Tw'ters,

Regarding recent postings concerning biding "equipment," I wonder if we're
losing touch with the point of the exercise? Radios, tape players, GPS.......!
Doesn't anyone just go birding anymore? What happened to the relaxing,
rejuvenating pastime of watching birds? "Birdwatching" became "birding" and now we're
competing. We are, indeed, an interesting species.

I've been watching and enjoying birds for more than 55 years and I've never
felt the need to take along a radio or a tape player, and I usually know where
I am. Is this all a bit strange or am I just the odd duck? Of course, there's
the old adage: "To each his own." And lest I forget, "Different strokes.....,"
etc.

I also wonder if there's a grant to do a study here, because the funny thing
is, I'm beginning to enjoy watching birders almost as much as watching birds.
Homo sapiens: what a diverse lot we are!

Enjoy,
Joe Meche
Bellingham, WA