Another Look at the Retiring Boomers

Photo Credit: Dave Magpiong

 

The youngest of baby boomers are turning 50 this year, a point that the media seem to be emphasizing today. These boomers are, perhaps, dealing with the issue of being empty-nesters, wondering "what next" to do, now that the kids are on their own.

In the October 2013 BEN Bulletin, Paul Baicich wrote about birding with boomers, outlining several reasons why this huge demographic is ripe for the attention of bird educators. It's also important to understand that bird study can be a very beneficial activity for this generation, especially the older portion born between 1946 and 1952, as they retire or consider leaving the world of work behind.

Retirement is a major life change and one which can potentially trigger anxiety and stress. According to Forbes.com, "work creates self-worth, physical and mental exercise, friendship, and sense of belonging." Leaving all of that behind often leaves people seeking more. Curiously enough, bird watching is a great way to build self-worth, get physical and mental exercise, build friendships, and discover a sense of belonging.  Therefore, birding is the perfect antidote to any threat of retirement blues!

At first, the challenges of bird identification seem insurmountable but it doesn't take long to tell terns from gulls, swallows from swifts, and vultures from hawks. With a good field guide and time in the field, one's identification skills will grow by leaps and bounds. Think back to your early bird-watching days, and you will likely remember that feeling of accomplishment as your identified new species on your own. Building self-worth? Check!

As people get pulled into birding, they find themselves walking local parks, trudging across beaches, and hiking trails more often in search of their feathered quarry - and getting lots of fresh air and aerobic activity in the process.  Once they find a bird to observe, their mind gets to work. Size and shape? Behavior? Patterns of color? Location? Date? Habitat?  Each of these mental questions and observable answers flips through potential species like a virtual old-style Rolodex until only a few possible birds are left. Physical and mental exercise? Check!

It doesn't take long to bump into other birders in the field or, these days, online. The shared interest in birds is a terrific social lubricant. "Did you see the Mourning Warbler? Oh, well let's see if we can find it again!" The quest to find "good birds" and, for many, to share those birds lays the foundation for birding friendships.  When that behavior translates to joining a bird club or a birding listserv or facebook page, people are often either encouraged to see their sightings appreciated by others or value the opportunity to learn from more experienced birders. Friendship? Sense of belonging? Check and check!

These are just a few of the many reasons why bird study for boomers is a worthy mission. Other major reasons include reconnecting with previously acquired outdoor experiences and environmental concerns that were an important part of this generation's early education.

Making Connections in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas

by Gisela Chapa