Sedge Wren
My evening plan after work was to see if the Bell's Vireo was still present at Pheasant Branch Conservancy, but I met up with a rather cooperative Sedge Wren instead. It's amazing watching these little wrens belt out their bold song – the entire bird vibrates, especially its tail. Without adequate light and a fast shutter speed, it's difficult to freeze the action. By the time I finished digiscoping the wren, it was getting too late to complete the trek to the top of the hill for the vireo. I may try again early tomorrow morning.
* * *
In other news, a Lewis's Woodpecker has been discovered near Superior, Wisconsin. While this is a pretty exciting find and would be a "life bird" for me, the drive from Waunakee would be 635 miles round-trip. With my Toyota Corolla, I'd burn close to 16 gallons of gasoline. At the present cost per gallon of gas, this would come out to around $65.00. Instead, I'll give that money to The Nature Conservancy and stay home.
Birding doesn't have to be a green activity, but birds and other critters certainly need us to be. This brings my "could have got life bird, but trip dollars went to conservation instead" list up to two!
Green-breasted Mango
Lewis's Woodpecker
© 2008 Mike McDowell
posted by Mike McDowell @ 8:11 PM
8 comments
8 Comments:
Nice alternative, though I now feel a little guilty to the drive I took to the NWR last weekend (though it was just under 100 miles round trip).
What a great idea - the nature conservancy is a worthy cause that I donate to as well.
I like this idea of transferring would-be gas money into a gift for conservation.
Being willing to look at the birds closer to home gives us the chance to get to know those living right next to us. It's exciting to want to go see the Red Knots 3 hours away, but that family of Mockingbirds near my home is pretty cool too.
I like your thoughtful insights.
Great Blog. Hopefully the Lewis's Woodpecker doesn't have the same fate as the Green-Breasted Mango.
I applaud your decision. Even with my Prius I find myself these days thinking through the necessity of a trip before getting behind the wheel.
Excellent photo. However, I'm not so sure I would post your check the way you did. You would be surprised what someone can do with your signature. I would blur your signature if I were you.
Just let them try!
Mike M.
To anonymous 1: I don't think anyone should feel guilty about enjoying nature.
If you take this too far you might as well not do anything. Shouldn't really own a home or a car, etc.
However, focusing our time and energy on conservation projects and restoring habitat (like prairies which are a good carbon off-setter) is a better way to go.
You can also buy duck stamps since $0.98 of each dollar goes to conservation.
BF,
My point, for me personally, to be on the road for 11 hours for a 30 second glimpse of a woodpecker is not *my* idea of enjoying nature.
Naturally, I strongly differentiate this to what the anonymous commenter wrote. I still drive to Spring Green Prairie, Baxter's Hollow and other gorgeous natural areas close to home during spring migration. But I tend to stay at these places for several hours or an entire day in order to get the most from the experience.
Mike M.
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