Are You Here For The Sora? An Interview with Brittany.

Name: Brittany
Pronouns: she/her
Location: Traditional, ancestral, and stolen territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations; so-called Vancouver
Occupation: Counsellor

What interested you in participating in this project? 
I am passionate about birding and the impact that birding can have on wellbeing.


Do you mind sharing your mental health diagnoses or conditions? 
As many others, I don't have a diagnosis or condition, but I live in this world that is fraught with oppression, violence, grief, and so much pain. As we all are present to daily horrors, we hold this, as we hold others. There are many reasons to cry, rage, wail, grieve.

When did you become interested in birds and birding? 
Like many others, I became interested in birds during the pandemic. My interest quickly grew and I was lucky to discover that a local avian research center operated a bird banding station in a park near me. I began to volunteer in 2022, and four years later, my bird banding days are the highlight of my week.

How has birding helped you in processing or healing with your mental health? 
When I bird band, or go birding, it is as if the rest of the world melts away. It is the only space in my life where I am actually mindful - regardless of the chaos surrounding the rest of my life, it's just me, nature, and the birds.

How has birding helped you in your daily life? Long-term? 
It has become a safe space for me - one that always nourishes and restores me. It has also become a daily part of my life. Once you become connected with birds, you notice them every single place you go. Even driving... you'll hear the song out of your window. It was always there... but once you really notice it, and connect with them, you'll see how present they really are.

Are you involved in your local birding community? Has that helped or hindered you in any way? 
To a point. As I mentioned, I volunteer with a local organization that works in bird conservation and education and therefore, I get to band birds with this community. The larger birding community I am not really a part of, nor do I feel inclined to become part of it as I am not interested in the competition that often comes with it.

What do you think some of the barriers are to people finding birding an accessible tool to use for improving their mental health? 
I think people may succumb to stereotypical dated notions of bird-watching being for "nerds" or "seniors." I think once they experience the beauty of birding, all preconceived notions disappate. As well, I think people may feel overwhelmed with the idea of "memorizing" birds, or having to buy binoculars. Again, just not aware that there are so many ways to bird and finding ones that resonate with you is most important.

What is your favourite way to bird or go birding? 
On my own, or with a close birder pal!

Do you believe there is something specific birds have to teach us? 
Slow down. Be present. Everything you need is already around you.

Does birding ever affect your mental health negatively? 
Never! 

Is there a birding story that makes you instantly smile? 
In the first month after getting my binoculars, I went to a local park. Walking in, I had many people asking "Are you here for the sora?" I was so confused - I had no idea what they were talking about, nor had I ever heard the word 'sora' before, let alone understand it was a bird. Sure enough, as I came upon the marsh, a line of people were there, eagerly asking if I had been there before and had spotted the sora. A few birders helped me find it - and it was such a beautiful momeny of community where all these strangers, standing along a marsh... all ages, races, genders... in that moment, we were one and sharing a moment of beauty. 
    
What bird song immediately lifts you up and why? 
The Swainson's Thrush trill! The very first birdsong that sparked my curiosity!

What recommendations would you give to someone getting started using birding for their mental wellness? 
Start in your own backyard! Literally or figuratively. Find a path you like to walk and just go be there for a bit of time noticing. Be curious. You don't need to know names, calls, songs... anything. Just notice how your body feels when you arrive, and when you leave.

If you could give one message to mental health care providers about birding and why they should recommend it to clients what would it be? Birding is an accessible, free, low-barrier tool that can be used by absolutely anyone.

If you could convey one message to the birds, what would it be? 
An endless thank-you!



THANK YOU BRITTANY for sharing your story with us!