Avalon......

I had the fortune of being on the last AAS bird walk of the season so when  Sunday came, and I forgot to set my 'new time'....I was disappointed that I didn't meet all at Avalon, but...enjoyed my day prior... (read blog directly before this one).

Now...a dull afternoon at Avalon Sea Bird watch but I just wanted to give accolades to the 'counter'.... He is from Michigan and I have nothing against that fine state, in fact...a lovely Kirkland Warbler species is from there. But what I enjoyed about today, was how 'he' (I never got his name), befriended a nice lad and helped him bird. 

This lad was from Carolina and his dad was with him. Now, his dad wasn't a birder...but obviously allowed his son the time to bird and enjoy this interest. I applauded the dad and spoke to him on the way to my car. It is nice to see good parents who care about their kids and kids who are taking interest in birding.

But this young man of 11-12 years had a set of bins, but no scope. And, it is a bit difficult to sea watch without some bionic eyes. So the 'counter' ...was nice enough to set up a 'scope' for this young man. The 'counter' was nice enough to point out the flying Scoters or Gannet's. The 'counter' talked to him and asked him why he was interested in birding and what drew him to it. I was impressed. It is nice to see birding ambassadors such as this man was.... he was truly here not 'just to count' but to educate and to welcome in all new-comers as this young man was.  Bravo......  

My hat is off to the Avalon Counter....as he might be named in birding lore.