From a pointing toward some trees to running off to tell someone
who'd just asked, where some Bohemian Waxwings had just been seen,
there has been a lot of friendly location- and information- sharing
between people who either have made their way to Magnuson Park for the
distinct purpose of getting glimpses or photographs of the uncommon
winter visitor to the park (Bohemian Waxwings), or who just happen to
be walking by and notice the excitement and upward gesticulation of
nearby folks with birding apparati.

An exceptional example of one birder/photographer going out of his way
to help some people find the BOWA, was a man with a black camera/big
lens, who, last Sunday, came back down a path where a group of 5 of us
had been unsuccessfully looking for the birds, to tell us that some
had been located about a block away, down the street. We were so
grateful and appreciative.

And something which happens over and over - passersby ask what we are
looking at, we share a bit and THEN, let them look through the scope
or at the camera screen and suddenly, their faces light up, and almost
universally, exclaim "How beautiful". They frequently express their
amazement and appreciation of our sharing. What an easy, effective way
to bring the wonders of birds to the "regular" citizen, to show that
our urban environments can host surprising and wonderful wildlife. A
little environmental ed. opportunity. :-)

Having gone over to the site (near and often south of Kite Hill) quite
a few times since the first alerts late last week, I have had occasion
to experience and observe positive interactions every time I have been
over there. I've been on both the giving and receiving ends of the
goodwill. There's a special thing going on over there - it isn't
always like this. The season? The appearance of sun? Easy access?
The fact that there is a whole group of birds to look for, not just
one? That there are other species (birds & mammals) interacting over
there that one can enjoy while waiting for the BOWA? Probably a mix
of these and many other factors. No matter - it's heartening. I have
noticed this same phenomenon at other sites and at other times, but it
always lifts my spirits, especially after there has been a spate of
verbal boxing on Tweeters or I've encountered the rare snarly,
impatient birder somewhere. Everything isn't sun and roses, of course!

So, besides enjoying the opportunity to see these gorgeous and
sometimes comical birds (when they "play with their food!"), I hope
more birders, non-birders and newbie birders will find such a welcome
reception awaiting them and that more of you all get a chance to
participate in this process, either at Magnuson or anywhere a group of
bird-watchers has gathered.

Cheers to you all.

Barb Deihl

P.S. Just got word that the exceptional waxwing photography by one
extremely generous and skilled "big-lens" guy, has inspired an artist
fan of his to create a beautiful bronze sculpture commemorating both
the smooth beauty and a feeding behavior of the group in general. And
I expect there may be more who will be creatively moved by in-person
views of these birds or by photo images shared by this photographer or
others. The wealth spreads!