Journal #4

Sense of Place
Enhancing one's sense of place is all about connecting with the environment. I believe a great way to gain enlightenment on this subject can be by observing and attempting to understand birds. I have always loved to kayak and fish while observing the magnificent southwest Florida environment. Recently I have grown fond of watching water birds as they gracefully scan the ocean surfaces and land for food and shelter. I have gained great knowledge and experience about the environment from watching birds. Observing the extent to which birds hunt, care for their young, and soar peacefully gives one the sense that they can appreciate the environment even more. The subtropical region of Southwest FL encompasses various ecosystems that serve as habitats, and birds use them for breeding, nesting, and rearing young. Birds are extremely important to the ecosystem and do many things for our Southern FL environment including; boosting tree growth by removing parasites and damaging insects, naturally garden by transferring seeds, and also help with pollination. Perhaps one of the greatest areas to bird watch is the Big Cypress Sanctuary where many wading birds come in the spring when the water level is high to feed, nest, and naturally show off their beauty. The knowledge I gained about the birds and their habits will definably help me put into perspective the need we have for the birds of our Southern Florida area. Observing the feeding habits of the birds as well as construction of their nests is a great way to help fill the void regarding the relationship between people and the environment and it helps disclose the need to focus on land conservation and bird protection. Protecting birds not only serves us humans directly by increasing the quality of air, abundance of plants and trees, and limiting insect population, but helps those of us who are consumed by our daily lives to appreciate life and connect with nature much more. I now understand that birds are indeed a necessary component of ecosystems, which we need for our own survival. We must remember that us humans need the environment, the environment does not need us.