A question was asked in the Birds and Birding forum about how to handle the post-migration doldrums.
I suggested really zeroing in on a specific lifer species that is breeding in your area and to pull out all the stops to try and find that species.
Switch from "birder" mode to "hunter" mode. Research. Figure out where that elusive species is most likely to be seen. Maybe it will involve a drive of several hours. If so, set your alarm clock for 3:30!
Instead of seeing your upcoming birding outing as a nice chance to walk in the woods and attempt to identify whichever birds happen to lackadaisically meander across your path, think of it in terms of a military operation!
Do some serious Google research (the S2/military intel part of the operation). Check up on breeding bird concentrations. Reference several intel assets and try to glean the most likely spot to encounter your target.
Then use the model of the US Army Ranger 5-paragraph OPORDER:
So shift your thinking from birding in general to very specific mission-oriented outings!
I suggested really zeroing in on a specific lifer species that is breeding in your area and to pull out all the stops to try and find that species.
Switch from "birder" mode to "hunter" mode. Research. Figure out where that elusive species is most likely to be seen. Maybe it will involve a drive of several hours. If so, set your alarm clock for 3:30!
Instead of seeing your upcoming birding outing as a nice chance to walk in the woods and attempt to identify whichever birds happen to lackadaisically meander across your path, think of it in terms of a military operation!
Do some serious Google research (the S2/military intel part of the operation). Check up on breeding bird concentrations. Reference several intel assets and try to glean the most likely spot to encounter your target.
Then use the model of the US Army Ranger 5-paragraph OPORDER:
- Situation
- Enemy forces (the species you are after)
- Disposition, Composition, and Strength (what is its rarity)
- Capabilities (can it poop on you or attack your hat while making scary sounds?)
- Most probable course of action (how easily is it spooked)
- Weather and Terrain (will you need an umbrella? hiking shoes?)
- Enemy forces (the species you are after)
- Mission
- Who (Yourself)
- What (get a lifer tick for Cow-headed Jaybird)
- Where (on top of Old Smoky)
- When (tomorrow morning at 0330)
- Why (because it is the summer doldrums and I need a challenge!)
- Execution
- Concept of Operation (You will enter the southern reaches of the Great Birders Forest 0430 and establish an overwatch position on Doldrum Ridge NLT 0500 with the intention of mercilessly ticking a Cow-headed Jaybird)
- Maneuver (You will maintain a heading of 135 degrees from the parking lot for 2130 metres and then box-traverse the bog with shortlegs of 180 metres and a long-leg of 340 metres to rejoin your intial heading and then proceed to parallel the treeline for 165 metres to reach your overwatch position)
- Service Support
- General (external resources you will need to accomplish the mission)
- Material and Services (gas station, Dunkin Donuts, etc.)
- Personnel (must interface with the landowner to obtain clearance to enter the objective area)
- Command and Signal
- Command (define who will take over the mission should you fall
) - Signal (who to call on your cellphone if you get stuck in the mud)
- Command (define who will take over the mission should you fall
So shift your thinking from birding in general to very specific mission-oriented outings!
