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Message: <blockquote data-quote="lulubelle" data-source="post: 1604849" data-attributes="member: 58499">I think one always has to be aware of one's surroundings at all times, although I think women may have a disadvantage in terms of size and strength in terms of defending ourselves. Birding does take me into interesting areas. I have always tried to make sure someone knows where I am birding just in case something goes awry.  I always have my cell and make sure it is charged, although there are areas where cell coverage is dubious or non-existant (like in larger state/national parks). I have been caught off guard by a homeless person in a pubic park in Corpus Christi, right across the street from a nice bed & breakfast. He found it entertaining to scare me apparently.Depending on where I go, I will go with a a fellow birder, with a group or if to an area I know well within Arlington, I will go alone. Having another person with me not only makes me feel safer, but it is always nice to have someone around to bounce ID questions off!!As far as equipment costs & what a man carries vs. a woman - many women I know have alpha bins, scopes and top range DSLR's that they carry or pack in the trunk, depending on where they/we are going. I know many men who carry average equipment in terms of cost. What I carry depends on what type of trip I am planning and largely how lazy I am!!!! If a crime was going to be carried out on a birder of either sex, I seriously doubt that the perp is going to choose based on the cost of equipment carried - 'course that means I should be safe then!!!</blockquote>

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