The Bruin Birding Club at UCLA is bringing together students, faculty, and residents to explore the world of bird-watching and contribute to scientific research.
In the early morning hours, as the sun begins to rise, a group of students gathers at the Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden on the UCLA campus. They are members of the Bruin Birding Club, a student-run organization dedicated to making bird-watching more accessible and creating a community for those interested in conservation. Through their weekly bird walks, the club aims to spread awareness about birds, their habitats, and the importance of conservation.
Connecting with Nature on an Urban Campus
The Bruin Birding Club offers students a unique opportunity to connect with nature on an urban campus. Russell Stottlemyer, the club’s co-president, explains that the incredible diversity of bird species found on campus was one of the main reasons he joined the club. Despite being in the middle of a bustling city, the campus is home to a wide variety of birds, making bird-watching a fascinating and rewarding activity.
Building a Community of Bird Enthusiasts
The club’s events not only bring together UCLA students but also faculty and residents from the surrounding community. Emma Hwang, a first-year student, joined the Bruin Birding Club to feel more connected to her two pet parrots at home. For Xinran Yang, a doctoral student in electrical and computer engineering, the bird walks provide a much-needed break from her studies and an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share her appreciation for birds.
The Benefits of Bird-Watching
Bird-watching is more than just a hobby for many club members. Hwang, who plans to become a veterinarian, sees bird-watching as a way to deepen her understanding of avian behavior and biology. Stottlemyer believes that being more mindful of birds in everyday life has contributed to his overall well-being by allowing him to be more present and focused on his surroundings. The bird walks also serve as a form of recreation and stress relief for Yang, providing a much-needed break from her academic responsibilities.
Contributing to Scientific Research
In addition to the personal benefits, the bird walks organized by the Bruin Birding Club also have scientific value. Club members use the eBird platform, a community-based database for sharing bird sightings, to create checklists of the birds they observe during their walks. These checklists contribute to ongoing scientific research, allowing members to actively participate in community science initiatives. With an estimated 141 species of birds in the Botanical Garden alone, the club’s contributions are invaluable to the larger scientific community.
Exploring Beyond Campus
While the club primarily focuses on bird-watching on campus, they have also ventured to other parts of Los Angeles, including the Malibu Lagoon and Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve. These excursions provide members with the opportunity to explore different habitats and encounter a wider range of bird species. By expanding their horizons beyond the campus, the club fosters a deeper appreciation for the natural world and the importance of preserving diverse ecosystems.
Conclusion: The Bruin Birding Club at UCLA is not just about bird-watching; it is about building a community, fostering a connection with nature, and contributing to scientific research. Through their weekly bird walks, members are able to explore the diverse avian life on campus and beyond, while also gaining a deeper understanding of the importance of conservation. The club’s dedication to making bird-watching accessible to all and their commitment to community science initiatives make them a shining example of student-led environmental activism. As they continue to spread awareness and educate others about the wonders of bird-watching, the Bruin Birding Club is creating a lasting impact on both individuals and the environment.
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