David Yee
President Western Field Ornithologists
Past President of the Central Valley Bird Club
San Joaquin County Bird Records Keeper

1. Hooked on birding:
Please describe:

a. How you became interested in bird watching. I was a nature enthusiast from my earliest days of childhood. My parents wonderfully bought me all kinds of nature study books. By the time I was about 10 I had developed a keen interest in astronomy. When I was 12 my parents bought me a telescope for Christmas. On Christmas Day while learning how to use my telescope, I trained it on a big Valley Oak in my neighborhood and saw a woodpecker in the lens. I immediately went to my nature library, got out the the little Golden Guide to Birds, and found out I was looking at an Acorn Woodpecker. I immediately asked my mom if I could go over to our neighbors yard to do some birdwatching. She let me use her fathers bins and the first bird I saw in Mr and Mrs Moore's backyard was a hummingbird, the first hummer in my life. I was mesmorized. After about 10 min, I determined it was an Anna's Hummingbird. I remember IDing a Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's at the time) as well. I ran home totally excited about my new discoveries, and was forever hooked on birding. My interest in astronomy waned quickly, and soon my parents were allowing me purchase birding stuff like crazy (plastic models, National Wildlife stamps, etc, - field guides were non-existant at the time). By the time I was in high school, birding was my favorite hobby. I credit my parents for encouaging my birding, even though they never became birders themselves.

b. What you did to increase your bird identification skills. I read the little Golden Guide to Birding cover to cover many times, and learned at the age of 12 that there is this thing called "status and distribution". My parents then purchased for me the Peterson guide to the West. I practically memorized every tidbit of info in it. I was especially impressed by Peterson's urging of using sihlouettes and vocalizations to ID birds. Understanding status/distribution, shape ID and vocalizations by the time I was about 15 developed my ID skills I have today. I also was a nut about documentation at the time. I must have been a total bird-geek when I was 15, as my bird notes from that time totally put to shame anything I've done since.

c. Why you continue to enjoy bird watching. For many of the same reasons when I was 12 - the thrill of discovery and the marvels of creation. These days it also gives me peace of mind and helps me put a proper perspective on my own life. It also gives me a unique opportunity to share something special with others, especially to kids.

2. Field of Dreams:

a. Share one of your memorable birding experiences in Stanislaus or Merced County. Discovering the STA Long-tailed Jaeger with Harold Reeve many years ago.

b. Identify a birding location in Stanislaus or Merced County that you enjoy going to and explain why you like to bird there. The Modesto Sewage Ponds will always be a special place for me. I remember there was a time when Eric Caine and me were the only ones who knew of the place.

c. Identify a birding spot outside of Stanislaus or Merced County that you enjoy going to and explain why you like to bird there. Thailand - the people, culture and food are second to none. The birds are like nothing here in the Americas.

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. The huge flocks of white geese at the Merced NWR send me to a place what I imagine it was like in the CV 150 years ago. The specialties along Del Puerto Cyn Rd inspired me hunt for similar habitats/birds in SJ, which led me to Kiln Cyn.

b. What bird species that you have not already seen in Stanislaus or Merced County would you would like to find next? Little Stint at the Modesto Sewage Ponds

c. What is your favorite bird field guide that you take with you in the field (or have in your car)? Sibly guide to the West

d. What kind of equipment (binoculars, telescopes, cameras, etc.) do you take along with you while birding? 7x42 Zeiss bins, 82 mm Kowa scope, good hat, sun screen, sun glasses, fieldguide

4. Dear Abby:

a. What advice would you give to a new bird watcher? Never loose the sense of joy and discovery birding brings to you

b. What suggestions would you give to a parent to help them encourage their children to become bird watchers? Spend the money and take the time - just like in soccer, little league or dance