OUT & ABOUT
OUTCONSERV
Rack up mileage
The end of ski and snowboard season is an opportunity for many outdoor recreationists to improve their vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
Removing the ski rack or box from the roof can improve your car’s mileage by 4-8 percent, the U.S. Energy Department says.
OUTMEDIA
Birding authority
Book: “Complete Birds of North America,” National Geographic, edited by Jonathan Alderfer, 664 pages (National Geographic $35).
Details: Home-desk companion volume to National Geographic’s Field Guide to The Birds of North America, this reference covers all 962 species of birds recorded in North America, from common breeders to rare migrants. Photos, maps and migration routes with info compiled by birding authorities.
Info: National Geographic, www.nationalgeographic.com.
OUTPLANT
Critters go wild
The best bird feeders on the market are in local plant nurseries that sell native plants.
When landscaping this spring, add trees, shrubs and other plants that offer food such as pollen, nectar, nuts, cones, berries and other seeds, plus dependable water sources.
Wild critters will love you.
OUTCLASS
No frills wilderness skills
What: “Back to the Future Wilderness Skills Course,” part of The Ancient Pathways workshop series based in Sandpoint.
Who: Taught by wilderness survival experts Ken Fischman and Lanie Johnson.
When: June 9-11.
Where: Clark Fork Field Campus.
Details: Lectures, interactive presentations, and hands-on instruction in low-tech survival skills . Enjoy games, drumming and storytelling around the fire circle, plus making the link between original sustainable lifestyles and modern survival.
Info: (208) 265-8580 or e-mail bigfish@coldreams.com. Preregister for limited space. Cost: $95, includes instruction and meals. Additional fee for dorm rooms or camping.
OUTLOOK
Best fishing times
Lunar tables from the U.S. Naval Observatory list peak fishing times. Be fishing at least an hour before and after given times. Applies to all time zones.
(* indicates best days.)
Through May 28
Today
8:20 a.m. 8:45 p.m.
Monday
9:10 a.m. 9:35 p.m.
Tuesday
9:55 a.m. 10:20 p.m.
Wednesday
10:45 a.m. 11:10 p.m.
* Thursday
11:35 a.m. 12:05 a.m.
* Friday
12:30 p.m. 1 a.m.
Saturday
1:30 p.m. 2 a.m.
Next Sunday
2:30 p.m. 2:55 a.m.