In "The Spectator Bird," Wallace Stegner explores themes of aging and self-perception through a character’s reflections on life. When questioned about whether he feels like an old man, he articulates that he does not identify with that notion. Instead, he perceives himself as a young man, highlighting an inner vitality that contradicts society's typical views of aging.

This sentiment reinforces the idea that one's age is not merely a number but rather an attitude shaped by experiences and perspective. Through this character, Stegner encourages readers to consider how we define ourselves in relation to age, suggesting that feelings of youth can persist regardless of physical aging.