Written by Tyler Thomas, Manager of Science Literacy and Research at Tremont
Last September, I was helping out with a bird banding session in the North Carolina side of the Smokies. While we caught nearly twenty birds that day, one small songbird stood out to me.
I didn’t recognize the species at first, but once I was able to get a closer look, I felt a strong connection to the bird – it reminded me of a photo that sits on my desk at Tremont. The photo was taken by my grandfather several decades ago and features a banded Magnolia Warbler.
My grandfather was a biology professor, lifelong naturalist, and avid wildlife photographer. Additionally, he was the greatest mentor in my career as a biologist. To be holding the same species that had fascinated my grandfather decades before was an incredibly meaningful experience for me.
It’s funny how a brief interaction with a tiny bird can be so impactful. I am filled with gratitude for this encounter and am hopeful that Warbler is enjoying a winter in Central America.
Overall, birdwatching is an awesome way to connect to the world around you. Whether it’s observing birds in your backyard or making an eBird checklist on a hike, I encourage you all to get out and appreciate the magic of birds sometime soon!
