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Archive for the ‘Bird Watching’ Category
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!
Walking Stick, Staff or Cane?
Serves the Purpose!
The words walking stick, walking staff or walking cane are sometimes used interchangeably. However, for a hardcore trekker, there is definitely a difference. Walking sticks/staffs are used to aid people while hiking; whereas, canes are used for physical rehabilitative purposes.
Is it possible that one device can serve both purposes – I think so. The family wants to buy me a new, sophisticated walking stick. I’m dragging my feet; I keep telling them that I got one that was issued to me a good number of years ago, one that not only served a purpose then but still does today. They don’t want to hear it – it is not new, pretty and adjustable.
However, I’m going to hold on to my guns! This old VA walking stick/staff/cane not only has sentimental value but still gives me the stability, comfort and safety when out walking. It also makes a statement. – don’t just, totally chalk-off the lessons of past years for the untried/unproven technological fads of today.
It’s the Economy Stupid!
The Great Outdoors!
On the fourth Friday of each month, a group of us gather at “Mom’s Kitchen” for breakfast. The food is adequate but the dialogue, atmosphere, and camaraderie are priceless. Each time I go, I always come away with a reality check. This temperature reading normally focuses on one of two things: the US Economy or World Affairs.
This last breakfast, the conversation started with what we should/shouldn’t be doing in Libya but settled down to the US Economy, and how the high price of gas and other goods were going to force a change in summer vacation plans/camping trips; gone would be the 2-3 week trips to places not even pronounceable.
I suggested that a good camping trip doesn’t have to be an expensive venture. What is important, is that you find something that would be interesting and enjoyable for all participants. Website – USA.gov covers all 50 states and the District of Columbia. These respective tourism websites provide ideas for vacations and more. However, regardless of the WHO – WHAT – WHEN – WHERE, the camping trip will still need proper planning, preparation of camping gear and feasible transportation.
Method to the Madness!
WOW, Look at That!
How many times have you been out with the family or friends on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, not doing much of anything but enjoying the great outdoors? You notice a herd of elk moving slowly away from you on the distant mountain-side.
As you point in the direction of the sighting, you hand the binoculars to the family member or friend. They were able to visually identified the sighting with the naked eye, but couldn’t find it with the binoculars before it moved out of sight. There is a method to this madness; if followed, it will make spotting game or even birds with binoculars quicker and more successful.
- Once you have spotted the game/bird with the naked eye, don’t look down or away but maintain observation of the object;
- Raise the binoculars to the eyes, identify the object, and observe while you’re making minor focus adjustments to the binoculars.
Bird Watching Essentials!
Be Prepared!
Like everything, the key to success is in the preparation. To ensue that you have an exciting and eventful Bird Watching event, it is important that you have access to the required equipment.
Some questionably feel that the most important item to have is a pair of binoculars; a pair that is lightweight and allows you to tackle long distances. But, there are also other influencing considerations that must be made to add credence and enhancement to the overall experience:
- A birding vest with various size pockets (10-15). This will give you easy access to bird identification guides, lens caps, lip balm, snacks, insect repellant, and other personal needed items.
- A lightweight rain jacket might be needed to protect you from the elements. Don’t forget a hat, it will not only protect you from sun rays but also keep hair out of your eyes.
- A written journal should be maintained explaining the – Who, What, When, and Where. If desired and time permits, the journal could be supplemented by photographs.
Some avid bird watchers like to pair their trips with extending hiking. If so, additional consideration should be made for a daypack. Depending on the trip, this might also include meals, bottled water, extra binoculars, socks, map/compass, and a charged cell phone. However, Don’t over Pack!
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