Opposable Chums: Guts & Glory at The World Series of Birding

This weekend I got the chance to view my copy of "Opposable Chums: Guts and Glory at the World Series of Birding" a documentary about... well the World Series of Birding which takes place each spring in New Jersey.

I have never had the pleasure of participating in the WSOB... yet.
(Anybody out there need a fanatical birder to join their team?)
I have, on the other hand, participated in a few Birdathons as well as Massachusetts Audubon's "Superbowl of Birding" which is a similar event, but it instead takes place in January, and only for 12 hours instead of 24.

The film is an excellent documentary of what these intense competition birding days are like, and anybody who has participated in one will certainly see themselves in the film. Scenes depicting a group of birders in a car in the middle of the night waiting for the clock to strike 12:00 to get started, listening for owls, hitting the 24hr Dunkin Donuts shop for coffee and bathroom stops, and progressing all throughout the day until exhausted and exhilarated, you turn in your list 24 hours later. The competition is intense although very good-natured.

If you haven't done a birding competition yet, this film just might help you make up your mind to.

On the other hand, if you are trying to convince a non-birder (or a less intensive birder) to come along on one of these forays into competitive birding, this may not be the best tool in your toolbox. My fiance, who callers herself a WOB (wife-of-birder, although truth be told she's a pretty good birder herself, just not fanatical like me) informed me as we were watching the film, that she is probably going to pass on joining my Superbowl of Birding team this year.
And, although the film does attempt to portray birders as relatively sane individuals pursuing their interest (hobby, avocation, job, or all-consuming passion), at every turn there is something to reinforce the non-birding impression that we are just a little bit 'off.' It's all in good fun though.

If you couldn't tell by now, I really enjoyed the film. (In fact, I watched it twice over the holiday weekend.) Not only did I enjoy the portrayals of the teams at various points in the day, but also the interviews with current and past competitors (with well known names like John Fitzpatrick, Ken Kauffman, David Sibley, and Pete Dunn), the history, and especially the editing style.

Jason did a great job with this documentary, and I highly recommend it!

The internet site for the film is: http://opposablechums.com
Also check out bird blogger reviews by Corey over at 10,000 Birds and by Patrick at The Hawk Owl's Nest.