Still Blogging After All These....Months
Mike Bergin of 10,000 Birds recently posed this question to the bird blogging community:
"Why are you still bird blogging? Why, despite the difficulties, time-pressures, and other things to do (like birding), are you still at it?"
So, what IS my motivation to write The Zen Birdfeeder blog?
The first thing that came to mind for me was LEARNING. To keep The Zen Birdfeeder blog interesting (and I hope you do find it interesting), I've found that I have to really observe, read, listen, and constantly, well, just pay attention. We all do this to some degree anyway, but keeping a blog vibrant and alive pushes it to a much higher level.
I love the opportunity to showcase creativity. Admittedly, creativity doesn't come often or easy for me, but when a fun idea like the SOM Seeks SOF post comes along, I love being able to share it! And I love getting comments that provide a big "thumbs up" to my work.
The Zen Birdfeeder also provides a great opportunity to share my passion for the birds, especially the birds we see everyday. The Zen Birdfeeder blog has been around for 14 months now, and my 248 posts are mostly about the birds in my yard. Chickadees and Downy Woodpeckers and Blue Jays and Purple Finches. The usual suspects. But I still have yet to tire of seeing these "commoners" in my yard and sharing my observations.
The abundant but always appreciated Black-capped Chickadee
Lastly, I think the The Zen Birdfeeder blog helps fill an important niche in the bird blog community. Specifically, it helps bridge the gap between serious birders and the people that "just" feed the birds. There are literally millions of people that care deeply about the birds. And the majority of those millions do not follow rare bird alerts or maintain life lists. We just show our love and appreciation for birds by maintaining feeders in our yard. And we are thrilled every day by the most common of birds that visit those feeders. The Zen Birdfeeder blog is THEIR blog. And to all you hard-core birders, I hope you find it enjoyable too.
Lisa & Warren - thanks for stopping by and for your comment. I have been dropping in periodically on your blog for a month or so!
Posted by: The Zen Birdfeeder | July 22, 2008 at 09:12 PM
Nancy,
Warren and I recently found your blog and are really enjoying it! Lovely pictures and interesting stuff!
Keep it up!
Posted by: Lisa & Warren | July 22, 2008 at 01:13 PM
Klaus - we could be a powerful group if we all got together on issues that protect birds, wouldn't we?
Larry Jordan - thanks for your thumbs up to TZB! I just listened to the Ash-throated Flycatcher song/call at http://whatbird.wbu.com/obj/397/overview/Ash-throated_Flycatcher.aspx. Welcome to you from across the country!
Posted by: The Zen Birdfeeder | July 14, 2008 at 10:01 AM
Hi Nancy,
I love your blog and I agree with your principles and ideas stated in your sidebar, attention, acceptance and responsibility. I enjoy waking to the sound of Ash-throated Flycatchers every morning this time of year. I wouldn't have it any other way.
Posted by: Larry Jordan | July 13, 2008 at 08:30 PM
My reasons aren't that much different! Just read that about 5 million Americans are bird watchers. 5 MILLION!!!!
Who would have thought!
Cheers, Klaus
Posted by: Klaus | July 10, 2008 at 10:37 AM
Lana - thanks much. Readers (and commenters) like you are awesome!
Posted by: The Zen Birdfeeder | July 07, 2008 at 05:11 PM
Whatever the reasons, keep up the good work! Your blog is interesting & informative, with lovely photos. You rock!
Posted by: Lana | July 06, 2008 at 02:46 PM