Tom Marko said > Where does the happy medium lie between hiking and birding?

    I find that the amount of distance covered depends on what you are
looking for. A dedicated cardiovascular hiker would be hard for me to keep
up with on a bike. On the other hand there is the general naturalist - you
know - the person who thinks they have to know every plant, bug and bird and
admire them extensively. Those folks can easily cover a hundred yards in
just a couple of weeks.
    I agree with the style described by Parke. A nice hike to a good spot.
Some birders I've been out with will have to forgive me for this, but I also
agree very much with Parke again >
    I find it more enjoyable than the "jump in the car and jump out of the
car" birding most people seem to favor.

Most of my favorite hike-in bird spots seem to have trout streams at the end
of them, but that's just me. You'd be amazed at how many close-ups of birds
I can get with a fly-rod in my hand. Did you know that fledgling waterthush
pump their rumps just like the adults? Having a chickadee almost land on the
rod while you're tying on a fly is another special treat.
    If any of you want to do a nice hike up, power-birding walk like Gail
described, I suggest High Rock in Garrett Co. Nice hour long hike up to a
fire tower with plenty-o-bird along the way and lovely scenery when you get
there. Don't forget your water bottle.
    Jerry