into the field
Photo credit: Ruth Grohman
After many years participating in Portland Audubon’s annual fundraiser, last year I co-lead a Birdathon team—the Warbling Yogis—a concept that combined my interest in birding with my lifelong study of yoga. The folks at Portland Audubon were impressed with this fledgling team! We had a good number of participants and we raised well over $7,000. We also provided some of the best team photos!
Portland Audubon has been my primary resource for learning about birds. Through their classes, free outings, and every spring, their morning birdsong walks, my knowledge of and appreciation for birds and their habitats has grown.
I’m happy to be co-leading again with Martha Gannett who has been involved with Portland Audubon for many years and our expert birder, Christie Galen. I know both of these women through yoga and am so happy that they are willing partners with me and give this team some avian credibility.
While birding is not an especially demanding physical activity, there is a thing called “warbler’s neck”. Have you ever stood under a tree and looked up into it for a long time? While trying to hold binoculars steady? From my asana practice, I know a little something about how to look up efficiently and how to bring quick relief after gazing upward far too long; this is the kind of thing I’ll be helping our team members with as we seek out as many birds as we can.
Spring migration is near its peak. On May 23, when the Warbling Yogis head out for a day of birding in Portland’s parks and natural areas. I’m hoping to see migrants like Black-headed Grosbeak, Western Tanager, Lazuli Bunting, Common Yellowthroat, Wilson’s Warbler, and many of our common residents. I’m also hoping to get some birder/yogis doing a few poses related to birds and the natural world—Garudasana (Eagle Pose), Gomukasana (Cow Face Pose), Vrksasana (Tree Pose), and Adho Mukha Svanasana and Urdhva Mukha Svanasana (Downward and Upward Facing Dog Poses). And for extra credit—Krounchasana (Heron Pose) and Bakasana (Crane Pose).
Join me in supporting a local organization committed to conservation efforts, education and caring for wildlife that is harmed by our existence. Head out into the field with us for a fun day of birding and yoga or consider sponsoring the Warbling Yogis with a donation.
May 7, 2022