Why Birds
Over the past few years, I've developed an interest (obsession, honestly) for birdwatching and bird photography. I’ve always had an eye for the natural world, but it wasn’t until I purchased a home on a lake that my interest began grow. I began birdwatching in my backyard and at the nearby lakes and parks that surround our home. This document is a personal guide to help me make sense of this project.
Why am I interested in Birds?
By developing an interest in the natural environment around us, I have a greater appreciation for where my family lives. Keeping a record of the birds we observe in our backyard allows us to better understand the changing seasons and our changing environment.
Tracking migration patterns helps me understand our place in a changing environment. Humans are part of, not separate from, nature. We are connected to species and their habitats even in places as close to us as our own backyard.
The benefits of birdwatching.
Birdwatching in the backyard is a simple, rewarding activity that can offer numerous benefits. Although backyard birds may seem mundane, they exist in a great variety of species, each with their own unique visual characteristics and behaviors. For example, New Jersey alone has over four hundred species of birds, with close to 150 of them residing in the Pine Barrens.
Developing an interest in the local natural environment can lead to a greater appreciation for where we live, even in places like New Jersey, the most densely populated state in the country, which is filled with unique natural wonders.
Furthermore, observing nature through birdwatching is a calming and mentally engaging activity that is a great alternative to doom-scrolling through social media. Increased screen time and manufactured experiences can have an adverse effect on our mental health, so it is important to engage in activities that allow us to connect with the natural world around us.
Birds of the Pine Barrens
"Birds of the Pine Barrens" is an ongoing project dedicated to cataloging the diverse bird species inhabiting the Pinelands. Despite the perceived lack of variety in this unique habitat, the Pine Barrens is home to nearly 150 species of birds. Living by a waterway, I have the privilege of observing a wide range of avian life, from majestic raptors such as the Bald Eagle and Osprey to the vibrant American Goldfinch, and various waterfowl including Great Blue Heron, swans, and ducks.
Many of the photographs in this collection have been captured right in my backyard, offering a personal and intimate perspective. The remainder are taken at notable nature reserves within the region, such as the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, a crucial stopover for migratory birds along the Atlantic Flyway.
This project showcases the beauty and diversity of bird life in the Pine Barrens and aims to raise awareness about the importance of preserving this unique ecosystem. I hope to share the wonders of the Pinelands and inspire others to appreciate and protect this natural habitat.
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