Tero
Retired
Suburban birding has its own problems. You may not get stuck ankle deep in mud, but you need to watch out for cars. Especially when they back into the street.
You need some binoculars, waterproof is best. THen you can do your rounds rain or shine. In the spring and fall, a field guide may be of use for migrants. People will invariably come and ask you what you are looking at. To adults, I say that I thought there was a nest in their tree. That way I don't need to explain much more. There was no nest. Kids will want to ude your binoculars. Show them a cardinal or other colorful bird, because they do not know how to find birds.
Take care not to aim binoculars at people's living rooms. Walk around so that you aim at the tree and bird only. One guy accused me of being a snoop and taking pictures of his house. Did he not know that private investigators usually sit in parked cars and take pictures sneakily?
Avoid playgrounds, pools etc. where small kids are. You could be suspected of being a pedophile. Carry an ID and some money. I usually offer my drivers license to the most suspicious types. They never want to see it, though.
Some home owners are to be avoided. Learn those houses by memory.I walk on one side of a street to avoid an unpleasant person.
Birding skills not that difficult, unless you are doing a Christmas count. Learn two types of Chicadees. Learn House Finch female vs. other brown birds such as Song Sparrow.
In the US, cutting thru peoples yards is not allowed for adults.
You need some binoculars, waterproof is best. THen you can do your rounds rain or shine. In the spring and fall, a field guide may be of use for migrants. People will invariably come and ask you what you are looking at. To adults, I say that I thought there was a nest in their tree. That way I don't need to explain much more. There was no nest. Kids will want to ude your binoculars. Show them a cardinal or other colorful bird, because they do not know how to find birds.
Take care not to aim binoculars at people's living rooms. Walk around so that you aim at the tree and bird only. One guy accused me of being a snoop and taking pictures of his house. Did he not know that private investigators usually sit in parked cars and take pictures sneakily?
Avoid playgrounds, pools etc. where small kids are. You could be suspected of being a pedophile. Carry an ID and some money. I usually offer my drivers license to the most suspicious types. They never want to see it, though.
Some home owners are to be avoided. Learn those houses by memory.I walk on one side of a street to avoid an unpleasant person.
Birding skills not that difficult, unless you are doing a Christmas count. Learn two types of Chicadees. Learn House Finch female vs. other brown birds such as Song Sparrow.
In the US, cutting thru peoples yards is not allowed for adults.
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