Eric Caine
Past President Stanislaus Audubon Society

1. Hooked on birding:
Please describe:

a. How you became interested in bird watching. On a camping trip in Sequoia National Park, a friend who had recently begun watching birds showed me some of the local birds. I had good looks at several and realized I had been missing much of the world around me.

b. What you did to increase your bird identification skills. I bought and studied bird books and spent many hours in the field. Whenever possible, I associated with and learned from good birders.

c. Why you continue to enjoy bird watching. Birds and nature are an aesthetic and spiritual experience, and the people who enjoy them are often fun to be around.

2. Field of Dreams:

a. Share one of your memorable birding experiences in Stanislaus or Merced County. One time I was given permission to bird on private property. I was on vacation and very tired, so I decided to walk into a secluded place with a pond and some old willows and take a nap. No sooner had I sat down with my back against a gnarly old willow than a Swamp Sparrow popped up on the barbed wire a few feet away. I really didn't want to have to document and share the bird because I was tired, but I had just met Harold Reeve and he was recording Stanislaus County birds of note. I grudgingly walked all the way back to my car, and started looking for Harold. I found him at the entrance to the Modesto sewer ponds. His car had broken down. I told him about the bird and offered to help him with his car. Harold said to forget about the car, "let's find the bird." We left his car by the side of the road, and went searching for the bird. Though it took hours to refind the bird, Harold never complained. He went back and got his car next morning.

b. Identify a birding location in Stanislaus or Merced County that you enjoy going to and explain why you like to bird there. The San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge is always fun because it is in some respects terra incognita, always changing and growing. And there is still lots to add to the refuge list; there are surprises waiting.

c. Identify a birding spot outside of Stanislaus or Merced County that you enjoy going to and explain why you like to bird there. On and around Mt. Pinos are friendly spirits of the past and a landscape promising adventure and revelation.

3. A Few of My Favorite Things:

a. Pick 2 or 3 Stanislaus or Merced County bird species and explain why you look forward to seeing them. Swainson's Hawks are always exciting because they were formerly very scarce; it's good to see them come back in healthy numbers. Any gull or shorebird is exciting because I've never gotten used to the idea they can be found away from the ocean. Their appearances are like alien visitations, even though they are common in the valley.

b. What bird species that you have not already seen in Stanislaus or Merced County would you would like to find next? After over twenty-five years of trying, it would be nice to see a Cassin's Kingbird in the county.

c. What is your favorite bird field guide that you take with you in the field (or have in your car)? Whatever's handy. Right now there is a Sibley on the floor back of the driver's seat.

d. What kind of equipment (binoculars, telescopes, cameras, etc.) do you take along with you while birding? I always have ten power binoculars, Zeiss or Leitz. I seldom bring a scope or camera any more. When I was gathering photos I used Nikon equipment.

4. Dear Abby:

a. What advice would you give to a new bird watcher? Don't be discouraged by the skepticism of veteran birders. Learn 100 common local birds well. Don't bring the diseases of modern life into the natural world; let it heal you from them.

b. What suggestions would you give to a parent to help them encourage their children to become bird watchers? First enjoy nature yourself.

5. Other: If you can't sit for hours on a mountainside with nothing to do but enjoy the sky and rocks and trees, you haven't learned how to live.