My grandmother got me interested in bird watching at a young age by taking me to monthly meetings of the Audubon Society. As much as I enjoyed the tales of guest speakers and the frequent potluck dinners, nothing compared to getting out in the field and spying a new bird for the first time. I came to look forward to winter because it meant the annual Christmas bird count.

I would wake up early Saturday morning, put on some warm clothes and pull my trusty pair of Konus binoculars out of a desk drawer. Then grandma and I would inspect the backyard feeders for signs of life. Moving beyond our own house, we ventured along the river and through some nearby parks. My greatest find was a bufflehead duck diving in the icy river with its distinctive markings on full display.