DAVID NUNNALLEE wrote:
>
> 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.
> 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

RESPONSE:

Idie Ulsh will be offering "Butterflies of the Puget Sound Region" at
the Seattle Audubon Society to introduce you to the identification,
habits & habitats of the butterflies of this region. Enjoy an
introduction to the fascinating activity of "butterflying with
binoculars" or how to enjoy butterflies without collecting. The class
will include a slide-based discussion of the natural history of
butterflies, identification of the 30 butterfles species in the Puget
Sound area, butterfly photography, and an introduction to butterfly
gardening. Limited to 25 places. May 21, 28 and June 4. 7:00-9:00 PM.
Carpool field trip May 31. $60 cost. Call SAS at 523-4483 or stop by
the SAS Center at 8050 35th Ave., NE, Seattle, WA 98115 to register and
get a free copy of the Earthcare Northwest newsletter which lists SAS
field trip for March and April.

Contact the North Cascades Institute for the 1997 Natural History Series
(copies available at SAS office if you stop in there).
2105 Sate Route 20
Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284-9394
(360) 856-5700 x 209
nci at ncascades.org
www.ncascades.org/nci

Dr. Dennis Paulson, Director of the Slater Museum of Natural History at
the University of Puget Sound, is author of many publication on birding
and teachers for the Seattle Audubon's Master Birding Program. His
column, "Ask Dennis" is a monthly feature in the SAS Earthcard Northwest
newsletter.



Kathy Manville
Bellevue, WA