Pokemon Go vs. birding
Lately, many of us have been in hot pursuit of the Zubat, Pidgeotto and Moltres (Pidgey, not so much).
But Ellison Orcutt’s outside searching for winged creatures of a different sort.
A field zoologist with the Virginia Natural Heritage Program, Ellison sees parallels between the wildly popular Pokemon Go and birding, the pastime that led to his career in natural sciences.
DCR's Natural Heritage Program employees are responsible for identifying and protecting Virginia’s rare plant and animal life. Their field work can result in discoveries of species thought to be extinct or never before seen in Virginia. Sometimes, they find species in unexpected places.
Even the most novice Pokemon trainer can relate.
We asked Ellison to share his thoughts on the gaming craze.
Would you say Pokemon Go is similar to birding?
I’m inclined to say Pokemon Go is like birding. The reality is, our Natural Heritage inventory team is always on somewhat of a Pokemon Go mission, that is, to search out rare animals and plants.
People are going to great lengths to find Pokemon. Do birders do the same?
As a birder, I want to add new species to my collection. It may take several tries or I may have to work harder to find some birds. If I have information or I know the habitat’s right for a bird — or even just a suspicion one’s there — I go to that place. We all want to collect different things. Some people collect coins or stamps. It’s like a mission. In the end, it’s very rewarding to check that bird off my list.
How could Pokemon Go enthusiasts become bird enthusiasts?
Like everything related to natural history, you have to learn. A lot of people who are into birding got started because of a parent or grandparent who taught them. Today, we’re very connected to our phones, and that’s a good way for people to start learning about birds. It’s easier to learn with something you’re familiar with. There are apps, like eBird, people can use to collect their bird observations. Other apps, like iBird and Sibley’s eGuide, can be used to identify birds.
From a naturalist’s perspective, what benefits do you see from the Pokemon Go phenomenon?
Pokemon Go is making people go outside. It’s taking people to places they’ve never been.
