Couch’s Kingbird in Rock Hollow Park on Global Big Day
Inspirations of Birding
By Jaya Ramanathan
Dec 2025
Every birding experience has inspiring moments – solo shows, learning something new, surprise sights, habitat awareness, wide-ranging nature observations. Such inspirations of birding, influence us in many ways.
Great-crested Flycatcher (Left), Eastern Phoebe (Right)
Observing solo birds is mindful. A bird flies into Little Elm, revealing just its back. It then perches on another tree, turns around, Great-crested Flycatcher. I continue observing it, as it flies, and perches on Big Elm for a while, before departing. Eastern Phoebe often visits solo, calling to get my attention. I spot it on a tree or wire, flapping its tail. It flies around, inviting me to track it. It perches on patio chair, and front brick footsteps. Once, it flew very close to me. Northern Mockingbird, in Meadow Lake Park, shifts its perch, eventually striking a gorgeous pose. American Robin calls, in Freeman Park. I spot it, fetching a bug, from a fallen log. Such observations motivate us to live in the moment.
Northern Mockingbird poses in Meadow Lake Park (Left), American Robin finds bug in fallen log in Freeman Park (Right)
Birds stimulate us, to learn about them, to hone our photography skills, and to collaborate with fellow birders. After spotting Couch’s Kingbird, at Rock Hollow Park, on Global Big Day, I looked up its limited range, and realized what a special lifer it is. Photographing birds with intention, I capture their identifying characteristics, and aim for specific photos, such as one of Black-crested Titmice, that visit together.
Black-crested Titmice visit together (Left), Blue Jay pair kiss in Old Settlers Park (Right)
Birds surprise us, with unexpected behaviors and visits. Blue Jay pair, perch at Old Settler’s Pond, where I searched for wintering Sparrows. Suddenly, their beaks touch, in a kiss. Couch’s Kingbird, and eight Scissor-tailed Flycatchers, fly on to a single tree in Meadow Lake Park, and stay a few minutes. Seven Eastern Bluebird land near electric pole, prompting Red-bellied Woodpecker to shoo one from its favorite perch. Northern Flicker, peeks from behind Elm, pecks on it, and departs, after a short visit. Such momentary sights inspire us to enjoy life’s little delights.
Unexpected visits by Northern Flicker (Left), and Eastern Bluebird Flock near Red-bellied Woodpecker perch (Right)
Birds educate us about their habitats. Indigo Bunting forages at Turk’s Cap, during migration. Waterfowl fish at creeks and ponds. Sparrows and Meadowlarks forage in grasslands. Warblers scan Oaks for bugs. Hummingbirds sip at tubular flowers. Migrating Baltimore Oriole nourish on Texas Persimmon berries. Wintering Cedar Waxwings love our neighbor’s Holly berries.
Lesser Goldfinch Pair snack on Crepe Myrtle, their yellows matching its Fall colors (Left), Wintering Cedar Waxwing Pair snack on Holly berries (Right)
Birds attune us to expansive nature experiences. Great Egret adds fishing action to gushing Brushy Creek, in Memorial Park. Perching Lesser Goldfinch make a barren branch golden. Bird songs create melody, joining footsteps on a hike. Common Raven chases Peregrine Falcon, adding excitement, to our hike in Bryce Canyon National Park. Yellow-rumped Warbler adds color to Snow Day. Lesser Goldfinch pair, snacking on Crepe Myrtle, match Fall colors, so does Ladder-backed Woodpecker’s red crown.
Yellow-rumped Warbler on Snow Day (Left), Ladder-backed Woodpecker Male’s red crown matches Fall colors (Right)
Birds inspire us, by demonstrating, love during courtship, resilience during migration, responsibility of nesting and caring for young, and flexibility in adapting to habitat changes. They stimulate us, to learn about them, and create habitats they can thrive in. They motivate us to live in the moment, and appreciate life’s little delights. Such inspirations of birding have a lasting influence on us.
Credits: Audubon Society, Cornell Lab of Ornithology Merlin Bird ID, All About Birds, and eBird.
