Yesterday, after leaving the Russell Co. picnic, I decided to drive
through Clifton Farm Rd. on the way home. I figured that my Alyssa, my fifteen
year old daughter, and her friend Kiera would protest, but they seemed to be
receptive. Imagine my shock as we started along the dirt road, when both put
down their cell phones and suddenly became very engaged and excited about all
of their natural surroundings! They were making observations, pointing out
things that I missed and asking questions about everything from wildflowers to
cows. They were both especially intrigued by a couple of skunks that we saw
foraging in the fields, for this was their first real life encounter with this
animal. They also liked the small history lesson I gave about how the Stuart
family acquired the land. Birding was slow, with a few Loggerhead Shrikes
being our best find and none were close enough see any bands. We did however
see a large flock of twenty or more Common Nighthawks fly over at dusk, which
prompted another spirited discussion about "goatsuckers".
Suffice to say that I am still beaming about the experience this morning!
It was one of those rare moments when, as the parent of a teenager, you get a
chance to connect. I can't fathom how, but I think that it did them as much
good as it did myself. It's hard to relate to you how good it felt, if just
for an hour or two, for them to be kids again and for this guy to be cool and
not just a "bird nerd dad" with whom a teenager is embarrassed to be seen.
Daryl Owens,
Oakwood, VA
