Driving through Wisconsin in pursuit of outsider artists and the environments they create, I came upon a sign for the Crane Foundation. Upon entering I was transported from the wacky worlds of fantastical animals and people made from scrap metal, concrete and bits and bobs of found materials.
It was a serene, natural habitat, populated by graceful cranes. The birds remained oblivious to my presence, seemingly inured to constant spectators. Sitting quietly, watching them, was like a meditation—breathing deeply, my heart rate slowed and all other thoughts dissipated.
It was one of the first times I grasped the appeal of birdwatching.
