One bird changes the way we see the world.

This week we went to Orchard Park to play bird trivia with the residents. We started with 5 easy questions, like “What color is a robin’s egg?” It got progressively harder and harder.

For the first time ever, one man in the crowd got them all right. We stayed after to get to know him. His name is Rothwell (Bud) Polk, an avid birder with a remarkable story to share. Rothwell is credited with spotting a White-faced Ibis along the shores of the Mississippi in Indiana, a rare sighting indeed.

The Story of Rothwell Polk

Rothwell didn’t start birding until his mid-thirties. He first encountered birds when he spotted his first catbird. He remembers the experience as mind-blowing. He had never seen anything quite like it. How could something be so beautiful? How could a bird be so extraordinary, so unexpected, and so captivating?

That first encounter changed everything. The birding bug had bitten, and Rothwell began to see the natural world through a different lens.

From One Catbird to a Community of Birders

What began as a moment of wonder grew into a lasting passion. Rothwell became a frequent contributor to the birding community around Montrose Harbor and the famous Magic Hedge, just outside Chicago.

For birders, these places are more than patches of habitat. They are places to gather, discover, observe, and share excitement. A rare sighting can bring people together, while an ordinary bird can offer anyone willing to stop and look a moment of beauty.

Contributing sightings to the birding community is a great responsibility. Other birders rely on the observations people share, and trustworthy sightings help build a richer understanding of the birds around us.

Through his experiences, Rothwell has learned some great life lessons.

Four Lessons of Life from Rothwell Polk

Rothwell Polk’s love of birding offers us more than an appreciation for the natural world. It reminds us that some of life’s most meaningful lessons come when we slow down, pay attention, and stay open to discovery.

1. Your Word Is Your Gold

Trust is one of the most valuable things we can offer another person. In birding, people depend on one another to share honest observations. It is important to say what we saw, what we believe, and what we are uncertain about.

The same is true in life. Our words shape our relationships, and our honesty builds the foundation of lasting friendships. We may not always have the right answer, but admitting what we don’t know is a sign of strength, not weakness. When our words can be trusted, our relationships grow stronger.

2. Be Patient

Birding teaches us that nature follows its own schedule. Sometimes we wait quietly for a bird to appear, and sometimes the bird never arrives. Yet even in the waiting, we can learn and appreciate something.

Life is much the same. Not everything happens when we want it to. Friendships take time to deepen, challenges take time to overcome, and new beginnings often unfold slowly. Patience allows us to accept life’s uncertainties without losing hope. Sometimes, the most rewarding things come to those willing to wait.

3. Take the Time to Really Look

A casual glance might reveal a bird, but a closer look reveals its colors, movements, personality, and beauty. The more time we spend observing, the more we discover.

This lesson extends far beyond birding. How often do we pass someone without truly seeing them? Everyone has a story, experiences that have shaped them, and wisdom they can share. When we take the time to listen and look beyond first impressions, we begin to understand others more deeply. We may discover unexpected connections, shared experiences, and beauty we would otherwise have missed.

4. Do It for the Joy

Perhaps the most important lesson is to remember what brings us Joy. Birding isn’t only about identifying rare species, keeping lists, or making an important discovery. It is about the excitement of spotting a bird, the pleasure of hearing its song, and the feeling of being connected to something larger than ourselves.

Life can also become so focused on accomplishments, responsibilities, and what we hope to achieve that we forget to enjoy the journey. Joy can be found in a conversation with a friend, a walk outdoors, a new interest, or a moment of quiet wonder. We don’t always need to achieve something extraordinary to have a meaningful experience. Sometimes, the experience itself is the reward.

Rothwell’s lessons remind us that a well-lived life is built on trust, patience, attention, and Joy. Whether we watch a bird take flight or share a moment with someone we care about, there is always something worth discovering when we take the time to look.

Nature Has No Age Limit

At Nature Education for Seniors Trust, we believe connecting with nature helps people in long-term care communities connect, spark memories, encourage learning, and create moments of genuine delight. A game of Bird Trivia can become much more than a fun activity. It can open the door to new friendships, new interests, and a renewed appreciation for the world just outside the windows.