Cool birbs.

It's an exciting and heartbreaking time to be a bird nerd . A birdwatcher, or a birder, if you will. Avian critters are migrating, which means we get to see rare breeds on their journeys to a warmer climate. But there have been some obstacles in their way, especially in urban areas such as New York City . You see, birds and skyscrapers don't get along. They fly into the crystal-clear glass windows of luxury condos and office buildings, and often die from the impact. Cheerful, huh? That's on top…

I consider myself a novice birder. Due to my "gainful" employment, I don't have the leisure time to indulge in the wholesome activity, so I play Wingspan to try to ease the agony of deprivation. Last night, the game's tranquil soundtrack helped me drift off to sleep. There's something about the sound of sweetly chirping birds and the twinkling of a harp that is so soothing. Playing Wingspan, which was undoubtedly created with birders in mind, is as near to board game therapy as it gets, dependi…

You ever hear of a little thing called ‘ Rule 34 ’? If not, well, you're in for a treat. It's probably even a concept you're familiar with. From Know Your Meme : "Rule 34 is an Internet adage in the "Rules of the Internet" list of protocols and conventions which asserts that "if something exists, there is porn of it." The humorous concept is commonly illustrated through fanarts and fanfictions in which fictional TV and cartoon characters engage in sexual behavior, in a similar vein to the Ruine…

It seems like everyone and their mom, and their grandpa, and their cousin, is getting into birdwatching . “Birding” if you're nasty. The hobby is pretty much as wholesome as they come. It incorporates all of our favorite things: animals, the great outdoors, competition, and sometimes even socializing. It's also one of the most accessible activities a person can get into. Even in the craziest, busiest, and steeliest metropolises, there are birds to be seen in parks and even nesting on towering s…

The bir dwatching community is a unique one. In my (limited) experience, birders tend to take care of the habitats they lurk to catch a glimpse of a rare bird or even just a cute one. They nod at their fellow binocular-ed passersby, share fruitful locales (but not all of them), and pick up trash as they go on their way. The pastime (or hobby) is usually a respectable one, involving a love for living things and the environments in which they exist. Birdwatching, even in the city, has allowed me…

The birding community is a special one. In my experience, they take care of the land where they're seeking a glimpse of the next rare bird. They smile at their fellow binocular-ed passersby, share good spots (but not all of them), and pick up trash as they go on their way. The hobby is (mostly) a respectable one, involving an appreciation for living things. It's allowed me to be more present, soaking up the quiet beauty of most surroundings. It's tough to be a birder in New York City. The same…