I think the title for this post is almost a perfect description of my life! Kids and grand-children apart, they are so very important and ultimately my legacy, thus in no way can they be described as pointless, the rest of my life has been a blast. I played football, I watched football (QPR in the 1970's/80's)I went fishing and watched birds (yes, I was a "twitcher" at some point in my past!) and now I go fishing again - each and every one of these phases being etched in my memory as a pleasurable period.
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A first-winter male Desert Wheatear at Reculver
Great memories of good times and a smart little bird to enjoy! |
What contribution to the greater good of mankind any of these activities has made, is very debatable, yet it is those same experiences that have gotten me to where I am today. Sitting in our tea room, yesterday, with my work-mates we got into a discussion about our various hobbies. One is a keen cyclist, so £2,000 for a push-bike is a justifiable expense, a couple of the others are into "classic motorcycles" and are equally willing to pour funds into their projects. When it was my turn, I had to admit that I'd paid good money for optics and fishing gear - and have no qualms about buying the best I can afford, in order to enjoy my chosen hobbies.
No-one admitted to stamp collecting or plane spotting, yet if they had I'm confident that their commitment and enjoyment would be no less worthy. "Whatever floats your boat!"
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Junco at Dungeness - looking at this image is akin to listening to a Jimi Hendrix track.
There was so much more going on than simply "twitching" a Kent tick! |
I have to admit that birding has lost its' draw for me. Being a cynical old git (something I find increasingly easy with the passing of time) I poke fun at those who are still actively engaged in this fantastic hobby. At some stage, in the future, I might rediscover the thrills of birding - just as I have with angling. Until then, however, I will continue to offer an opinion on this completely unimportant pursuit, knowing that there are many individuals deriving immense pleasure from this particular form of pointlessness! (It really helps the blog stats!)
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Does it matter that I no longer find birding a draw?
I do not foresee a day when I am unable to look at our natural world without gaining immense pleasure. |
Ah, but I bet that every time that you step out of the house Dyl, you are aware of what is flying over, what is calling and what you might expect to see... you never truly stop!
ReplyDeleteYes, that is very true - but I just don't feel that spark any more. Birds and birding are part of my very fabric, yet no longer as big a part of my life as they have been in the past.
DeleteIt is impossible for me not to look, but I don't actively search as I used to. Newland's Farm and the birds (wildlife in general) that I encounter whilst I'm fishing now make up the majority of what I record. Always a pleasure, just not important within the present stage of my journey along life's highway. As with all phases of my life; things are very likely to change - although I can't ever see me return to "twitching". The one thing I will add is "never say never!"