Monday, our weekend has come and gone. We go back to work, kids go to school. Our lives become roadmaps for tasks, items on a list to check off. Some will hurry out of the house, eager to begin the day. Others will have a cup of coffee and ponder … What do I ponder about? Of course I have much to think about, much to do..so very much… I could talk about Survival training ,bushcraft skills, Prepping, Nature, wildlife. The list goes on and on.
I choose not to today. Today, this morning I am going to listen to the influx of birds that have made it to the mid west from South America, and I wonder? Their journey is much like ours. Always on the move. Always going somewhere. What trials have they overcome? What purpose do they serve?
We may never know that answer, but it sure is nice to hear them outside my window, chattering, chirping. Knowing that tomorrow some of them will have moved on, some will stay and raise a new generation of families.
Sometimes it really is the simple things in life. Taking time to listen to the birds… can make a difference..
Now , enough of the philosophical wanderings.
Here is why you listen to the birds while out in the woods. 1. Birds can alert you to abnormalities. Weather changes, predators, food sources, water sources. 2. Birds and how they travel can also be a precursor to future weather or temperature changes. 3. Birds can also be great indicators of terrain features.
Once you become familiar with the many species of birds in your area, learn what they eat, when they rest, how they move. There are so many species out there that it is difficult to know them all. Harder yet to distinguish what sounds they make, and some even harder to spot or find. Once you observe and critically analyze what they do. It can be a great asset while you enjoy nature, and frankly can help in a survival situation or if you are just out hiking and camping. Why make it harder to find bait to go fishing? Watch the robins.. at this time of year they are building nests and soon will be feeding babies. Robins love worms, grubs and small insects… perfect bait for that bass you are after. Swallows will give you a great visual of where airborne insects are. Especially nearer dusk. Are you looking for small game? Watch the red tail hawk… he is dialed in on smaller birds, squirrels, and rabbits and mice. See a crane up above? You know he is headed to water, and chances are it won’t be to far, and large enough to find fish and frogs.. If the chickadees are favoring a specific area, there is a high likelihood that you will find dead dry grasses that provide them with small seeds but you with great tinder to make your next fire bundle..
The list goes on and on. Take some time on your next hike or camp. Watch what is going on around you. You really can learn a lot. As always Keep your paddle wet and your powder dry J
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