Birding with a Walking Stick-Advice (1 Viewer)

[michaelboustead]

I am getting older and find that my balance is not what it once was. Frankly, on trails that are narrow or the least bit slippery I find I stumble about too much- I have gone "swimming" in small streams on at least 3 continents.

I am considering the purchase of a walking stick but can't figure out how to use one and bird at the same time. When you are trying to get on the bird what do you do with the stick? Any recommendations on a walking stick? How do you travel with one?

Advice requested.

Mike

 

[Keith Dickinson]

Try a ski pole Mike. They are very popular with walkers this side of the pond and as they have a wrist strap you just drop the pole and grab your bins. I've seen a few birders using them and am thinking about it for myself as I too have gone 'swimming' a couple of times. The poles I have been looking at are collapsible so are easily stowed in suitcase for travel.

 

[ayasuda]

I agree. Hiking/Ski poles are the best. The boots comes off, and it just might make a good monopod for the camera. Haven't tried this yet. I guess I'll have to stumble into the creek one more time before I carry mine with me again.

 

[David Smith]

What about those with the small seat at the top-the seat folds up to be used as a handle then opens up to sit on so you can look at the birds etc.

 

[michaelboustead]

Thank you, I think I will take a trip to the local ski shop and talk to the people there. I will check the internet for a stick with a loop.

Mike

 

[christineredgate]

Hi,Mike good luck with your search.The seat/stick is a good idea,but not very good if you really need something to lean on and keep your balance.I have a stick with a loop,but usually end up dropping it on the grass beside me,taking the shot,then struggling to find the stick!!!.I have a friend who uses crutches,she uses a monopod,so with 2 elbow crutches and the monopod,she has in fact a tripod,so I guess the same can be achieved with 2 sticks and a monopod.

 

[Chris Oates]

I use a single walking pole, the loop keeps it on my arm and using bins is no problem.
Mine is a three section collapsible which packs small so I can always carry it just in case.
If you look at the link below you'll see that you can get walking stick style handles or a vertical grip - I much prefer a vertical grip. That might not make much sense but walking with poles is not at all like walking with a traditional walking stick.
You will set the handle height to above waist level so you are pulling down on the pole not trying to balance on top of it - much more stable.
Also the long stick is going to reach the ground and support you when crossing stiles.

http://www.gear-zone.co.uk/eshop/Trekking-Poles.html

 

[danehower]

I just googled this - what do you think ? Looks kind of interesting, but there is not much of a discription with regards to how to use it. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/364037-REG/Trek_Tech_00100_TrekPod_Walking_Stick_Monopod.html

 

[Chris Oates]

I just googled this - what do you think ? Looks kind of interesting, but there is not much of a discription with regards to how to use it. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/364037-REG/Trek_Tech_00100_TrekPod_Walking_Stick_Monopod.html

Like all gadgets there'll be wildly differing opinions.

For a walking pole it's incredibly heavy, for a monopod it's far too short.
I've got a proper tall monopod which I have successfully used as a walking pole but again it's too heavy..I much prefer a lightweight walking pole and a camera with an image stabiliser.

 

[Alkip]

I have a Leki pole and it's superb, really light and yet sturdy.

As stated it has the wrist strap - infact it has 2 so it's can be used for those with a thin wrist or a thicker one. It's very light and has saved me many times (I have a bad leg and my balance is awful so it doesn't take much to get me wobbling like a weeble as my other half puts it).

Mine has the shock absorbption and I have tried ones without it but prefer with.

It cost me £20 a couple of years ago and I'm sure that they'll be cheaper over there.

 

[peter hill]

my wife has a leki walking pole <stick> that has a wooden top that screws of to reveel a screw thread that fits most camaras if that helps ,bought about 10years ago for 20 some quid :t:

 

[Cudyll Bach]

Brasher do a walking pole which converts to a monopod.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Brasher-Mono-Walking-Pole/dp/B000Y7VIIW/ref=sr_1_13?