Novice birders are often advised to search for their quarry early or late in the day, when many species tend to be most active. While this recommendation is certainly legitimate, especially during the heat of summer, it should not discourage birding activity at other times. Indeed, some birds (soaring species for example) may not be active until several hours after sunrise, when solar heating is potent enough to produce thermals.
Today, I walked out to explore our Littleton farm at noon. A golden eagle was soaring overhead, harassed by a small flock of crows. Within an hour I had encountered more than a dozen other species, many of which flushed to cover when a sharp-shinned hawk streaked across the farm.
Such sightings (the eagle and the hawk) often occur when least expected and at any time of day. The best advice for any beginning wildlife watcher is to get out there at every opportunity, during any season and at any hour of the day (or night). No Fooling!
Today, I walked out to explore our Littleton farm at noon. A golden eagle was soaring overhead, harassed by a small flock of crows. Within an hour I had encountered more than a dozen other species, many of which flushed to cover when a sharp-shinned hawk streaked across the farm.
Such sightings (the eagle and the hawk) often occur when least expected and at any time of day. The best advice for any beginning wildlife watcher is to get out there at every opportunity, during any season and at any hour of the day (or night). No Fooling!
