If any one is concerned that they don't know enough about birds,
aren't smart enough, aren't experienced enough, wouldn't be a good
representative of MOU, aren't a member of MOU so I can't, can't ID all
birds yet or ID them by call, or might look stupid, or whatever other
misconceptions we all share, please give me a read on holding down a
shift at the MOU booth this year.
I meet all of the above criteria and I love staffing the booth. I am
an introvert by nature - believe it or not. No one puts me under the
gun at the booth. They ask questions and if I can't answer them, I
try to get the person with me to help or even another person visiting
the booth. The opportunity is to share your passion for birds - not
necessarily your knowledge or skill. I bet the best birders in the
world sign deeply when someone asks them to ID a bird based on another
person's observations. Very difficult to do and best to just say we
can only guess or would need to see it ourselves to be sure (even that
is often stretching the truth for me!).
Staffing the booth is a hoot, just a real hoot. The greatest people
in the world drop by - people who share your interest and likely your
passion for birds. There were free handouts when I was there and
people loved them. I got to see kids get passionate about birds just
from hanging for a few minutes with adults telling bird stories and
radiating their passion.
Plus you get in free! There is a great fruit smoothie booth within 75
feet of the booth that I hit hard after my shift. Then there is a
great coffee and chai tea booth within 125 feet that I hit before my
stint.
Often, depending on where the booth is, the crowds who just watched
the raptor show come by with awe in their eyes and I could warm my
hands and read a book by their glow!
This is a wonderful opportunity to be with other birders, meet new
people, share you passion, get in the fair free, and be a
contribution. I enjoy birds year round and use the bird servers to
share my experiences and learn and hear others share their bird
experiences. This is a great way to contribute to this community and
enroll others who just might make a huge difference in your life just
as you might make a difference in their lives.
Four hours fly by - trust me. That is why I sign up for several. I
go early to visit the barns especially when the FFA kids are there. I
go real early to see them tend their animals. I stay late to see the
fireworks. And I eat healthy - (it is possible).
Please sign up. I will join you if you wish. Or take a chance and
staff with someone you get to meet.
Don't miss this opportunity again.
Thomas Maiello
Angel Environmental Management, Inc.
Maple Grove, MN
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