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Archive for the ‘Bird Watching’ Category
Life Lists!
One of a Kind!
We have previously discussed how important it is to record your bird sightings. All serious Birders maintain a Life List. Each entry note mentions the bird species, the date/location of sighting, and any other information that’s deemed important. However, for most active bird watchers, one life list is not enough. You need to develop a system that makes sense to you, is functional, and it must be easily access-able. A possible consideration might include:
- House List – A list of birds sighted around your home;
- Yearly Lists – A list for each year you bird watch;
- State Lists - A list of the sightings you make in the different states you visit;
- Trip Lists – A list that corresponds with the different trips/vacations you take;
- Wish List – A list of birds you haven’t seen but hope too.
Bird watching can be extremely satisfying. However, part of that satisfaction comes from a good posterity developed through your accurate recording and journaling of the activity. Preserving that outdoor experience is critical.
The Right Camping Chair!
Folding, Light, and Durable!
As the wife would say, “Why stand when you can sit”. A good camping trip has the right mixture of action/fun-filled activities and relaxing/thought provoking down-times. During these down times it is nice to just sit-back with a cup of coffee and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smell of the camp-site.
To do this, having the proper camping chairs are a must! They should not only be durable but fit your life style and planned activities. Here are some tips on how to chose that important camp-site accessory:
- Would suggest a folding chair, one that is constructed of durable but light materials.
- Decide if you want a rocking camping chair or the typical folding type. Will you be taking it fishing with you or just relaxing around the camp-site?
- You might want to consider cup holders. This would free-up the hands to do other things, such as fishing, reading a magazine, using the binoculars for birding, or other enjoyable activities..
- If you are going to the beach or be close to a body of salt-water, it is important to have chairs that are rust/water proof.
- When purchasing, choose a trusted brand. More than price, durability and ease of use should be your top priorities. A good camping chair should last for many years of enjoyment.
Fall’s Rapture!
Beautiful!
Told the wife that I would take her on a Birding trip for her birthday. We decided to combine it with the changing of the colors (leaves) in NE Minnesota. The area that we’ll be visiting is about two hours north of Duluth. It is a part of the country that neither of us have been to previously, but have heard only positive things about. They say that the leaf display (colors) is second-to-none.
This time of year, the birds are doing their Fall chores and some have started preparation for the long migration south. Billions of birds fly through Minnesota on their way to winter camp grounds each year. Hawk Ridge Reserve in Duluth, MN is one of the nation’s premier spots for viewing migratory hawks and songbirds. From Labor Day through October, visitors can not only enjoy the spectacular views of Lake Superior but breath taking glimpses of towering kettles (group) of raptors spiraling upward as-far-as the eye can see.
Grab your binoculars and participate in one of the many Birding Festivals that are routinely scheduled throughout the year at www.aba.org. Get Involved and Do Enjoy!
Birding and Beyond!
Bushnell "Legend" Scope w/o Tripods!
Think I mentioned about buying the wife a pair of binoculars for Birding. The enjoyment she has received is unbelievable. Her question now is whether there is something that will give her a little more distance. I explained that the next step might be a Spotting Scope. The power magnification is higher than most binoculars, but the downside would be portability.
Like a pair of binoculars, a spotting scope is characterized by two numbers, the magnification and diameter. The usual magnification of birding binoculars are 8 or 10 times but good spotting scopes are generally 20 to 60 times. The higher the magnification, the better you can identify the object at a distance. But, that increase in distance substantially narrows the field of vision with a noticeable loss of brightness.
However, many of these spotting scopes come equipped with a zoom lens that would let it grow gradually from 20 to 60 times. This could allow a lower magnification to enjoy a greater field of view and then zoom in to see the details. When purchasing a spotting scope, be ever conscious that you normally “get what you pay for”. Just because it’s larger, has more buttons, or even cheaper does not always equate to it being a better deal!
Outdoor Activities!
Having Fun!
Loving the outdoors is a learned concept. It normally starts at a very young age; therefore, parents do play an important role in forming that life-long relationship. However, certain factors may preclude this from happening – scarcity of time , general disinterest, lack of knowledge, or even a genuine concern about safety.
These are valid reasons for non-involvement but conversely, the participative positives far out-number the negatives. Leading a healthy and balanced life-style are crucial to longevity. Outdoor activities can help by reducing daily stress and tension; it further strengthens family bonds and provides a sense of accomplishment to all who participate. Some of the most popular outdoor activities include swimming, jogging, cycling, hiking, camping in a tent, and boating activities.
Suggest you discuss this with the family at the next opportunity, but don’t be surprised if there is resistance. The first step is always the hardest, and for some that will be turning off the television. Engaging in outdoor activities has no substitute for staying healthy and enjoying nature at the same time. HAVE FUN!
The Basics!
Majestic!
One of the most leisure and pleasurable past-times or hobbies is bird watching. But, to be good at it requires a personal investment; there are resources available that will teach you how to find and identify these feathery treasures but you must commit the time and effort to do so.
Book stores, local libraries, or even the Internet can provide information on the different bird species, their natural habitat, breeding habits, and where they congregate; often this information includes complete descriptions and even pictures. It is a lot more enjoyable if you know the WHO, WHAT, WHEN and WHERE of the bird you’re looking at.
Worldwide, there are many bird watching clubs and even bird refuges. Each of these activities are excellent in providing other bird watchers or even experts who are always readily available to share information and fascinating stories. Don’t procrastinate – get your binoculars, journal, walking stick and go have fun!
Back-yard Wonder!
Bobwhite Quail!
A couple weeks ago, I bought the wife her first pair of binoculars. I never realized that a person could get so much enjoyment out of the birds inhabiting their back-yard. We have a few robins, ducks, and even a covey of quail. She has gotten to the point where she can actually tell individual differences within the species.
This has encouraged her to research Quail through Google and not only identify the species in her back-yard but its preferred habitat, breeding and feeding habits. It was noted that they feed on seeds, small insects and similar prey. Their eggs are considered a delicacy in many countries including here in North America, Western Europe, and Japan.
Interesting was that some common quail have been known to eat poisonous seeds with no apparent ill effects. However, people who later consumed the bird’s meat were poisoned. This condition is known as “coturnism” . Oh, what a joy one pair of binoculars has brought!
National Psyche!
"YES-WE-CAN!
Last evening, the wife and I were watching a program on PBS titled: Health in America. The program was rather shocking and discussed statistics such as 66.6% of all Americans are over-weight or obese. It further claimed that numbers are increasing yearly at an epidemic rate.
The documentary further stipulated the situational pro’s/con’s and even eluded to the fact that if trend continues, it would effect National Security. I thought that was stretching it a bit, but do agree that the physical health of a nation is extremely important and could reflect on our long-term commitment and capabilities.
I think that most Americans would enjoy the opportunity to get involved in healthy leisure activities but are affected by situational factors beyond their control. A healthy mind and a healthy body go hand-in-hand. It is extremely difficult to get your house in order if you haven’t got a house, job or the means to put beans on the table. However, my suggestion is one of hope; I do believe in American resilience and our capability to overcome. It is time to get off the couch and get involved in physical activities commensurate with individual capabilities. There are cheap, inexpensive , and fun outdoor activities that don’t require expensive camping gear. These include hiking, trekking, and bird watching, be active and – HAVE FUN!
Common Sense Must Prevail!
Cool!
The long, bright and hot days of summer are just around the corner! It is time to make sure that you have the necessary eye-wear that will provide you a suitable sun protective tint against those UAV/UAB rays. If you wear prescription glasses, order a separate pair of sunglasses; or, popular today, is getting a pair of regular eyeglasses with a transitional lens that gets dark when outside and back to a regular lens when indoors.
As we’ve all been told, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” Taking care of your eyes is not only critical but actually pretty simple to do. Use a little common sense; see your eye doctor at least annually and follow his guidance/recommendations to the “T”. If you need a new prescription/glasses, get them sooner rather than later. Bargains can be obtained by shopping-around. I have seen as much as a 70% differentiation on like sunglasses/eye-wear in comparable retail outlets. Be Safe!
Bird Watching Do’s and Don’ts!
Where did it go?
All outdoor activities have the do’s and don’ts. These guidelines keep us good folk honest and are normally based on common sense. In this case, the over-riding consideration is safety for all participants. This of course includes the birds themselves. The four cardinal rules for all bird-watchers are:
- First: Show respect to the birds you’re watching. Be ever mindful that you are being intrusive.
- Second: Don’t invade their personal living space. Birds return each year to the same living habitat.
- Third: Respect the applicable State/Federal laws. Legal restrictions are put in place for a reason/purpose.
- Fourth: Respect the sport of Bird Watching. Become aware of the different bird species and their living environments/habitat.
Bird Watching is becoming more and more popular. Follow these simple rules and you will be assured of continuous enjoyment. Purchase a guide book to assist with bird identification and maintain a journal for posterity. Do not get discouraged; if you don’t first succeed – Try & Try Again!
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