From the current President
As birders, we do many things to observe our feathered friends. We visit places, from ponds and lakes, to dry lands and grasslands. We climb peaks, delve into riparian zones, and even venture to landfills and sewage ponds to look for birds. Cemeteries, too, are fair game.
Still, we respect these places while enjoying birding. We appreciate the diversity of these locations. We understand and accept the choices birds make in choosing a place to rest, feed, build nests, make baby birds, and migrate to. We find joy not just from the act of birding but also from this place of acceptance of the intricacies of nature and birds.
This acceptance slowly builds up as one gently delves into the world of birding. One day, you realize this, and know there is so much more you can learn. Not just from our feathered friends and nature, but from our connection to them.
We humans have many differences. Political, social, economic, religious, cultural. Humans are as diverse as the many different birds out there in the world. Yet, we are still connected to each other. Just as birds are birds, no matter their differences, our love for birding is what brings us together. It is our sense of belonging that unites us.
We see ourselves in the diversity we see in birds.
We see ourselves in the balance of nature and the avian world.
We see ourselves in the fragile habitat that cries for relief.
We see ourselves in the subtle strength that lets nature continue on.
We are part of the woven nest of nature, just like the birds we love to behold.
I want us to celebrate our differences. I also want us to know our special connection and cherish how it came about because of birding.
I want us to understand the balance and synergy we have just like birds in nature doing what birds do. Look beyond the surface of the avian conflicts for shelter, food, and reproduction, and see the beauty of their- and our- existence.
Our love for this world of birds has brought us together in so many ways. And I know there are others out there who will soon join our circle of birding.
Let us join together in striving to include more people in the joy of birding!
Respectfully,
Srinivasan (Srini) Raman – President SJAS
Past President
Hello San Joaquin Audubon members!
As the incoming President of this organization, I first want to extend a thank you to all of our dedicated officers, members and volunteers.
Without the dedication and hard work of this group of people, San Joaquin Audubon would not be the organization that it is today.
I would like to thank our past president, Pat Paternostro for all of his dedication and accomplishments during his term, along with his ability to lead the Chapter during the Covid-19 pandemic. As any past president knows, your job is not quite done yet, Pat. I might have you on speed dial, please answer!
In the past year, many people have turned to birdwatching seeking enjoyment and relaxation to balance the impact of Covid-19 in their lives.
As we are welcoming many new people, it is the job of the Chapter to help grow the organization, educate our new and existing members of the environmental concerns of our area to protect the wildlife in San Joaquin County.
I see this chapter with a lot of opportunities to do more of the good work we have done so far. While we have a great group of dedicated members and volunteers, we need more members to become actively involved to help this Chapter reach its full potential.
Over the next two years, I look forward to meeting many more of you and learning what talents, experiences and expertise you have to lend to the chapter. No commitment is too small! This is an exciting time for us and I am excited to be part of it.
Respectfully,
Donna Marciano – President SJAS