wide range of accessories including a high protein lunch and a snake bite kit!  There is nothing to do in the face of such birdsmanship, especially if your birding ensemble is a hit or miss affair.

You could also be intimidated by the birding couple who arrive in stylish his and hers outfits, complete with lace-up boots and camouflage jackets, dressed in layers, just like the book says. Remember though, that your casual attire could indicate to them that you have a certain "laissez-faire" of your own.

Once in the field you must use all your finesse against the subtle birdsmanship of your companions. Don't yield to the temptations of making a difficult identification; if you miss you will then have to bridge the credibility gap which can be an albatross of gigantic proportions. If some puzzling species has come into your field of vision, make a show of wiping the lenses of your binoculars while your friends discuss the possibilities; once you have a hint that they have concurred, step in, peer intently at the subject and proclaim that it is indeed a Semi-palmated Sandpiper. Other ploys work as well... tie your shoe, blow your nose, trip over your own feet, or observe that your eyes aren't what they used to be (if you are over forty, you can use this dodge repeatedly).

Your companions may be intent on one-upping each other; you should take note of their strategy for your own future use. The best defense is a good offense.. if you come across a bird that is impossible for you to identify, you might say "well, what have we here?" or "look at this terrific specimen". giving the impression that the bird is too elementary to warrant a label. Your curious companions can complete the identification while you go on to other things. Passing the buck this way needs perfect timing.

Beware of the old "taxonomy trick" especially if they persist in tracing a bird's family tree using latin. Feign aloofness, or quickly divert their attention (if fainting is one of your specialities, do it!)

Birds' songs and call notes are an additional hazard in the field. While your companions are astutely labeling the most obscure trills, warbles and shrieks, try to remember that "silence is golden". As one with vast experience in the mechanics of putting one's foot in one's mouth, I cannot overstress the need for self-restraint!

The defensive birding techniques outlined above will work only once during a field trip, and once you have exhausted your repertoire, you are on your own. If you cannot evade or ignore a birding challenge, give it your best shot! and good luck!

This article was published in September, 1976

All are welcome on Mississippi Coast Audubon Society field trips!

Oct 1, 2016: Ocean Springs Medley, Jackson County

Leader:  Janet Wright (jwright01@cableone.net, 228 238-4099 cell & text)

We’ll explore 3 sites on the Mississippi Coastal Birding Trail, all in Ocean Springs.  First, Twelve Oaks – deciduous woods and wetlands with a view over Fort Bayou.  Then Hellmer’s Lane, a gem of creekside forest in the heart of Ocean Springs, and finally Ocean Springs Harbor with its rock jetty. 

Place and Time:  Meet at Twelve Oaks off Bienville Boulevard (behind Hancock Bank) in Ocean Springs (MAP) at 7:30 AM. 

Conditions:  Half-mile up-and-down loop trail at Twelve Oaks; very short trail with stairway at Hellmer’s; public pier at OS Harbor.

Check out our future field trips at www.mscoastaudubon.org!