FLIGHT OF RESILIENCE

BY DEXTER PATTERSON

In the heart of Wisconsin’s sprawling landscapes, my journey into the world of birding began—as did this tale of resilience, self-discovery, and the profound importance of diverse social representation in outdoor activities. Join me on this expedition through the chapters of my transformative experiences, and the evolution of birding in the Badger State.

A Legacy Of Listening

My foray into birding began with the wisdom of my grandfather, Ed Brown, a seasoned birder who always found solace in nature. Grandpa Brown, a father of eleven, made nature a cost-effective haven for his large family. Our family’s pursuit of recreation through state parks laid the foundation for my budding love for the outdoors. And Grandpa’s passion for eagle-watching on the Mississippi River and his whimsical tales of bully Blue Jays at his feeders became threads intricately woven into the fabric of what I like to refer to as my “Bird Nerd” identity.

My grandfather’s backyard bird feeders and binoculars were everpresent, ensuring he was always within reach of the captivating beauty of his birds. His humor, love for the outdoors, and meticulous care for his yard left an indelible mark on my soul. Inheriting his passion for the painstaking upkeep of my yard, cutting the grass, and pruning my flowers became more than chores; they transformed into a therapeutic escape. Hours would pass as I sat, mesmerized by the diversity of backyard birds at my feeder, binoculars always within arm’s reach. My first pair of binoculars, a gift from my mother, and once my grandfather’s, propelled my birdwatching habit to new heights.

A Journey In Color

Despite my burgeoning connection with nature, my childhood experiences paled compared to my mother’s tales of outdoor adventures. As a man of color, the lack of representation of people like me in the birding and outdoor community left me feeling disconnected. Green spaces were scarce in our low-income neighborhoods, and individuals who resembled me were seldom seen reveling in the outdoors, let alone cherishing the marvels of bird life.

The turning point in my journey arrived in 2008, a tumultuous year for many in our country, when the economic crisis reshaped lives. As a hardworking family man, I suddenly found myself among hundreds of laid-off local factory workers. The abrupt shift shook the foundations of my mental well-being, casting me into a seemingly impossible darkness and depression.

Amidst the chaos, an unexpected lifeline emerged—my newfound passion for birds and the simple joy of birding. Nature became a sanctuary where I sought refuge from the storm of uncertainties that clouded my mind. In this turbulent period, my late grandmother’s voice echoed, encouraging me to harness my intellect and forge a path beyond the confines of factory walls.