The Shared Evolution of Birds and Birdwatchers

Joe Meche is vice president of the North Cascades Audubon Society and is in his ninth year as editor of the chapter newsletter. Joe is also a member of the board of directors of the Washington Brant Foundation. He has been photographing birds and landscapes for over 30 years and has been watching birds for more than 50 years.

Take a minute to think about it. Take two, if you’d like more time, but try your best to think of any class of animals that might be more fascinating than birds. Homo sapiens can be and often is fascinating to the point of self-importance, but we really can’t hold a candle to birds. Without the benefit of technological impedimenta birds are capable of flight, they sing, they sport colors and finery that was once coveted by the fashionable set. Birds live throughout the world, from the cold and windswept Arctic and Antarctic regions to the world’s most arid deserts; they can be found far out to sea and at higher elevations; and they navigate great distances, often in the middle of the night.

Birds hunt on the wing, eat a variety of seeds and fruits and prowl the shallows of lakes, ponds and shorelines in search of food. They dive for prey to sustain them throughout their lives and some birds even hunt in the dark of night. They sing and call to each other to communicate and participate in courtship displays that we often attempt to emulate in a variety of dance forms. Most birds build new nests every year to raise their young, which follow in the path of the adults to continue the cycle of proliferation of the species. Birds of one species or another seem to be constantly on the move somewhere on the planet. They have evolved to a mind-boggling diversity that is always dependant on their preferred habitat and the availability of food.

As the short version of the story goes, a small reptile lived among the dinosaurs millions of years ago and, over a period of time, replaced its stiff reptilian scales with feathers. The oldest-known link between dinosaurs and birds is that of Archaeopteryx lithographica, which translates to “ancient wing in printing stone.” The fossil feather of Archaeopteryx was first discovered in a limestone quarry near Solnhofen, Germany, in 1860. The specimen is thought to date back to the Jurassic Period, or approximately 150 million years ago. Shortly after the first discovery, another fossil was uncovered that displayed more of the skeletal remains and more feathers.

The feathers that evolved from scales provided insulation and improved the control of this new creature’s body temperature, which increased its endurance and made it possible to become more active throughout the day. Movement that began as leaps became flight and suddenly the opportunities were unlimited. Through the evolutionary process that followed form and function, a new and diverse class of animals was born—Class Aves. The birds had arrived.

All living things are unique in their own right, but it seems that the evolution of birds has taken the process to new heights—no pun intended. The wing structure and shape, the feathers, the diverse and distinctive beaks and bills, and unique feeding habits are as fascinating as anything in nature. Unlike the bones of most other animals, the bones of birds are mostly hollow, providing for lighter weight—an essential ingredient for the practice of flight. Every part of every bird is adaptive evolution at work.

At the present time, there are about 900 species of birds in North America, and over 700 of these breed regularly in the United States and in Canada. Worldwide, there are more than 9,500 species of birds and every continent boasts bird populations of varying significance.

Birdwatchers, like the birds they watch, have also evolved to become more efficient at what they do. From the rudimentary first watchers to today’s techno-birders, people who are passionate about watching birds tend to do so to experience nature and the beauty and wonder of the avian world. Throughout the history of Homo sapiens there has often been envy associated with the watchers, especially over the freedom of flight that birds enjoy. The watchers have praised birds in art and literature and this fascination continues today in innumerable media.

The science of ornithology and its early pioneers set the stage for those who would follow. The vast amount of data collected about birds is incomprehensible. New studies and population assessments are always in progress with citizen science like the annual Christmas Bird Counts, North American Migration Counts and Breeding Bird Surveys. Widespread interest in birds began slowly but artists like Mark Catesby and John James Audubon introduced many to the beauty of birds. As field guides became available and clubs were formed to share this interest with others, the movement gained momentum and today birdwatching is the number one outdoor recreational activity. Birdwatching went from a casual yet passionate activity to a competitive and sometimes obsessive pursuit. Hundreds of millions of dollars are spent annually for a mere glimpse of new birds to add to individual life lists.

The watchers aren’t out there just to look at birds, however. They have also come to the rescue of birds in numerous situations where the intent of some was nothing short of the wholesale slaughter. This was a classic example of the exploitation of what was thought to be an inexhaustible supply. Careful observation by scientists and citizen scientists proved by the dwindling numbers and even the extinction of certain species that this was not the case. Birds have more protection today than ever before. Conservation and habitat restoration have helped many species to survive. Sanctuaries and refuges are becoming commonplace throughout North America and the economics of healthy bird populations are getting the attention of people in power everywhere. However, not everyone in power realizes the importance of a healthy planet.

No matter if you choose to study birds in great detail or if you just enjoy getting out and observing them on a casual basis, birds are everywhere and watching them is something that you can do until you’re barely able to do anything else. Birds are endlessly fascinating creatures and marvels of evolution. Birds are always easy to find and, as you learn the identities of the birds you see and even get to know their amazing array of songs, you’ll find that you enjoy them that much more.

Birds have come a long way in their evolutionary path from the dinosaurs and are our links to that amazing time. Birdwatchers, too, have evolved and even though some feel the need to compete, you’ll be hard pressed to find a more enjoyable and low-impact activity to pursue. Consider joining the ranks of organizations like your local Audubon chapter, the North Cascades Audubon Society, and take part in a variety of activities to get involved with birds, whether in the field or even at your backyard feeder. Visit their fantastic and comprehensive Web site at http://www.northcascadesaudubon.org to further increase your enjoyment. §