I have been enjoying all the responses, so I thought I would join the frenzy
feeding. Several experiences come to mind that probably put me over the
edge.

Growing up in Michigan, I clearly remember the Blue Jays, Cardinals, Mourning
Doves,etc. but I really wasn't into birding. I also remember faking a 7th
grade science assignment where you had to identify 10 birds in our town and
write about them. Well, I found one of those little pocket field guides on
birds published by golden press and proceded to write down 10 at random
birds. Mind you I didn't understand the range maps and had writen down some
pretty increditable sightings for our part of the country. The teacher didn't
quite believe my sightings and was told to due the assignment correctly. I
can't remember all the 10 birds that I finally observed but I still remember
the loud callings of the Red-winged Blackbirds that I snuck up on at a local
swamp. Still not enough to get me hooked.

In 1971 after leaving Michigan and traveling across the U.S. "The Bug"
finally hit. We mostly camped and backpacked our way west for several months.
I had bought several field guides on plants, mammals and some sort of a
combined guide on wildlife. Seeing a Common Raven on a post with the Grand
Tetons as a backdrop almost did it (though the Raven is my favorite bird as
of today}.
While backpacking at Mt. Rainier, I had fallen asleep after some grueling
miles. Before I drifted off I was eating trail mix and must have spilled a
good quanity. You probably can guess the rest of the scene! I awoke with Gray
Jays on my head,belly, legs and everywhere! It was a sight to behold. I felt
like St. Francis feeding the birds. I then found if you held out your hand
with goodies they would come also. Of course this reenactment has played out
many times with friends and family thoughout the years. I found the bird in
our guide and I think that did it.
Ending up in Calif. with House Finches, Hooded and Bullock's Orioles,Western
Tanagers and hummingbirds in our yard sealed the quest. Joining a local bird
club finally put me over the edge where I remain today!

Bruce LaBar
SnyderLaBar at AOL.com
Tacoma, Wa.