Actually, I have birded with several folks who have little interest in even
plants and trees, much less mushrooms, slugs, insects, and all the rest. In
fact, I have found it rather rare to find field folks with broad interests.
The botanists and mycology folks seem generally disinterested about birds,
the bugsters I hang with are all too often woefully under educated in
mammals and birds. It seems most university programs push specialization
rather than generalization. This is not meant to be a criticism, I have all
kinds of respect for experts in things, and I utilize their expertise
whenever I can. It is just not my path.

My most memorable experiences have been with old timer naturalists such as
Vic Sheffer, John Slipp, and Earl Larrison. Those guys did amazing variety
of work in the 50's and 60's and introduced me to the notion of poking
around, gleefully delving into whatever aspect of nature which presents
itself. Many years ago I teased Earl Larrison about not having done a field
guide to insects. (He penned local field guides on mammals, wildlfowers, and
birds). He sighed and said, the trouble with nature is that she takes 100
liftimes before you can begin to know her, I was only gifted with one....

I share his lament...


Rob Sandelin.



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