For the last ten years, Brian Lendrum has noticed a gradual decrease in the spring sounds at his home near Lake Laberge. A passionate birder, the 76-year-old listens to the bird calls and songs around his property, relying on his ears to identify the various species. Over the years, his hearing has slightly diminished, making it challenging for him to detect all the birds he used to hear.
Despite being blind since infancy, Lendrum has honed his ability to recognize birds by sound alone. Moving to his rural Lake Laberge residence four decades ago heightened his awareness of the avian soundscape. He eagerly anticipates the return of the birds each spring, as they sing to establish territories, attract mates, and forage for food.
Having received a cassette of bird recordings from ornithologist Dave Mossop in the 1980s, Lendrum used it to match the sounds he heard outdoors with the ones on the tape, helping him identify the different bird species. Additionally, his wife has been his visual guide for the past twenty years, assisting him in birdwatching activities.
Lendrum finds joy and connection with nature through the songs of birds, appreciating their unique calls and melodies. He particularly admires the Swainson’s thrush and the upland sandpiper for their beautiful and enchanting vocalizations.
Embracing technology as a vital tool in his birdwatching pursuits, Lendrum utilizes various platforms like the Merlin app on his iPhone to enhance his bird identification skills. Technology has not only enriched his birding experience but has also made it more accessible for individuals with disabilities, allowing them to engage with nature and enjoy hobbies like birdwatching.
While Lendrum and his wife prefer to let the birds come to them rather than actively seeking them out, he acknowledges the challenges posed by his diminishing hearing. Despite struggling to hear some of the smaller songbirds, he remains grateful for the years spent immersed in the company of birds, finding solace in their songs as he reflects on his days.
As Lendrum navigates his evolving relationship with birdwatching, he holds onto the memories of the sounds that have shaped his experiences and his deep connection to the natural world.