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Message: <blockquote data-quote="StrikingSlug" data-source="post: 1223048" data-attributes="member: 53180">This is a great post, and raises many interesting issues.I use my bike to go birding, and carry a great pair of small. lightweight Nikon Travellite V 10x25 binos in my Camelbak, but I might try them over my shoulder after the early recommendations on here.As regards helmets, I too am pro-choice.  I tend to wear one when I am out with the kids, but not always on my own (I am too cheap-skate to buy 2, and I work and bird by bike away from home during the week).  There is some evidence that shows that by making wearing compulsory you drastically reduce numbers actually riding, with the result that the overall health benefit is reduced.  That doesn't help much when you are nursing a bump on the head, I know, but c'est la vie.I also ride occasionally with a group, and I get a bit disappointed with some of their attitudes to drivers.  If a driver stops to let us go by, or is otherwise courteous, I go out of my way to acknowledge that action, but some of my compatriots don't bother at all as they are so anti-car they believe they shouldn't be on the road at all.  My feeling is, if you are nice to a driver they are much more likely to be nice to you (or another cyclist) when they see you next.  Mind you, I am often the first to Rembrandt a driver who transgresses too. <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite2" alt=";)" title="Wink    ;)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=";)" />As far as birds go, I often find they are less bothered by a moving cyclist than a static walker.  And every now and again you get a fantastic moment like the one I had down a quiet Devon lane where I suddenly found myself sharing the space with a cruising buzzard.  What a photo that would have made. :t:Richard</blockquote>

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