Since the beginning of May, I have adopted the \u201cbirders\u2019\u201d lifestyle, which includes 4 A.M. mornings, beautiful sunrises and lots of caffeine. For some this may seem like a less than ideal routine, but for me, it is the dream! It signifies another day in the field doing what I love to do: exploring wildlife in their natural habitat.<\/p>\n
I have been fortunate enough to join WPC’s Eastern Loggerhead Shrike Recovery Team on a 7-week contract based out of eastern Ontario. While shrike used to be more common in the region, the eastern Ontario population dwindled in the mid 1990s. However, breeding pairs have been spotted in recent years, so my position was reintroduced this season to see if there might be more out there. And I, for one, am thrilled to get to spend my days tracking down the infamous \u201cButcherbird\u201d!<\/p>\n
It wasn’t easy \u2014 it took me just shy of four weeks to spot this elusive, predatory songbird \u2014 and the \u201chappy dance\u201d that followed\u2026 Let\u2019s just say I am glad I work alone. My next task will be to try to track down its (potential) nest. But, in the meantime, I have had ample time to relish and embrace working in the field and \u201cliving the dream\u201d, and here are five reasons why.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
1. The outdoor office<\/h3>\n
Each day, I get to spend my work hours in the Great Outdoors! No screen time, no phone calls, just my spotting scope, binoculars and me. Fresh air, vitamin D and excellent cardio are just a couple of the health benefits of working in the field. On top of a healthier atmosphere, being outside allows for magnificent views! Grassland habitats \u2013 where the shrikes reside \u2013 are very versatile and unique habitats that I have definitely overlooked prior to spending everyday surveying them. They are home to many different plant and animal species (but you will have to keep reading for more on this)!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>
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