What a great story. I liked birds when I was young and often would get up early to listen to them, even if I didn't know what I was hearing, but never seriously pursued bird watching until my late twenties. It is such a wonderful and exciting outdoor activity. Unlike hunting or fishing, bird watching can be done anywhere, anytime. If you like hiking, it's even more fun, because you actually see and hear more of the wildlife you would otherwise miss. Just bring binoculars. Migration is the most exciting time because you never know what might show up. I do everything from keeping a list of all the birds I get in my yard to traveling across the country to see (and hear) all different species. I keep a list of these birds as well. I've done hawk counts during hawk migration, spring bird counts at the height of spring migration, Christmas bird counts, nest monitoring, bird photography, birding by ear and other bird related hobbies. It keeps me very busy. It would be great to get more kids involved. It would keep them busy, too and keep them from pursueing other, not so desirable activities. No peer pressure! Everyone is accepted in nature.