S h o r e   B i r d s

It’s fall again and the fall bird migrations are soon to start, and if you are bird watcher then this is your time of the year. Sandhill cranes and Canada geese will begin their trek to the south. One of the most thrilling times of the year is on a crisp fall morning to look up and see 40 or 50 cranes in “V” formation bugling as they constantly change positions. This is also the busiest time for the migrations of the shore birds that nested up north and all head south for the winter. Some stop on inland waterway shores and others head for the beaches, so why don’t you?

Take along a good bird guide and some warm clothes and don’t forget the binoculars. Unless you are a professional birder don’t spend a lot of money on scopes and binocs because most of the shore birds can be observed closer than you think. The shores of the Carolinas and Florida are very good as well as some of the central Gulf states. But if you can make it to the Southern Texas coast you might see more variety.

This is also a good time to start young people watching birds and even starting their life list of bird identities. This is one thing you collectors can collect without taking up a lot of space and even earn some honors in Boy Scouts or Pathfinders or other organizations. Most of all it will get you out of doors and in to the world of nature. The most valuable time you can spend is with your family in nature learning and teaching object lessons prepared for those who take the time to observe what God has created.

Burney Tompkins

    - Uncle Burney