Birding Through Deaf Eyes
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It was not until 2020 when I first learned about the wonders of eBird and started recording birds, but then the pandemic became front and center. I decided to do bird walks on the campus with my high school students at the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind later that fall when it reopened. A new sidewalk was built around the campus and bird watching became a popular activity among the students. Students kept a wildlife journal of the birds and other animals they saw on the campus facing the picturesque Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. Our bird walks turned into a weekly ritual for us thereafter. January 2024 was when I transitioned from being a casual birdwatcher, simply observing birds, to becoming an avid birder, identifying birds. This transformation was inspired by the purchase of a new pair of binoculars in December. My passion really took off when Sara and I took a weekend trip in mid-January to Flagler Beach with our two cats in a camper van. That was when I began searching intently for birds and recording them via eBird daily. Suddenly, I realized I did not really know much about birds, and I became more curious than ever since I retired and had the time. Much to my chagrin, I also discovered that I was not well-versed in bird names and had even misidentified some birds! I went ahead and read a lot of books about birds. I was particularly fascinated with birds’ migration routes, and I wanted to learn all there was to know about birds and more. I was inspired to embark on a Little Big Year to focus on observing as many bird species as possible in Duval County. My goal was to observe as many birds as I could in 2025 to gain a deeper understanding of them. I wanted to experience the world through their eyes and learn about their habitats. This incredible journey would not have been possible without the unwavering support of the remarkable birding community in Duval County. That year, I had the privilege of observing 234 different bird species. This experience was forever etched in my mind and transformed my perspective on the world. I also discovered that deaf individuals like me can indeed enjoy birding. With the right mindset and a willingness to observe our surroundings, we can learn about bird habitats and discover birds in their natural environments without relying on sounds. This concept can be applied to all birders worldwide. After all, birds are beautiful with their dazzling colors, shapes, and sizes, and they are altogether fascinating to watch, especially when observing their bird behavior. Jeff Graham, a renowned birder in Duval County, has consistently emphasized that knowing bird habitats is the key to successful birding. The enriching experience of birding ultimately inspired me to write this book, sharing my passion for birding with you through my unique perspective as a deaf person.
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About the Book
With over 11,000 bird species worldwide, each eagerly awaits discovery and appreciation. Birds, the only surviving dinosaurs, survived the 66-million-year-old meteor impact. They inhabit nearly every corner of the world, sharing their habitats with many other wildlife species. Birds play vital roles in our ecosystem as pollinators, natural pest controllers, seed dispersers, and cleanup crews. They fertilize plants through droppings, assist in pollination, consume hundreds of tons of insects annually, and contribute to reforestation and biodiversity when they disperse seeds. Scavengers like vultures play a vital role in disease control by consuming carcasses and preventing the spread of infections. Birds, remarkable explorers, constantly venture into uncharted territories. Their exceptional navigational abilities and adaptability, especially their extraordinary vision, enable them to thrive in diverse environments. However, these avian creatures are currently facing significant challenges that require our assistance. Their habitats are rapidly diminishing, extreme weather patterns are altering, and natural resources are depleting. To address these issues, this captivating book embarks on a journey into the world of birds, as seen through the eyes of a deaf birder. The book transports readers to different habitats, providing detailed descriptions. Readers also gain insights into the avian mind and witness the intricate behaviors of birds across various regions. Additionally, guidance is offered on birding and contributing to the conservation efforts of these remarkable creatures. By appreciating and supporting birds, our global whistleblowers, we are safeguarding them and all other wildlife, ensuring that future generations can experience the same sense of awe and wonder.
About the Author
Deborah, a graduate of Marie Katzenbach School for the Deaf, Gallaudet University, and McDaniel College, spent 30 years teaching science at the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind before retiring in 2023. Now, she enjoys birding, camping, bicycling, and traveling with Sara and their black tuxedo kitty, Happy.