By ALEXANDREA BAILEY
editor@portisabelsouthpadre.
Oxford’s definition of birding is “the observation of birds in their natural habitat as a hobby,” but for many, it is so much more than just that. Unique and intelligent individuals born with a deep-rooted love for the outdoors and a sense of curiosity take the “hobby” of birding, and make it into a way of life. South Padre Island is a haven for many of these individuals, due to it being a stopping point for a vast variety of migratory bird species. That’s a part of the reason Javier Gonzalez decided to move here. He is a well-known birder across the country, but especially in the Valley. Currently, he spends his days working at the South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary as a Naturalist Educator, a job his child-self would be happy to know he would one day hold. Recently, he achieved something momentous in the life of a birder, identifying his 500th bird species.
Gonzalez was born in Tampico, Tamaulipas in Mexico alongside his twin brother, Jerry, to two loving first-time parents. A few years later, along came his little sister, Ana. He says it was great spending his early childhood in the large coastal city and looks back fondly on memories of being surrounded by greenery and turquoise waters.
“It was a nice place to start off life,” said Gonzalez.
For as long as he can remember, Gonzalez has always had an interest in nature. His early influences included Animal Planet and other nature-centered documentaries and shows. Being drawn to all animals, at first he had a niche liking of reptiles.
“Reptiles are like so cool when you’re a kid,” laughed Gonzalez.
One of Gonzalez’s earliest memories foreshadowing his future of birding was taking fishing trips with his father and brother, waiting for the fish to bite and watching the Black Skimmers skim the water. As well, he remembers the pink masses of huge flocks of Roseate Spoonbills flying over bayside against the blue sky.
“Those images were kind of a spark to birding,” said Gonzalez, who says that they evoked feelings of peacefulness, wonder and curiosity that pushed him to learn and discover more.
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