Why we need to change the rhetoric and curse a little (or a lot)

Join The Flock My online Community here: THE FLOCK

Profanity is more necessary to me than is immunity from colds-Mark Twain

As you all know I am not a stranger to the degree of cursing that may make a few “pearl clutches” faint. The level of excitement I experience while I’m birding is a needed drug for me. It gives me something to look forward to, a vice that I truly need. I am not out here snorting coke and shitting in the side streets, I’m chasing lifers and geeking out over binoculars.

It’s strange to me that people feel the need to stifle someone’s language in this wondrous realm of birds. My direct messages are often the place where I receive such criticism. A woman, a professor from Cornell, once told me that “The fould (that’s how she spelled it) language and alcohol consumption are not something that real Birders do.” The fuck? I remember reading that and thinking; “why the fuck would people want to get into birding then.” I also felt another way though, and that was a real need to become exactly what that bitch isn’t.

Birding like a Badass

First of all, saying “look at that fucking bird” or “Holy shit, did you see that?” Or the ever so popular “Fuck, did you hear that?’ is almost a staple in my birding. I will go on to curse the little bird for not cooperating during a photo or leaving before I could take one. Seeing a lifer, is like the ultimate awe! Sometimes there are moments better than others, but always, there will be a shit, fuck and damn, that’s awesome. Why? Because birding is like a fucking sport. It’s more and more becoming a thrill ride for me and I love it that way. To be clear, Im not taking a huge ass dump on people that love peace and quiet while they bird. I too, have partaken in the silence and stillness of my surroundings a time or two, but for the most part; Im balls to wall, and will have an energetic hell of a time.

Enthusiasm is Contagious

Think of it like this…watching someone have some fucking fire and passion when it comes to something they love to do, makes the shit way more interesting. Often, birding is viewed as some boring shit that old people do. Why? Well, old people do like it but some are seriously unwilling to accept anything other than what they are use to. They have “rules”. The proper way to bird, whatever that is. The real issue, most younger people who enjoy birding, also love to use it to not only connect with nature, but to thrive in a space where they can let loose and fucking be amazed. Birds will amaze you and excite you! With that will come the cuss words! I love being enthusiastic about birds and birding. The best compliment I have gotten is having people message me and say that because they saw me, they started noticing birds now. Honestly, Ive cried reading those, and it happens often. It brings joy to my little humble world knowing that I am contagious and that birding isn’t fucking boring.