A student at Camas High School combined his passions for photography and birding in order to encourage teachers to get their students to take a look at nature.
Earlier this month, Shaunak Deshpande delivered binoculars, birding kits, and field guides that will be available for teachers in several school districts served by ESD (Educational Service District) 112.
Deshpande and the Vancouver Audubon Society also showed some of those teachers at a workshop how to use the binoculars and what to look for while birding.
“One of the great things about birding is patience. Patience and just getting out there,” Deshpande said. “With birding, you have to wait. There is a lot of patience I’ve learned.”
Plus, there is another bonus.
“I think a lot of youth aren’t outside as much as they should,” he said. “It’s a good excuse to go outside, get some fresh air, see nature.”
The equipment will be available through a loan program. A teacher, or a school, can make a request, and sets of 10 binoculars and birding kits will be loaned to that teacher for a month. The teacher then shares the equipment with students.
“Being able to have these in your class and have something like this integrated in your learning … could be useful for a lot of people,” Deshpande said.
After all, not every child can afford a set of binoculars.
“The goal is to get real equipment into the hands of local students who otherwise wouldn't have access to it,” Deshpande said.
Plus, a teacher introducing birding could lead to a lifetime activity. Deshpande said yes, it is about learning, and taking the classroom outside, but it can also be fun for all involved.
This project got started this past summer when Deshpande founded and ran Wings of Change, a conservation fundraiser through the Vancouver Audubon Society’s youth program called Cameraderie.
Oh, yes, it is spelled Cameraderie intentionally because it is a play-on word with camera.
And, another thing, Camaraderie was also founded by Deshpande.
You see, Deshpande is a photographer and a birder. He wanted to combine those passions. Through the Audubon Society, Cameraderie schedules monthly walks for youth 8- to 18-years-old, and they bring cameras with them on their journeys. Then, a week later, they all meet on a video communications platform, where all can share their photos of birds, and give feedback.
In all, Deshpande and Wings of Change raised $6,000, receiving either money or equipment donations from more than 80 organizations, for the teacher project.
Deshpande and partners also gave a donation to the Center for Ecodynamic Restoration, recognizing the volunteer hours of conversation work completed this summer in the Columbia River Gorge — a great birding location.
Through years of birding and photography, surely Deshpande has a favorite bird to spot, right?
Nope.
“I like seeing any birds. All birds are good birds,” he said.
… For more information on Cameraderie, go to: https://vancouveraudubon.org/young-birders-club/
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