12 Questions: Phyllis Mansfield by Dee Fairbanks Simpson

Over the summer, I had the pleasure of catching up with a group of SCAS members from way back when we were IRAS. I realized that I had known these people since I first moved to Florida back in 2001, but despite being the newsletter editor most of those years, I never really have recorded, or in many cases, gotten to know, their thoughts on birding. So after I got home from the luncheon, I sent out a questionnaire to all of them, asking their thoughts on birding. I will be printing these in the Limpkin in the coming months. First up is Phyllis Mansfield!

1. Name: Phyllis Mansfield
2. Favorite Birding Spot in Brevard County and Why:  Has to be Lori Wilson Park in Cocoa Beach, since I live within a mile and have been birding, walking, removing exotics and litter there for over 30 years; it's not as good now for birds, but still a great place to walk, and my place to access the beach. Of course I go to Viera and MINWR regularly--always something good to see.
   
3. Favorite Non-Brevard Birding Spot in Florida and Why: Ft. DeSoto in migration has wonderful birds plus  I love going to South Florida including the Everglades for species that don't come this far north.
   
4. Favorite Non-Florida Birding Spot in the US and Why:  Alaska and Hawaii--incredibly beautiful country and unusual birds.
   
5. Favorite Non-US Birding Spot and Why:  South Africa; we were on a birding/Elderhostel trip many years ago--fantastic birds and mammals. Plus I met a couple of friends who still share birding trips with me. 
   
6. Best Tip on Birding You Ever Received, and From Whom: Keep looking and reading about birds; find their specific/suitable habitat. Howard birded before me and I learned from him to be alert to what was out there and what birds were doing--how they interacted. 
7. Best Tip You Would Offer a New Birder Based on Your Own Experience:  Purchase an identification book, buy best binoculars one could afford and if possible go with an experienced birder. It's easier to learn the waders in the beginning.
   
8. Favorite Memory From a Birding Field Trip:  For me, the most fun were the North Florida trips over a long week-end plus the Audubon Camping trips of many years ago--staying in wonderful state parks sharing the activities, birds, food and companionship.
9. Favorite Non-Birding Memory From a Birding Trip:  Many years ago on a field trip to Kempfer Ranch led by Ken Bennett, Mary Helen Mayo heard an undetermined bird and knew it was not a frog (as I suggested). She said,"I'm from Georgia, I've heard a lot of frogs and that's no frog"!  (We never saw a bird there).
10. Favorite Bird and Why: Carolina Chickadee came to our feeder in St. Louis, right next to my bedroom window and was so friendly: when I heard chick-a-dee-dee-dee, I knew he had arrived!
11. In 100 Years, what do you want Audubon members to remember about you?  I always considered "Every Day a New Adventure"; I usually always signed my email posts to birding web sites this way.
12. Is there anything else you would like to add to the chapter history? Anything you want to record for all time? When I moved back to Florida in 1984,  I became a member of the "Golden Girls", avid birders from then--Indian River Audubon (In addition to Mary Helen, there was Eleanor Shihadeh and Rosemary Lancaster). Still it's a treasured memory for me, lasting a lifetime. Even though only three of us are living from the original 4, we remain in contact. The regular Thursday birding days became even more with a sharing of laughter, smiles, innermost feelings, thoughts, and tears plus lunches and dinners!! The best part of birding is the fun and joy of meeting friends doing what we love!

Note: If you would like to contribute, please copy the 12 questions here, write your own answers, and email them to Dee Fairbanks Simpson.