Jerry,

I just love your posts.  A good laugh is always welcome.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Gerald & Laura Tarbell" <>
To: <>
Sent: Wednesday, July 07, 2004 4:17 PM
Subject: Re: [MDOSPREY] Hiking/Birding


> 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