I was a little saddened by the thread "When the Lifers Dry Up". Yes, I =
know some of the messages were in jest, but I think many birders do feel =
a certain melancholy as their life lists become ever more difficult to =
extend. Who can forget the excitement of seeing a teriffic bird for the =
first time, and who among us can't recall a great birding trip, with =
'lifers' hopping out of the trees all around us?

So why am I a little saddened? Because there is so much more out there =
to see and do, not instead of birding, but *in addition to* birding. =
How many of our 140 species of gorgeous Washington State butterflies =
have you seen? Have you marvelled up close at the incredible flashing =
colors of our 72 species of stunning, brightly colored dragonflies? =
Have you sat quietly in a warm mountain meadow, with a flower field =
guide on your lap, and identified the fragrant flowers around you?

For years our trips centered primarily around birds and we travelled to =
many hidden, out-of-the-way spots, and gathered unforgettable memories. =
Birds are marvelous creatures, after all. But I have to admit, the =
melancholy did set in just a bit as time moved on, and as trip after =
trip netted no new species.

When we launched into butterflies, the thrill was back! Heart-pumping =
lifers to be discovered on every trip, at least for the first couple of =
years. Beautiful creatures, challenging identification, and most =
importantly a very necessary awareness of more of nature around us. It =
quickly became apparent that we would probably not find the Northern =
White Skipper until we first found the proper habitat, as well as its =
caterpillar host plant the wild hollyhock, and we couldn't find the =
hollyhock until we learned what hollyhock looks like. And there are =
flight periods to contend with too -- many butterflies fly for only a =
short time each year. It was, and still is, a great treasure hunt.

Another year, another quest - now dragonflies. Just as exciting, just =
as challenging as birds. I have "discovered" some places, like one nice =
meadow near a lake in Pend Oreille County, several different times now. =
Ten years ago we discovered the area as a good birding spot. Three =
years ago we discovered it again as a great butterfly locality. Last =
year we discovered it yet again as an excellent dragonfly locality. Has =
my interest in birds dwindled away? Hardly; I am learning to appreciate =
more and more how birds and plants and insects all relate together, and =
how one depends on the other. And I am finding repeatedly that good =
habitat for one is very often good habitat for the others.

So put away the melancholy; the excitement isn't winding down and =
ending, but just beginning. Take Idie Ulsh's butterfly class, or watch =
for Dennis Paulson's upcoming dragonfly class, or take a North Cascades =
Institute wildflower course, and broaden your interests. You will =
appreciate birding all the more for it.

Dave Nunnallee
davidn at nwlink.com
Issaquah, WA