Carol's Corner

Birding on your Buns and Why it’s Fun

I’ve been low on energy. Perhaps you know the feeling--that winter slump when you just want to hunker down and eat cookies. However, my cookie induced coma is often laced with guilt. Recently, I discovered a quote that allows me to celebrate my sloth like state and slay the guilt: “We aren’t made to rocket straight though winter, ablaze with energy.” (Victoria Erikson)

I took this quote to heart and changed my ways. Lately, I’ve been birding on my buns. And loving it. Let me explain.

Birding on Your Buns or BOYB for short (note, this is NOT BYOB—although some of you may surely think I am writing while intoxicated…I assure you I am not) is my preferred method of birding when I need to unwind and relax in nature.

So exactly what is Birding on your Buns (BOYB)?

It consists of finding a place you can sit without distractions and just be still in nature.

My preferred place to practice BOYB is the Riley Ranch Nature Reserve. This spectacular spot tucked into the Northwest corner of Bend rambles for 184 acres and offers a variety of habitats to explore—or to rest in. From rimrock cliffs along the Deschutes river, to open meadows dotted with deer and edged with juniper and pine, it is a great place to escape everyday chaos. Several miles of trails wind through the reserve and it connects with the trail to Tumalo State Park.

One of my favorite things about this haven is its unmanicured, natural state which provides great habitat for birds and other wildlife. The snags beckon cavity nesters like nuthatches, chickadees or flickers—of which there are many. Beds of pine needles conceal a treasure trove of goodies for hungry nuthatches.

On a recent visit, as I settled down at the base of a mighty ponderosa, a pair of White-breasted Nuthatches emerged from hiding and began to forage.

First, they wandered headfirst down the puzzle-pieced bark of a Ponderosa pine, mining the cracks for their seed stash or insect scraps. Eventually, they worked their way to the ground and came within arm’s reach of me as I held stock still. Mesmerized by their movements and enthralled by their beauty, I was transported to a state of calm.

I find that in the stillness of winter, the seemingly sleeping forest can come alive. If we only take the time to see. And be still. Birding on Your Buns—give it a whirl.

Have a Bluebird Day!

Carol