I'm inspired to approach my nature walks in a new way this summer - resisting the urge to search my brain for their names and dismissing the familiar disappointment I feel in myself when I don't find them. It is such a simple, yet freeing, approach! Thank you Sue, Vera and Laura!
I have nothing to add to this other than to say that this was lovely to read and echoes so much of my experience of the phenomena of nature. So lovely to consider what you have stated here.
Ross, so happy you have joined us here at the kitchen table. Like you, I am finding time for reflection is important in so many ways as we consider these remnants of land in SE Saskatchewan. I think about my interconnectedness to all that is around us and what are some little ways I can give back. So many thoughts running through my head. Thank you for prompting me to think more. Until next time, Vera
I am definitely a guilty party of not remembering plant names. I am currently working on a photography project where I am spending hours with these plants. I feel like I should know their names, but I do know them in a different, more intimate way. Maybe I should give them their own names. 😊 At least I have been able to go back and search for their true names.
Hi Shannon, thank you so much for joining us at the kitchen table. Sounds like you have an interesting photography project started too. One thing I am learning is I'm not the only one who has a difficult time remembering names. Thank you for sharing this tidbit about yourself. See you for coffee again. Vera
Thank you, Barbara, for this article and for yoyur thoughts below. I was vaguely aware of this, and appreciate knowing a little more now, as so much about our enquiry leads us back to and is connected with colonialism, past and present. I like when you write this (below): "And I love that concept. It shows an intimacy with the creature in the living of its life, not simply the way a human sees and names it." Something I will continue to ponder. I hacve started another draft, also about names, referencing Kathleen Dean Moore (a quote I think you gave me) and also Robert MacFarlane's book Landmarks which I loved. Have you read it? Thank you fotr the food for thought.
My thoughts on this go madly off in all directions! Sue knows that I love birds, one who loves to see, name, and then take time to appreciate and come to know better the one I am seeing. Over the last few years it has dawned on me how many of the names of North American birds are prefaced with “American”. The settlers arrived, saw a bird that reminded them of a bird they knew in their country of origin, and Ta Da, American Robin, American Avocet American Goldfinch……and so on. With the rise of the Black Lived Matter consciousness, there has been a rising consciousness of how many North American birds are named after white males, many of whom were slave owners. (Sue mentionsWilson’s Snipe, or was that Vera) The American Ornithological Society has begun the process of looking at renaming these “statue” birds. I have become interested in the indigenous names for birds. I am discovering that these names sometimes derive from the sound the bird makes. Sora, which Sue mentions, echoes the sound the bird makes “Soreeee”, and is probably from an Algonquin tribe in Virginia. Other indigenous bird names describe the bird and its relationship to its habitat, or its behaviour. And I love that concept. It shows an intimacy with the creature in the living of its life, not simply the way a human sees and names it.
There’s a whole other track I could follow around this topic as well, arising from my response to Kathleen Dean Moore’s writing. But maybe that’s for another day! Thank you both for inviting my mind to wander, and to put some of those wandering into words
Wow, Barbara thank you so much for sharing. I've learned so much just in this paragraph. I think it is the part I like best about people joining in the conversation...the sharing of knowledge. When it is broken down into little snippets like this, it doesn't seem so intimidating. I have never been a birder. I wonder if I'd remember the names better if they made sense to me the way the Indigenous bird names describe the bird and it's relationship to the habitat.
I am not familiar with Kathleen Dean Moore's writing either. This morning I watched a video of a very enjoyable presentation she made. I'll add her to my list to learn more from. Thank you so much for all this Barbara. Have a lovely day! Vera
Naming can get in the way of just experiencing and being in the moment, of observation of what is going on in nature and taking it all in. Naming is not important for enjoying nature!
But naming is important for interactions with other people and of course learning more later. It is part of communication, we can't help it. How else do we share the experience and learn from others? We need language, we can't help but name things.
I love photographing plants (flowers) while taking in being outside. Then later I can go back and identify things (or not!), or share the picture to get someone else to identity what I saw. Easier with a plant that stays put than with birds of course :)
Hi Danielle, Thank you so much for joining in on the conversation. One thing Sue and I have been realising is how important language is as part of this project. The use of words, misinterpretation of them, the different meanings they hold for people, how the English language with its use of "it" for the land can inform how we see the land..and on it goes. Sometimes language seems to be a blessing and a curse.
I just read a comment from another reader who talked about how Indigenous bird names often make reference to traits of the bird and its habitat. Wow, how smart is that! I am reminded I have a lot to learn from other languages.
I love the idea of photographing the plants to learn their names later. I think that might help me keep them top of mind.
Enjoyed this very much! For me it captured the joys and challenges of learning more about our natural surroundings… things we may have previously taken for granted or had just not invested the time to explore further.
Thanks Jerry! Right on. Its amazing to think that the wetland across the road where I spent time last summer has always been there, but I didn't focus my attention on it too often. Same with the cry of the sora rail...it was familiar but I hadnt honed in on it. Appreciate your comments.- Sue
I've never even heard of a Sora Rail let alone seen or identified one. I'm very glad there are people that know the names of these creatures and where to find them. I'll consider myself a bit more enlightened by reading today's post. I'll have to assign my own name to the creature if I ever see one as I surely won't remember.
Hi Janie, So lovely to hear from you here. I only wanted to share that I'm taking great pride in my baby steps...I now can identify a cedar wax wing. I almost drove my husband crazy asking, "what is it again...a cedar wax tail?" doh...I got it now though! xov
Jaynie, I too am grateful for those who know about these creatures and those who name them. Seeing a sora rail was worth every wood tick acquired in the process of waiting in one of my sit spots! When I am outt with children, I ask them to name the new plants they see, and I love the inventive and funny names they ciome up with. This expands how I see the plant! Thanks for your thoughts - Sue
Last fall we saw a bird in the river. He was a water bird bigger than a Robin, grey long legs, rather hunched back sometimes, was fast moving. We thought it was a sora but he didn’t look like Sues drawing!! Sent this piece to my resident bird namer so he can figure this out! It was fun to observe this fellow whatever his name is!!
Naming: I am always impressed with those who can remember and know the names of plants and birds. I can remember common plants and birds but not the official science labels…which I guess some one worked hard to figure out…to put them into specific slots and groups! This past summer in Cypress Hills i met a lady who had worked in the Yukon tracking the number and types of fauna in the territory. She knew the science name and it’s family so as we strolled through fields of wildflowers in Cypress - she introduced us to quite a few new friends. It was a great day! But I’m afraid I never kept any names in my mind…to me it’s like hearing names of people from another country…the names are different, difficult and a challenge for my head to absorb. I tend to avoid saying their names because I’m embarrassed that I cannot pronounce correctly or remember. Could I make and take more time and effort to remember as a sign of respect…like I would for a person I liked or admired? But do the wildflowers really mind my ignorance ? Maybe their laughing at us even discussing such a thing!!
Sue once said she likes to get to know the plants she paints…Time together with an interest in their names, in understanding their environment, why they’re there, their physical appearance, their personalities creating a loving and caring relationship which can then be shared through art with accuracy of the whole essence of the now close friend.
Hi Jill, I laughed out loud for real when I read that they might be "laughing back at us." It makes me happy to think about this and that perhaps my conversations with Sue that the fact I can't remember the names of so many flowers might actually be giving those same flowers a chuckle. I know I'll be thinking of this when this snow melts, temperatures warm and we start to see familiar and not so familiar buds popping up. Jill, like Sue, I always enjoy seeing a comment from you! xov
Jill, thanks for sharing your wonderful thoughts. I know many people who find it hard to remember the names. I don't think the wildflowers mind a bit. I do think they appreciate being noticed. I love how plants have different postures, each has a different feeling...it takes time to get to know each one. Always glad when you join us around the kitchen table!- Sue
I'm inspired to approach my nature walks in a new way this summer - resisting the urge to search my brain for their names and dismissing the familiar disappointment I feel in myself when I don't find them. It is such a simple, yet freeing, approach! Thank you Sue, Vera and Laura!
I have nothing to add to this other than to say that this was lovely to read and echoes so much of my experience of the phenomena of nature. So lovely to consider what you have stated here.
Ross, so happy you have joined us here at the kitchen table. Like you, I am finding time for reflection is important in so many ways as we consider these remnants of land in SE Saskatchewan. I think about my interconnectedness to all that is around us and what are some little ways I can give back. So many thoughts running through my head. Thank you for prompting me to think more. Until next time, Vera
I am definitely a guilty party of not remembering plant names. I am currently working on a photography project where I am spending hours with these plants. I feel like I should know their names, but I do know them in a different, more intimate way. Maybe I should give them their own names. 😊 At least I have been able to go back and search for their true names.
Hi Shannon, thank you so much for joining us at the kitchen table. Sounds like you have an interesting photography project started too. One thing I am learning is I'm not the only one who has a difficult time remembering names. Thank you for sharing this tidbit about yourself. See you for coffee again. Vera
Here is a link to an article about decolonizing bird names
https://seattleaudubon.org/2021/08/19/names-are-power-lets-talk-about-decolonizing-bird-names/
Thank you, Barbara, for this article and for yoyur thoughts below. I was vaguely aware of this, and appreciate knowing a little more now, as so much about our enquiry leads us back to and is connected with colonialism, past and present. I like when you write this (below): "And I love that concept. It shows an intimacy with the creature in the living of its life, not simply the way a human sees and names it." Something I will continue to ponder. I hacve started another draft, also about names, referencing Kathleen Dean Moore (a quote I think you gave me) and also Robert MacFarlane's book Landmarks which I loved. Have you read it? Thank you fotr the food for thought.
My thoughts on this go madly off in all directions! Sue knows that I love birds, one who loves to see, name, and then take time to appreciate and come to know better the one I am seeing. Over the last few years it has dawned on me how many of the names of North American birds are prefaced with “American”. The settlers arrived, saw a bird that reminded them of a bird they knew in their country of origin, and Ta Da, American Robin, American Avocet American Goldfinch……and so on. With the rise of the Black Lived Matter consciousness, there has been a rising consciousness of how many North American birds are named after white males, many of whom were slave owners. (Sue mentionsWilson’s Snipe, or was that Vera) The American Ornithological Society has begun the process of looking at renaming these “statue” birds. I have become interested in the indigenous names for birds. I am discovering that these names sometimes derive from the sound the bird makes. Sora, which Sue mentions, echoes the sound the bird makes “Soreeee”, and is probably from an Algonquin tribe in Virginia. Other indigenous bird names describe the bird and its relationship to its habitat, or its behaviour. And I love that concept. It shows an intimacy with the creature in the living of its life, not simply the way a human sees and names it.
There’s a whole other track I could follow around this topic as well, arising from my response to Kathleen Dean Moore’s writing. But maybe that’s for another day! Thank you both for inviting my mind to wander, and to put some of those wandering into words
Wow, Barbara thank you so much for sharing. I've learned so much just in this paragraph. I think it is the part I like best about people joining in the conversation...the sharing of knowledge. When it is broken down into little snippets like this, it doesn't seem so intimidating. I have never been a birder. I wonder if I'd remember the names better if they made sense to me the way the Indigenous bird names describe the bird and it's relationship to the habitat.
I am not familiar with Kathleen Dean Moore's writing either. This morning I watched a video of a very enjoyable presentation she made. I'll add her to my list to learn more from. Thank you so much for all this Barbara. Have a lovely day! Vera
Naming can get in the way of just experiencing and being in the moment, of observation of what is going on in nature and taking it all in. Naming is not important for enjoying nature!
But naming is important for interactions with other people and of course learning more later. It is part of communication, we can't help it. How else do we share the experience and learn from others? We need language, we can't help but name things.
I love photographing plants (flowers) while taking in being outside. Then later I can go back and identify things (or not!), or share the picture to get someone else to identity what I saw. Easier with a plant that stays put than with birds of course :)
I like this practrical approach, Danielle! Makes sense to me.
Hi Danielle, Thank you so much for joining in on the conversation. One thing Sue and I have been realising is how important language is as part of this project. The use of words, misinterpretation of them, the different meanings they hold for people, how the English language with its use of "it" for the land can inform how we see the land..and on it goes. Sometimes language seems to be a blessing and a curse.
I just read a comment from another reader who talked about how Indigenous bird names often make reference to traits of the bird and its habitat. Wow, how smart is that! I am reminded I have a lot to learn from other languages.
I love the idea of photographing the plants to learn their names later. I think that might help me keep them top of mind.
Hope you are keeping warm Danielle, Vera
Enjoyed this very much! For me it captured the joys and challenges of learning more about our natural surroundings… things we may have previously taken for granted or had just not invested the time to explore further.
Thanks Jerry! Right on. Its amazing to think that the wetland across the road where I spent time last summer has always been there, but I didn't focus my attention on it too often. Same with the cry of the sora rail...it was familiar but I hadnt honed in on it. Appreciate your comments.- Sue
I've never even heard of a Sora Rail let alone seen or identified one. I'm very glad there are people that know the names of these creatures and where to find them. I'll consider myself a bit more enlightened by reading today's post. I'll have to assign my own name to the creature if I ever see one as I surely won't remember.
Hi Janie, So lovely to hear from you here. I only wanted to share that I'm taking great pride in my baby steps...I now can identify a cedar wax wing. I almost drove my husband crazy asking, "what is it again...a cedar wax tail?" doh...I got it now though! xov
Jaynie, I too am grateful for those who know about these creatures and those who name them. Seeing a sora rail was worth every wood tick acquired in the process of waiting in one of my sit spots! When I am outt with children, I ask them to name the new plants they see, and I love the inventive and funny names they ciome up with. This expands how I see the plant! Thanks for your thoughts - Sue
Love your sit spot!!
Thanks for sharing
Thank you for being with us every week, Susan! Much appreciated. It was such a joy to sit in the wetland this past summer.
Thoughts that came into my head…
Last fall we saw a bird in the river. He was a water bird bigger than a Robin, grey long legs, rather hunched back sometimes, was fast moving. We thought it was a sora but he didn’t look like Sues drawing!! Sent this piece to my resident bird namer so he can figure this out! It was fun to observe this fellow whatever his name is!!
Naming: I am always impressed with those who can remember and know the names of plants and birds. I can remember common plants and birds but not the official science labels…which I guess some one worked hard to figure out…to put them into specific slots and groups! This past summer in Cypress Hills i met a lady who had worked in the Yukon tracking the number and types of fauna in the territory. She knew the science name and it’s family so as we strolled through fields of wildflowers in Cypress - she introduced us to quite a few new friends. It was a great day! But I’m afraid I never kept any names in my mind…to me it’s like hearing names of people from another country…the names are different, difficult and a challenge for my head to absorb. I tend to avoid saying their names because I’m embarrassed that I cannot pronounce correctly or remember. Could I make and take more time and effort to remember as a sign of respect…like I would for a person I liked or admired? But do the wildflowers really mind my ignorance ? Maybe their laughing at us even discussing such a thing!!
Sue once said she likes to get to know the plants she paints…Time together with an interest in their names, in understanding their environment, why they’re there, their physical appearance, their personalities creating a loving and caring relationship which can then be shared through art with accuracy of the whole essence of the now close friend.
Hi Jill, I laughed out loud for real when I read that they might be "laughing back at us." It makes me happy to think about this and that perhaps my conversations with Sue that the fact I can't remember the names of so many flowers might actually be giving those same flowers a chuckle. I know I'll be thinking of this when this snow melts, temperatures warm and we start to see familiar and not so familiar buds popping up. Jill, like Sue, I always enjoy seeing a comment from you! xov
Jill, thanks for sharing your wonderful thoughts. I know many people who find it hard to remember the names. I don't think the wildflowers mind a bit. I do think they appreciate being noticed. I love how plants have different postures, each has a different feeling...it takes time to get to know each one. Always glad when you join us around the kitchen table!- Sue
I love this water colour study by sue. (Who am I?) very cool.
Thanks Mag! So kind.