Before Watching, Fly Right

Tue., Aug. 1, 2000

By Susan English susane@spokesman.com

Successful birdwatching field trips begin even before you leave the house, says Birder’s World magazine.

Plan for weather changes and pack extra clothes for inclement weather, says writer Pete Dunn. Check your equipment before you leave and replace or repair if needed. And arrive at the meeting site with plenty of food and water.

Other tips Dunn offers: Don’t be late. Don’t wander off from the group; you’ll learn from other bird watchers. Speak softly so everyone can hear the bird songs and calls. Minimize motion to avoid scaring off the birds. Share your knowledge and ask questions.

* Attention good Samaritans: It’s so tempting to rescue a juvenile animal or bird that looks like it needs help. In most cases, though, it’s best to resist the urge, says the Humane Society of the United States.

Often wood-be rescuers do more harm than good when trying to assist animals that are doing fine on their own. Young animals are seldom orphaned, even if they are alone.

If the young animal or bird appears injured, it’s best to contact an expert at a state wildlife agency or a veterinarian who specializes in wildlife.

For details and local wildlife experts, contact the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association at (320) 259-4086 or by e-mail at nwra@nwrawildlife.org, or the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council at (707) 864-1762 or e-mail iwrc@inreach.com.

* New on the book shelf: Birdwatchers headed for one of the national parks in the Northwest might be interested in a new book, “Birds of the Northwestern National Parks: A Birder’s Perspective” by Roland Wauer ($18.95).

The book discusses common birds found at the following parks: Mount Rainier, Olympic, North Cascades, Crater Lake, Lassen and the Oregon Caves and Lava Beds national monuments. Wauer includes trails where these birds have been seen.

* Backyard journal: The red-tailed hawks take turns hunting in the orchard, snapping up any banty hen that strolls too far away from the cover of the trees. The hawks lead by nine in this game of hide-and-seek.

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