Birding: Stepping back, moving forward

It is hard to believe another year is in the books. As my good friend Matt likes to say, "Another year around the sun!" As the calendar turns, it's a good time to look back at 2025 — a rollercoaster of a year — and take a peek at 2026. One of the more memorable and meaningful events for me this year was a trip to Montreal for the National Audubon Conference. While we didn't see many birds on the trip, it was rejuvenating to be around so many people committed to making the world a better place for birds and wildlife. I also enjoyed seeing a new city with a rich and storied history. The world can be a difficult place for many reasons, but especially for nature and wildlife. It is easy to get down — a condition known as compassion fatigue, which can be defined as "the emotional and physical exhaustion that can happen when you care deeply and continuously for others who are suffering." But for a few days, we were revitalized with hope — that there would be people, mostly volunteers, doing everything they can, selflessly, for nature. It was also on this Montreal trip that I took a field trip to Mount Royal Cemetery. The activity level was described as moderate, with "slight inclines." However, I had a lot of trouble. My energy and strength were clearly struggling. At one point, I thought they might have to drive out to pick me up. I barely made it back on my own. I had been struggling with low energy for some time. We thought it might be lingering effects from cancer treatment and recovery, or perhaps the cumulative toll of six years of 60-hour work weeks. But this felt different. I knew something else was wrong. I was supposed to go to Costa Rica in September, but this confirmed what I feared — there was no way I could go in my present condition. My oncologist ordered a series of tests, including an evaluation of my heart. I really didn't think I had a cardiovascular issue. My previous CAT scans showed mild atherosclerosis (isn't that everyone?), and my cholesterol numbers had always been good — without medication. In retrospect, that was a naïve and dangerous analysis, given my family history of heart disease and long-standing weight issues. After initial testing and poor results, I was sent for a heart catheterization, where it was discovered that I had 99 percent blockage in two places on my "widow maker" artery. I was stunned, terrified and more than a little angry at myself. It was one of those moments when the future suddenly felt very fragile. Thankfully, modern medical science is remarkable, and two stents were placed. My wife Gina says I am now on my third life — and I feel both extremely fortunate and much better. I also enjoyed my trip to Magee Marsh in May at the invitation of the Governor's Ohio Birding Day. It was my first visit in a couple of years, and I was excited to be back. Our trip to Florida in March will be remembered primarily for the traffic congestion — and for the American flamingos I was hoping to see. We also found Gina's gray-headed swamphen and her reddish egret, which helped make the trip worth it. Of course, as I've already shared, one of the year's lowlights was the loss of our dog, Bump Bailey, in February. His absence left a quiet space in our lives that we still feel. The addition of King Henry to our family, however, has brought renewed energy and enthusiasm. I am deeply — and unapologetically — emotionally reliant on my bond with our dogs; in many ways, I need them more than they need me. Bailey was an endearing, lifelong relationship. Henry, by contrast, brings a smile to my face every day as he eagerly figures the world out, one silly moment at a time. Black River Audubon Much of my year, as always, revolved around Black River Audubon I think we had another successful year — though perhaps not quite as eventful as some previous years. We recently wrapped up our Annual Meeting and Dinner, and I was pleased with how it went. Throughout the year, we had a great lineup of speakers and field trips. It was also our first international field trip, when our group went to Costa Rica. We offered numerous community presentations, and in the fall, we shared several talks focused on the Leave the Leaves campaign, which remains a passion of mine. Northeast Ohio also experienced another strong year for bird migration and rarities. The region recorded several birds new to local checklists, along with some unusual and exciting sightings. Perhaps the most memorable was the marsh sandpiper — an extreme rarity — that visited the Lorain Impoundment in late September but unfortunately was not properly identified before it left. It looks nearly identical to the Wilson phalarope, which is common to this area. The marsh sandpiper is native to Eurasia and Africa. It was an easy mistake but a big miss, as the bird would have attracted hundreds — perhaps even thousands — of birders from across the country. Other notable finds included Lazuli bunting, Virginia's warbler and Mexican violetear. Hopes for 2026 While I usually jot down a few New Year's resolutions (and watch them quickly fade into old habits), I am especially hopeful about 2026. At the top of my list is improved health. Feeling better would allow me to do more, visit more places, and, of course, see more birds. Although I won't be joining the Black River Audubon trip to Mexico in early February, I am looking forward to birding trips later in the year. Gina and I are also working on a possible trip to Europe later this year or perhaps early next year. We love history and culture, so it's about both — the places and the birds. In 2026, Black River Audubon has expanded its field trip offerings, including three van trips to Magee Marsh with popular naturalist Tim Fairweather, as well as weekend trips to Michigan and Pennsylvania led by our field trip coordinator, Paul Sherwood. We are also excited about a trivia night in March and a screening of "Ripples of Plastic in February," in conjunction with the Lorain County Metro Parks. Next year's speaker at our Annual Dinner and Meeting is scheduled to be Kim Kaufman. One of my biggest personal goals for 2026 is to finish a book I started years ago. While I've put a great deal of time — and even more thought — into it, finding the energy and space to complete it has been difficult. When I was in law school, working full time and writing new business stories for The Chronicle-Telegram, I used to look at the clock at 10 p.m. as Gina headed to bed and think, "Great —I've got four more hours to study." I need to rediscover that commitment, resolve and energy to finish this project. Here is the tentative marketing description for the book: "'Pigs, Pitbulls, and the Passenger Pigeon' is a powerful and personal journey through the many ways humans have treated animals — on farms, in homes, in entertainment and in the wild. Blending memoir with history and advocacy, Rob Swindell explores our complex and often contradictory relationships with animals, from those we eat to those we love, from the exploited to the extinct." It is, essentially, everything I think, feel and have experienced in my relationship with animals. They say, "If you want to do something, announce it." For now, I'm hopeful it comes to fruition. Here's to a healthy and happy new year!