Today I took part in an epic and time honored olympic event. It is a version of the biathalon, but instead of Nordic skiing and shooting, its nordic skiing and birding. The challenge is to steady one's breath and binoculars in between skiing sections and I.D. birds as they appear. In the case of spills, ahem, which don't happen for me very often, the swarovski functional bag is handy to have on your nocker strap. Today I took gold by completing the course in just under an hour and identifying a new year-yardbird BELTED KINGFISHER (rarely seen in winter at this venue, but every now and then will cruise by in summer), as well as other notables like Hairy Woodpecker, Horned Larks, White-throated Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Carolina Wren, and the lovely Red-shouldered Hawk. I admit I did fall when the Kingfisher rattled past, but thats ok, I still got up and had a good look as he perched by the stream. Here is a fall re-enactment. Actually, I was attempting to rush into place for the self timer to go off, but kind of missed my mark. Kind of funny the camera caught my slippage.
Its not a fake shot. Well I was posing for the camera, and then attempting to. The first shot I got was out of focus.. So I went back to reset the camera and then in the process of rushing back in position I slipped and fell and the camera got me as I was falling on my ass. Its hard to rush things on skis.
ReplyDeleteI really am that fumbly bumbly.
ReplyDeleteIts lame either way. But what isn't lame is the new yardbird; BEKI's are awesome. And my total for today's events was 24 species, yes thats right, thats equa, or more, than half of you have for your lists so far. Hi five. 44, and the domination continues. Nahh, I know once migration starts you all will start melting my lead. But I'll be fighting the whole way for sure.
ReplyDeleteHey Dubs...so is this like your day job or something?
ReplyDeleteyeah, pretty much I just screw around during the day and work at night and on weekends. Truthfully I need another part time job or a better full time one.
ReplyDeleteWhat is your job(s) Ben?
ReplyDelete