Years ago, while on a road trip with some friends I remember pointing out and being able to name the species of birds that everyone was ooohing and aahing about. I was asked or rather told, "why do you have to know what it is, why can't you just enjoy nature." This week, while I prepared equipment, outlined the characters of the target taxa and sorted through the details of the coming field season, some part of my mind was focused on this statement, the person who made it and the value of knowledge in general. Understanding nature on its grandest scale is done by observing and learning from its component parts. It has occurred to me that sharing our world habitat with all the unique creatures and plants is rewarding enough. I enjoy even the simplest detail on a daily basis, observing what is in bloom, watching the progress of unfurling miniature immature leaves, noting the birds that frequent my feeder. However, learning about and knowing how to identify them, gaining knowledge, understanding and expertise is the most exciting and rewarding experience in the world. How the other organisms on this planet fit into the grand scheme of things is as profound a question as our own existence. It all starts with the simple question of, 'what is it?' Having the opportunity to observe organisms throughout the day and night and from season to season is a joy without equal. In my case it will be insects and the communities of vegetation they are associated with. Those lucky enough to be able to study wildlife daily no doubt notice how each hour brings with it new activity, discoveries and behavior, each one in its own way a gift to behold. Even on that day, years ago, I was appalled that a friend, a peer, someone whom I loved and respected actually questioned the value of knowledge, the joy of knowing. Surely they would not go through life blindly, without curiosity, without the desire to learn and develop expertise in something. I realize through the way the person in question leads their life now that they couldn't possibly feel the same way. I just wonder how that person perceives this memory. Do they even remember saying it and or thought about what it meant? Or consider that I might still reflect on it today? I feel as if I am and have been always in pursuit of knowledge for the sake of knowledge, whether it relates to my work, my hobbies, cooking, or whatever I get my hands on or into. Speaking of which, the new book in the mail: Ortho's All About Orchids, as I want to learn how to properly care for the orchids in my charge, these lovelies who, if properly cared for will live anywhere from 40-80 years. I have another book coming, more taxonomically oriented, more of a textbook, to answer the more difficult questions I may have that a general guide may not provide. Just so I can be armed with knowledge.