Osprey in flight. Photo by Karinne Tennenbaum
The pandemic has impacted our lives in many ways. It has forced us to reevaluate our priorities and to reflect on what matters most. Quarantine has helped me realize what matters most to me: birding. The highlight of my birding adventures this summer was the Michigan Young Birders Camp (MYBC). Even though it was held virtually, both the staff and campers were highly engaged; their enthusiasm and passion were contagious. The atmosphere created was one of an understanding and welcoming nature, which promoted discussion and inquiry.
We started the camp with a creative game of “Who Am I” that, unlike the familiar game of “Twenty Questions”, involved guessing bird species. It was a great way to meet the other campers while still enhancing our birding knowledge. Every morning began with a live bird banding session with expert Mike Bishop. It was exciting to identify the birds caught in the mist nets and share interesting facts about the species. Afterward, we headed out for independent birding, during which campers shared their love for bird photography, sketching, detailed field notes, and more. Since the campers birded in various locations across Michigan and Ohio, the species checklist we shared daily was highly diverse. Afternoons were devoted to exceptional guest speakers who gave insightful presentations on a wide range of topics, including living a bird-friendly lifestyle, planting native species, raptor identification, and conservation. Later, we did quizzes on the birds we learned and bird anatomy using a learning platform called “Kahoot!”
A camper presents their “Birdtopia.”
My favorite part was definitely the “Birdtopia” project. We all pitched ideas of the ideal place for birds, one either without humans or coexisting with humans. Our group was particularly drawn to an idea of a bird paradise, far from civilization and devastating window collisions. I found myself at ease with the other campers — in awe of their birding abilities, marveling at their photography and artistic talents, and simply being thankful for the opportunity to connect with other young birders who also share a deep-rooted love for our feathered friends.
Although the pandemic impacted our ability to enjoy camp in person, it’s impossible to say what might have been. However, I know that the network of young birders that we created at MYBC and all of the wonderful people we met there have made this summer a memorable one. Thank you to all of the amazing individuals who made the camp possible: Mike Bishop, hands-down the coolest professor there is; Lindsay Cain, the awe-inspiring coordinator; Lauren Gonzales and Emma Kurtz, our caring counselors; Josh Haas, the only one who can tell one speck in the sky from another; Katie O’Brien, the bird-friendly coffee drinker and always-enthusiastic-regardless-of-the-time-of-day birder; Heather Good, a passionate bird activist and kindhearted individual; Alison Vilag, the girl who toughs out an array of field jobs to see the birds we all wish we could see; and so many more. You made a major impact on all eight of us this summer; there isn’t anyone like you.
To those of you considering attending the Michigan Young Birders Camp, stop considering. Register as soon as you can and meet many of the people with whom you will build lifelong connections, obtain fascinating ornithological knowledge, and experience the joy of birding. A joy that means the world to me and, hopefully, to you as well. You won’t find it anywhere else, and once you do, you’ll be on top of the world.
~ by Karinne Tennenbaum, 2020 MYBC Camper
This article appeared in the 2020 Fall Jack Pine Warbler.
Karinne Tennenbaum is a junior in Ann Arbor, Mich. Although she has many hobbies and interests, birding tops the list. She has her own birding podcast and enjoys birding at Skyline High School in Ann Arbor. She is now an active contributor to the Michigan Young Birders Network, a program of Michigan Audubon.