Unusual/Strong Interests?
It’s probably apparent from my profile that I love birds, but I have been absolutely obsessed with vultures in particular for a while now. I practically ramble about them any chance I get, and I think about them constantly. I even have an entire argument as to how they are the most moral creature on Earth (in my opinion, anyway), and absolutely love to inform anyone at all interested on it. I have all 23 species memorized including their conservation statuses, am currently reading a book called “Vulture: The Private Life of an Unloved Bird” by Katie Fallon, and am always finding out new things about them (and the plentiful ways in which humans have failed them over and over again.) They are incredibly important to me, and almost nothing else in life brings me as much joy as I experience even just thinking about them some days. I even have a saying that, “The more I learn about vultures (and what we’ve done to them), the less I seem to like people.”
That all being said, does anyone else here have an interest like that? One that’s not seen as something typical to be interested in? Seen as strange? Or even just unusually strong? Something you feel is really even more like a passion to you? I’m curious!
@ConureConnor
I’m hereby purchasing a copy of “Vulture: The Private Life of an Unloved Bird” by Katie Fallon.
I’m not as passionate as you, nor so specific, yet I got into birding recently because our daughter and son-in-law are so interested.
So, that led me on a walk through Amy Tan’s memoir about birding, many other books about birding, binoculars (I think it was a birthday present from our daughter), a bird feeder outside the window, a stack of bird identification books, now a “Birding table” situated in our family room where one may sit and spot birds, sketch them in one of the notebooks on the table, and note new sightings in another notebook. Yes, I have the Merlin Bird ID app installed in my phone for those early morning bird concerts on our walks with the pup.
I’m including a beautiful photo of a vulture in flight for you in appreciation of your niche interest.
I also found this below, when I looked up a word for Vulture Culture enthusiasts.
- Birder/Birdwatcher: Someone who enjoys observing and identifying wild birds.
- Ornithophile: A formal term for a bird lover.
- Ornithologist: A scientist who studies birds (more professional).
- Vulture Culture Enthusiast: Describes the growing hobby of collecting and preserving animal remains, often featuring vulture-cleaned bones.
- "Vulture" (informal): Members of the vulture culture community often self-identify this way.
- Raptor Enthusiast: A broader term for someone passionate about birds of prey, including vultures.
It makes me so happy to know other people still enjoy birding too! I used to just love birds in general and absolutely loved birding before focusing mainly on vultures. I always got excited even just to see an scissor-tailed flycatcher or a northern cardinal. Thank you for showing appreciation towards the birds out there, and for engaging with the people in your life that do too!
And I do highly, highly recommend the book. It really shows how beautiful vultures truly are, and shines a light on the many ways we have negatively affected them due to a lack of care, ignorance, and in some cases, even malice.
They’re just creatures that help practically all, and harm little to none- and I hope more people can see that and appreciate that one day.
I’ve ordered the book (and another bird book too— sigh— The private life of public birds—- books are my Achilles Heel— double sigh). The vulture one is in stock and will arrive tomorrow! I’m so excited! Been lookin’ for a good new read!
Im not sure how long you have had this vulture interest. But I have a general interest in computers and then about once every or every other year I will find something within that general area that consumes all my time. The latest was CPU architecture. When I get these special interests, it is the only thing that matters to me, I don't care if my friends want to hang out, if my partner wants to have a date night, if my daughter has a play. The only thing that matters to me for the duration is CPU architecture. For me this usually lasts 1-2 months. But a few times its been up to 6 months.
I can honestly relate to that quite a bit. My bonds within my family are very weak mostly due to other reasons, but having an interest like this that they don’t quite…get honestly makes even just coexisting pretty awkward day to day. I as a person don’t seem to make much sense to most of my family.
But I’m fortunate enough to have friends and even coworkers that let me and even seem to enjoy when I talk about them. Some will even ask if I’ve learned anything new recently that I want to share with them before I even say anything! And I indulge them in their interests and what they want to do too- just because I know it’s the right thing to do, even when I do constantly get that admittedly selfish feeling of “I don’t really care about what they care about.”
I’ll acknowledge that I’m pretty privileged in that I have understanding people in my life like that and that I can pretty much indulge in my interest anywhere and in most situations, since it’s likely I’ll see a black or turkey vulture most times I even step outside anyway since they’re everywhere here.
And I’ve been obsessed with birds in general for a long time, but vultures specifically…probably a little over a year at this point. They came up quite a few times as symbolism in my favorite band’s music, I caught onto it, assigned my own meanings to them, saw a black vulture looking down at me when walking home from the store one day, and I just got instantly attached. Their existence is comforting to me, and in a way, I credit them for saving my life (long story), so I only feel like it’s my duty to stand up for and care deeply for their’s.
I hope your interest isn’t too intrusive on the other parts of your life that you care about to the point where you and the people in your life are unhappy, but it if is, I hope you have ways or can find ways to cope or get better balance when you’re in it. And hopefully it does at least bring some fulfillment into your life. Computer stuff is really fascinating in general, and CPU architecture seems like a cool thing to have knowledge about! Even if this is coming from someone not smart enough at all to understand it myself lol
@ConureConnor
I do love birds, but the robin is my favourite 🥰
HE’S DANCING! <3
@jesusredeemedme2425
Do robins not dance in your part of the world? 😂
I mean… im not aware of it???? Hehe
@jesusredeemedme2425
😂😂
Look out for it then next time 🥰
@ConureConnor
I received and have dived into my copy of “Vulture: The Private Life of an Unloved Bird.” Does not disappoint! Reading this book, I’m growing to adore this gracious creature, the vulture, and I will be on a close lookout as I’m lucky to live in a place where they are supposed to frequent. Now I know more what to look for, so thank you for the recommendation.