Bird brained

I’m on a mini quest this year to see if I can hear or see 365 different species of birds. Between trips to France, Costa Rica and Eastern North America I have logged 305 so far. I’m going to have to do some serious birding during the fall migrations to meet the target. But it’s not about the numbers. I love being in the world with birdsong everywhere. I’ve become a good bird-listener in recent years, being that my musical brain and my diminishing eyesight quality have shifted my senses. I’m good enough now with my ears that I can often identify an unknown birds by its genus before I get its species. Apps like Merlin help to make confirmations, or point my attention to quieter or high pushed bird calls I might be missing. Here’s something about how this activity is so good for you: interconnected learning associated with birding may lead to structural and functional changes through neuroplasticity—the brain’s capacity to rewire and adapt with experience. Wing says that there are…