Birds have wings; they're free; they can fly where they want when they want. They have the kind of mobility many people envy.

Birds ... are sensitive indicators of the environment, a sort of "ecological litmus paper," ... The observation and recording of bird populations over time lead inevitably to environmental awareness and can signal impending changes.

Butterflies may be better indicators of the health of our environment than birds.

The other creatures with which we share this world have their rights too, but not speaking our language, they have no voice, no vote; it is our moral duty to take care of them.

Birds have wings; they're free; they can fly where they want when they want. They have the kind of mobility many people envy.

Vultures are homely, but they clean up all the garbage and that's good. And they're elegant in the sky.

Birding, after all, is just a game. Going beyond that is what is important.