Any other kilted birders out there?

[Ozark Ridge Rider]

Yep, you got one here. Lots of variety in the Ozarks, and we're in the area of overlap between the Central and Mississippi flyways.

After a long career in conservation, I'm not usually too far from a binocular either. Not really into keeping score, but I do have a life list (i.e. no clue how many are on it). Have documented about 70 species in the back yard in the last few years, though.

Spent some time last week in Parker River Refuge in MA. Saw a plethora of shorebirds, but mostly enjoyed watching them instead of agonizing over which species. Guess I'm not that hard core after all.

Dan

[WeaselMender]

My wife and I are both "birders" with 2 lists the "life list" and the "out the window" list. We lived on a major flyway in south Texas for many years 3 miles from pavement and the transients were amazing. One of our favorite entertainments was watching Mexican Tree ducks try to perch on the phone wire, it was not tight so some of thier "slack wire" work was quite comical. Here in NM we butt up on the desert and have a yard full of birds most of the time, I guess birdy welfare has nothing at all to do with that!

Weasel :ootd:

[The F-H.C.A.G.]

We had many people tell us, as we made our way up to Canada a few weeks ago, that we were in the right place at the wrong time.

"Oh, yes, you can see dozens of birds at Jackson Bottoms Wetlands, but not at this time of year..."

"We live right in the middle of a major flyway here in White Rock, but not at this time of year..."

Guess we have to make the trip in January!

Be well,

Star

[Ozark Ridge Rider]

We had many people tell us, as we made our way up to Canada a few weeks ago, that we were in the right place at the wrong time.

"Oh, yes, you can see dozens of birds at Jackson Bottoms Wetlands, but not at this time of year..."

"We live right in the middle of a major flyway here in White Rock, but not at this time of year..."

Guess we have to make the trip in January!

Be well,

Star

It's always that way - "You shoulda been here last week/month/spring etc". That applies to weather, wildflowers, fishing, and hunting as well as birding. But as you travel, or in your backyard, just keep your eyes open. Often the best times are the serendipitous ones.

[Pleater]

I usually have the long binoculars (we have several pairs of different powers and angles) and a guide to British birds about - not long ago there were goldfinches pecking seedheads in the back garden of the house next door, and there are all sorts of small birds in the locality. The largest are the wood pigeons, but I have never thought to count or record them - I just enjoy watching them.

Anne the Pleater :ootd: