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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Sancho" data-source="post: 1302350" data-attributes="member: 27039">Bloody Hell, Seán, you stopped me in my tracks. Yes, there are many reflective birders around, I think that goes with the package. Over here, one doesn´t meet many other birders, but by and large they´re folk of some depth (except for me...I´m shallow!), even if many are, let´s say, not run-of-the-mill folk. (Or indeed slightly "odd").I think birding does indeed justify a need to "get out", as you say. But it´s responsible "getting out". The demands on my time are immense, given that I spend more time at home with the Sanchettes than the stalwart Mrs. S., who has longer work-hours than I. But you and I have needs too, and they are to "get away", re-connect with the world of nature. I couldn´t fulfil my family responsibilities if I didn´t get an occasional break into nature, whether it be birding, cycling in the hills, or swimming. I re-charge my batteries that way, and come back happier, filled with endorphins, more positive. I´m lucky, Mrs. S. realises this is the case and facilitates my breaks. Put it this way...I don´t take "breaks" from family life by going to the pub, or watching footie on TV. My "breaks" are more solitary, and I prefer it that way. They are also at worst, harmless, and at best, part of the fabric of our family life. If my kids want to follow my lead into a connection with nature, they can, and to an extent do. I don´t force them, but if they choose it, I think it will enrich their lives. Put it this way...Some things in my life merit apologies. Birding isn´t one of them. (Now I really have to find a thread with a few larfs.....<img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite2" alt=";)" title="Wink    ;)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=";)" />) Thanks Seán, you certainly cause something to resonate there....</blockquote>

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