It was a lovely spring day, so Eddie and I decided to take a walk around our bit of marsh. Eddie is my younger son; he’s 13 and he has Down’s syndrome. And he’s very keen on a nice bird. Before we even reached the gate to the marsh we found one.
We were right by the big old willow – half-dead and with loads of bits missing – when I caught a movement from one of its exposed branches. There was a bird was making one of its characteristic mouse-like runs as it worked its way upwards: indisputably a treecreeper.
That was only half-good, because naturally, I wanted Eddie to get a good look. It’s not always easy for him to get on a bird, and he will sometimes declare “Got ‘im” just to please me. But I thought that this was a bird be could experience really well.
Treecreepers are not notoriously obliging birds. Few crash-hot birders get good views of treecreeper on a regular basis. Treecreepers like to do their creeping out of sight in the canopy, and when they’re still their cryptic feathers hide them comprehensively.
But here was that rare thing, a flaunting tree-creeper, and its rapid little movements attracted my eye. And yes – Eddie’s eye too. Hurrah! He cracked it and we watched the bird getting on with its life, quite untroubled by us, for a few minutes before it flew on to try its luck on another tree-trunk.
There’s always a special kind of joy in sharing a bird: at the time and in in memory. “Remember that bat-hawk at Nsolo?” I can say to Chris and yes, of course he does, and we have raised many a glass on account of it. Now Eddie and I can recall the treecreeper.
There’s something slightly special about a treecreeper. They’re one of those birds you find in bird-books as a beginner and never believe you will actually see. Part of you doesn’t really believe they even exist. The bird book says they’re common: and so the bird-book is obviously lying. Perhaps there should be a special category for such birds: Category L birds: the birds the birdbooks lie about.
The truth, of course, is that treecreepers are common but not commonly seen. There are quite a few birds like that. Sounds helps, of course; tree-creepers make a wonderfully thin high call and have a song to match.
As Eddie and I walked slowly round the march I wondered about putting together a short book of all the birds that the beginner – the bad birdwatcher – can’t believe are quite real. The birds might have thought were beyond your scope. A guide not just to the birds, but to the right way of looking, or rather looking and listening. The right way of just being in the wild world. I could call it How to Be a Slightly Less Bad Birdwatcher. Snappy, eh?
Eddie and I took drinks — apple juice for him, Rooibos tea for me – and sat by the dyke for a while, enjoying a lighting swift burst of spring sunshine. The calls of a lapwing display flight in our ears, and a Cetti’s warbler shouting loudly from the bush just behind us.
Got ‘im!
Marvellous to read you again. I really miss your sports columns as well. Any chance of resuming ? Another newspaper or a magazine perhaps ?
Best wishes
Tony Pryor
Thanks for those kind words. You can find my sports writing on the ESPN website.
Heck I’d read that. There are actually few good books out there on HOW to birdwatch. BTW I just found an old copy of Flying in the Face of Nature and started reading it! Love it.
I remember researching that book back in 1990 when I was starting to learn birdsong. It was a year that changed my life.
I love Treecreepers – such elusive little things and it’s always an absolute pleasure when you spot one.
Hear hear!
Good on you Brian.
They’re one of those birds that gives you a really pleasant feeling of privileged.It’s always a privilege to get a good look at these birds and you also have the pleasure of knowing that only a certain of person will notice them! It’s worth learning the call, that often leads you straight to a good sighting.
I love treecreepers too, Eddie! My love of birds & birdwatching came from my mother. I hope this doesn’t sound too maudlin but as we scattered my mother’s ashes beneath a tree after her death, a treecreeper “ran” up the trunk. When I see a treecreeper, I always think of my lovely Mum.
What a lovely tale, thanks for sharing it.
Wonderful insight into your ventures with Eddie. Having loved your tennis articles, found them much more edgy than any of our American sports writers.
I do have HOW TO BE A BAD BIRDWATCHERS. I am still pretty bad, except I am not fond of the woodpecker that really is noisy!
We live in the north shore of Long Island, many wild geese and lately and a fare share of foxes. Also many raccoons.
Your travels are amazing. We have spent time in Africa, but that sounds like mid-town Manhatten compared to where you have been.
I loved your columns in THE LONDON TIMES. I guess I will see your columns from Wimbledon from ESPN.
I watched at home Serana defeat her opponent. The sisters fascinate me.
No settling down with them.
Wish you a wonderful summer and safe travels.
Thanks for all those kind words, Honey. I’ve never really done American wild places properly, it’s a major gap on the CV that I long to fill. Do you think Serena can do it again on sheer willpower?
Thank you for asking my opinion Simon, her drive is incredible and Williams is easy to pronounce. A player like Usue Maitane Arconade, that is a challenge to say.
Back to Serena, Sharapova is out, so who knows on any given day, anyone can hold that trophy.
I sought of breeze in and out of the matches, I was delighted Rog won.
Everyone says Rafa the favourite, Maybe Novac will win. How can anyone predict the champion? Arthur Ashe used to say, have to be in the Zone that day.
Wimbledon is still my favourite. Such dedicated fans. Sleeping in tents for days to see a match.
In New York they sleep outside only to get the newest iPhone !
I guess by now you know I can go on and on about tennis, but I am sure you will be out in the marsh with Eddie looking for some creature.
I hope you will have time to watch the finals. Stay well, centre courte is a few weeks away.
Best
Honey
Everything seems to have changed all over again, let’s see how they make out in London SW19.
I am dreadful in my guesses to who might win the French. Since I chose Nole in four sets. Only thing right was the four sets.
Women are more predictable (in everything) so hope Serana reigns again.