Rettig, the consummate bird-watcher, has been an ardent observer of all types of fowl for most of his 85 years. He recently taught his last bird observation course for the Duke Institute for Learning in Retirement. The five-week class ended with a field trip to the Mason Farm Biological Reserve at UNC.

"We taught the course for two or three years and then took a break," Rettig said of himself and co-teacher Alan Reckhow. "I suggested the course again for this year because several people at DILR had set up feeders in their back yards and wanted to know what types of birds were visiting their feeders."

Rettig has bird-watched all over the world, including places such as Galapagos Islands, Belize, Costa Rica and Trinidad. In all, he's seen more than 500 species of birds, and he is a member of the New Hope Audubon Society. Rettig can trace his interest in birds all the way back to the age of 13 when he and a childhood friend collected colorful bird books from a neighborhood five-and-dime in Philadelphia.

"The books were about six inches long and three inches wide and there would be a picture of a bird on each page," Rettig said.

One day Rettig's friend discovered that the pair could go to parks and see the birds live -- taking them beyond the world of picture books. That's when Rettig started using his grandmother's 3-powered opera glasses to bird watch. Rettig went on to Temple University where he majored in biology. He was drafted shortly before graduation and served 3 1/2 years in the Army.

Upon discharge, Rettig taught science and physics before turning to mental health and a career as a high school guidance counselor. But throughout his military and counseling experience, Rettig never forgot about birds. He and his wife, Dorothy, took their two children as youngsters on a trip out west where they identified mammals along the way.

And one summer, Rettig and his wife toured the country, identifying birds from different states. Here Rettig talks more about his love for ornithology and why bird-watching is a satisfying hobby and pastime:

Q. You've watched birds all over the world. Now in your golden years, what is your favorite place to bird-watch?

We have the sliding glass doors on the patio. The birds are there and it's a pleasure to see the different birds. It keeps us company.

Q. What is the most beautiful bird that you have ever seen?

There are so many beautiful birds in different parts of the world. To pick one that is the most beautiful is difficult.

Q. Is there a bird that you don't like?

The cowbird. It's a black bird with a brown head. They lay their eggs in a warbler's nest. When the cowbirds hatch, the mother warbler bird doesn't recognize that they aren't her own because the cowbirds throw the warbler's babies out of the nest. The cowbird is a predatory bird. That's why I don't like it.

Q. What's your advice for taking pictures while bird-watching?

Don't make noise. If you're going to take pictures you have to have a good camera and a good technique, and you have to spend a lot of time. That I never do.

Q. Have you been pleased by the increased interest in bird-watching over the years?

Since I started birding, it has expanded terrifically. I don't dislike that trend. Bird-watchers tend to be people who want to preserve the environment for birds.

For more information about institute courses or to get a message to Richard Rettig about bird-watching, call the institute office at 684-2703.