Bird watching can be done with the naked eye, or using visual enhancement devices such as binoculars or telescopes, or even by listening to bird sounds. What may not be known is that birdwatching often involves a significant auditory (listening) component, since many bird species are more easily detected by the ear than the eye.
The earliest interest in observing birds mainly for their aesthetic value can be traced to the late 18th century. Before, people were only interested in collecting birds for their eggs and skins. Wealthy collectors would make use of their connections to obtain specimens from around the world. Because of such actions, in the 19th century the call for bird protection became necessary and this lead to the rising popularity of observations on living birds.
Birding in North America was focused in the early and mid-20th century. The organization and networking of those interested in birds began through organizations like the Audubon Society that was against the killing of birds. With the rising popularity of the car this increased the mobility of birdwatchers and this made new locations accessible to those interested in birds.
Today many dedicated bird watchers find prestige in knowing the variation of bird species. There are 5.8 million bird watchers in the U.S. (more than the number of residents in Wisconsin). This is a huge army of trackers decked out in sturdy hiking boots and nylon rain gear, consulting their smartphones to identify or imitate a particular quarry.
Where to plan your next bird watching adventure-
For a truly wonderful experience Mammoth Lakes in the Eastern Sierra offers spectacular beauty and fantastic birding opportunities. You may even get an opportunity to see a Bald Eagle in flight or catching a fish. Other birds popular to the area are: Peregrine Falcon, Prairie Falcon, Red-tailed Hawk, Cliff Swallows, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Hummingbirds, Mountain Bluebird, American Goldfinch, and the ever popular Steller’s Jay. These are just a few of the amazing species that you will get a chance to see and admire.
Mono Lake is ideal when it comes to birding. It is a salty, alkaline inland sea home to brine shrimp, alkali flies, and the millions of birds that feed on them. One of the best-known birds is the California Gull. Mono Lake is home to the second largest California Gull rookery in North America (Great Salt Lake is the largest). Approximately 50,000 California Gulls arrive in spring and will feed, mate, select a nest site and lay their eggs. One of the most amazing experiences you will ever have!
Bird watching is a relatively inexpensive activity. There are only a few basic tools that are needed to give you a good start, clothing, field guide, and binoculars.
Birders can dress in any clothes they wish and they will still see birds, but choosing the right attire to wear while birding can help you see more birds more easily. Savvy birders plan their field wardrobe carefully to maximize their birding.There are a variety of factors to consider when choosing your birdwatching clothes:
Comfort- clothing should be comfortable, this will encourage you to stay in the field longer. Clothes should also be well worn to avoid chafing and blisters.
Function- clothing that is functional is a must. Clothes with pockets (i.e., cargo pants) to hold field guides, notebook and other useful tools are highly recommended. Shoes especially should have good ankle support.
Color- when out in the field, it is important to wear clothes that blend into the environment. Birds frighten easily so wearing camouflage colors will allow you to explore and better enjoy the birds in their habitat.
Beautiful birds are often small or too far away to see well without the help of quality birding equipment.
Binoculars-the most important tool a birder will have is a binocular. A high quality binocular will allow you to see feather details and identify birds from hundreds of feet away.
Bird Spotting Scopes- A spotting scope is a compact telescope is designed to enhance magnifications beyond the range of a typical binocular. Spotting scopes are ideally suited for such activities as long distance birdwatching and nature studies.
Field Guide-of course every birder needs a good field guide. A guide will help (especially novice birders) identify certain bird’s species with details and illustrations.
Birds can be seen all year round, but there are certain times of year that are more productive for birders interested in seeing a wide range of easily identified species.
Spring and fall migration are two of the best times to see many birds. During migration, gregarious species gather in large groups that are easier to see. Birders can also be treated to roaming birds that have become disoriented along their migration routes, and depending on a species' individual route, it may pause between its breeding and wintering ranges in areas that make it very accessible to many birders far outside the bird's typical ranges.
While many bird species migrate and may not be around during the winter months, that action can easily work in birders' favor. Northern species, including Arctic birds, may move south due to weather interruptions that will bring them easily into birders' home ranges, providing unique opportunities to see species that may otherwise be out of reach. Other species on view specifically during the winter are the pine siskin, which feasts on pine cone seeds, the white-winged crossbill and the snow bunting, a mostly white sparrow-type bird.
So no matter what season it is--summer, fall, winter or spring --opportunities await to view many species of birds.
Need a comfy place to stay after a day of bird watching? Visit MammothRentalByOwner.com and have a restful evening. Give us a call at (818)883-2488
References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birdwatching
http://birding.about.com/od/birdingbasi ... irding.htm
Yes we have seagulls in Mammoth Lakes
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( 3 / 4164 )Snowshoeing is a winter sport in which participants wear specially designed gear on their feet which distributes their weight, allowing them to walk on snow without breaking through it. Fans of snowshoeing often say that “if you can walk, you can snowshoe,” illustrating how easy the sport is, and people of all ages can be found snowshoeing in winter recreation areas all over the world. One reason many people like the sport is that in addition to being easy, snowshoeing does not require any special equipment, beyond the snowshoes and clothing which is appropriate for winter weather.
How did it get started?
While snowshoeing has gained in popularity recently, it is believed to have originated more than 6,000 years ago in Central Asia. Our ancestors relied on snowshoes as a means of survival, to forage and move from one hunting ground to the next when the ground was covered by deep snow. By distributing a person’s weight over a wider surface area, snowshoes provided mobility and flotation in packed, dense snow, without sinking in. Thus they became a critical tool in both survival and migration as people explored and settled onto the varied landscapes of the Northern Hemisphere.
What you need?
Traditional snowshoes have a hardwood frame with rawhide lacings. Some modern snowshoes are similar, but most are made of materials such as lightweight metal, plastic, and synthetic fabric. In addition to distributing the weight, snowshoes are generally raised at the toe for maneuverability. They must not accumulate snow, hence the latticework, and require bindings to attach them to the feet. Most types of footwear can be worn with snowshoes, although hiking boots are the preferred choice among most recreational users.
It’s fun-
Today, snowshoeing has never been more popular, with roughly 5.5 million participants in the United States alone. Easy, accessible snowshoes have opened up a whole new world of winter, from snowshoe trail centers at ski areas and local parks to quiet hiking trails and distant snow-capped peaks with incredible vistas. Snowshoeing has come a long way from its early designs and uses, but there's never been a better time to explore winter. Snowshoeing extends your hiking or running season into winter. It lets you enjoy winter solitude and can be a social activity. All ages and ability levels can enjoy the sport together.
Where to purchase Snowshoes-
Looking to purchase your own set of snowshoes? There are multiple manufactures.
For the modern snowshoe:
Atlas Snowshoes-
The Atlas story began in 1990 when founder Perry Klebahn, who was looking to snowshoeing to help recover from a motorcycle injury, became frustrated with the designs of the time. Klebahn soon developed his own ideas, and created a revolutionary new snowshoe.
Redfeather Snowshoes-
Redfeather Snowshoes are manufactured and owned by ORC Industries, a not-for-profit company whose sole organizational mission is to provide job opportunities for people with disabilities. And one of those opportunities is to make the best snowshoes in the world. About 75 percent of our workforce is comprised of people who have a physical or mental disability. ORC trains these individuals, and provides vocational counseling, nutritional counseling, wellness training, and life skills with the goal of outplacing these folks in the general workforce at large.
For the vintage snowshoe:
Kaufmann-
Snow-resilient ash wood that steps silently. Hand-laced rawhide. Lasts forever. Pointed tails keeps strides straight for long cross-country treks. Iverson’s beavertail snowshoes are made for going far afield and breaking a trail. They are made for soft virgin snow and float better than aluminum snowshoes. The open rawhide lacing lets the snow filter through so your snowshoes don’t turn into shovels. The extended tail acts like a rudder as you cut through the snow, keeping your stride straight in long cross-country hikes.
Vermont’s Barre Army/Navy Store-
Traditional snowshoes are constructed from wooden frames, allowing for reduced noise and better buoyancy on the ice and snow than aluminum and plastic varieties. They are available in diverse lengths, widths and style preferences. Laced varieties can be easily maintained and become a keepsake item for generations over time.
For the ultimate experience that will leave you stress and anxiety free try a snowshoeing picnic. Pack a picnic and go for a hike in the snow. Find that ultimate spot in the forest with a spot of sunlight.Find a fallen tree, brush the snow off and open up your picnic and enjoy your stress free lunch in the peacefulness and serenity of the forest.
For an equally stress free vacation rental experience visit Mammoth Rental By Owner.com or call us at (818)883-2488
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( 3 / 3346 )The devastation in Oklahoma is inconceivable! The tornadoes were upgraded to F5! This is the worst of the worst. Lets all pitch in and donate to help the folks in Oklahoma.
Please TEXT 90999 to donate $10.00 to the Red Cross!
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( 3 / 7186 )MAMMOTH SPRINGFEST
Now through Memorial Day
While sunshine lures most spring breakers to the coastline, you may want to pack your bikini and swim trunks and head for the slopes of Mammoth Mountain.
We're kicking off the spring season this year with MAMMOTH SPRINGFEST - a month and a half of slope side events and pure mountain goodness. Nightlife, family fun, slope side parties, on-hill competitions - whatever you're looking for, we've got you covered! For the college crowd there are parties, contests, live music and drink specials. For the family there are games, parades, and playtime activities. Everyone gets to enjoy some of the deepest snow in North America - all while basking in warm temperatures under clear, blue skies.
To view complete details of events: http://www.mammothmountain.com/SpringFest
Stay with us for some sweet rental deals--->
http://mammothrentalbyowner.com/index.html
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( 3 / 7521 )Are you actually backpacking?
Do you really know what you are getting yourself into?
Backpacking combines hiking and camping into one. To fit the definition, a backpacker needs to spend at least one night in the out-of-doors and can only use what is in his/her backpack. If these requirements are not met, then it's most likely a day hike or camping trip.
Many would say that the history of backpacking began in 1920 with Lloyd F. Nelson's invention of the camping backpack. As the story goes, in an effort to make his carrying "pack" more comfortable, Nelson fashioned a rigid pack board, which not only gave structure to the backpack, but also made it easier to carry over long hauls.
Hiking has long been used as an exercise in military training programs but hiking has also become a popular recreational activity, both for itself and as a means to enjoy such other wilderness activities as camping and canoeing. In the US the National Scenic Trail Act of 1968, which made large tracts of land available to the public for recreational use, contributed greatly to the growth of hiking as a pastime. The act helped to set up a system of hiking trails that runs throughout the country.
Prior to Mr. Nelson's invention, the backpack (also known as knapsack or rucksack) was simply a loose sack with shoulder straps. The pack board created a division between the contents of the bag and the carrier's back. In addition, it distributed weight more evenly across the shoulders. To this day, the design remains relatively the same.
The essentials-
Anyone can backpack as long as you are in good physical shape. Backpacks vary in shape and sizes and the prices vary as well. It is always recommended to do some research about what type of pack would fit you best. When backpacking you should always have these essential items in your pack:
Map. A map not only tells you where you are and how far you have to go, it can help you find campsites, water, and an emergency exit route in case of an accident.
Compass. A compass can help you find your way through unfamiliar terrain.
Water and a way to purify it. Without enough water, your body's muscles and organs simply can't perform as well: You'll be susceptible to hypothermia and altitude sickness.
Extra Food. Any number of things could keep you out longer than expected: a lengthy detour, getting lost, an injury, difficult terrain. A few ounces of extra food will help keep up energy and morale.
Rain Gear and extra clothing. Because the weatherman is not always right. Especially above treeline, bring along extra layers. Two rules: Avoid cotton (it keeps moisture close to your skin), and always carry a hat.
Firestarter and matches. The warmth of a fire and a hot drink can help prevent an encounter with hypothermia. And fires are a great way to signal for help if you get lost.
First aid kit. Prepackaged first aid kits for hikers are available at outfitters.
Army knife or multi-purpose tool. These enable you to cut strips of cloth into bandages, remove splinters, and perform a whole host of repairs on malfunctioning gear—not to mention cut cheese and open cans.
Flashlight and extra bulbs. For finding your way in the dark and signaling for help.
Sun screen and sun glasses. You'll need sunglasses to prevent snowblindness, and sunscreen to prevent sunburn.
Where to buy all the stuff you need?
There are some great retailers out there that can provide all the equipment you will need to backpack and then some.
ProLite Gear- ProLite Gear is a different sort of company. We are committed to supporting "prosumer" education to help you make smart buying decisions.* We will not sell our products based on believing manufacturer catalog copy or relying on mass media hype written by journalists who don't spend a lot of time outdoors. Instead, we bring you products that have been thoroughly tested in extreme conditions and represent the best in their class.
Ultralight Adventure Equipment- ULA is one of the few remaining U.S. based backpack companies who manufacture in house. Our factory in Logan Utah enables us to be extremely responsive to our customers ever changing needs. It allows us to adapt new technologies and materials in weeks rather than months, and also allows ULA to offer a level of customer service that is simply unmatched.
Merrell- at Merrell, we’re all about the great outdoors. Our employees don’t just sell outdoor gear – they put it to the test. From helping you find the right fit to recommending a new trail, we’re here to make sure you have the hiking boots, barefoot shoes, hiking clothing and information you need for your next adventure.
Now where do you go Backpacking? Why Mammoth Lakes of course!
Permits are required. Pick one up at the Forest Service station in Mammoth BEFORE you go. Some trails have quotas, so you might want to have an alternate plan. Weather in our area is fairly stable. The Eastern Sierra is generally mild and dry during the summer months. But it isn't unheard of to have snow in any summer month at the higher elevations, cold windy days, and some occasional rain/thunderstorm activity at times. So go prepared. Drink lots of water, eat well, don't hike too far in one day, and don't fall off the trail, and you will have a great time.
“Two guys are hiking in the forest when they suddenly come across a big Grizzly bear! The one guy takes off his hiking boots and puts on some running shoes!
His friend says to him "You're crazy! There's no use, do you know how fast Grizzlies are, you'll never be able to out run it!" and the guy says, "I only have to out run you!"- Be safe and have fun!
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