June's Bird of the Month
While standing on extremely long, thin, pink legs and sporting an elongated delicate-looking bill, this month’s bird appears to be the epitome of elegance and refinement.
This month’s Bird of the Month is the aptly-named Black-necked Stilt.
“Delicate”… “Elegant”… “Refined”…that is, while they’re undisturbed. But, when disturbed near their feeding or nesting ground, other words come to mind to describe the Black-necked Stilt. “Excitable”… “Noisy”… “Confrontational”…are more descriptive of this bird when it perceives a threat of some type. Intruders (including birdwatchers) are likely to be “dive-bombed” and scolded persistently while in the Black-necked Stilt’s territory. It feigns attack with its loud, sharp and grating…”yek-yek-yek-yek”…alarm while circling overhead!
There aren’t many Black-necked Stilts in Indiana, but from what I’ve read and observed, they seem to be making inroads in the Hoosier State. I’ve seen a few of them while visiting Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area down near Linton, Indiana and I’ve noticed that, on IN-BIRD, Black-necked Stilts have been regularly reported at this great FWA. And even though considered rare here in Indiana, these distinctive birds are easily identifiable when seen, with their sharp and contrasting black and white color pattern.
While flying, the legs of the Black-necked Stilt trail “far” behind, because of the extreme length of their legs. As a matter-of-fact, stilts have the second-longest leg length in proportion to their body size than any other bird, exceeded only by flamingos.
WHAT A WONDERFUL BIRD!
Douglas “Birdman” Gray has been birding almost all of his life. He grew up on a family farm near Clarksville, Tennessee, where they grew crops ranging from apricots to wheat, and most things in between. They also raised chickens, guineas, pigs, horses, and a cow named…….Apples. Doug’s grandfather identified the birds they would see daily on the farm.
Doug now resides in Indianapolis and works in Parenteral Engineering with Eli Lilly and Company. Most of his current birding takes place in Indiana, with a concentration on Central Indiana, where he leads bird walks for “Backyard Birds”. Doug can be reached at 317-255-7333.
Passionate Eating in the Outdoors: A Seafood Boil
The Duo Dishes, Chrystal and Amir are two passionate eaters, experimental cooks and friends based in Los Angeles, California. Their prowess in the kitchen is inspired by an endless zeal for eating, and the ability and desire to cook fearlessly. With roots that span from the North and South tips of the East coast, they love to mix and match everything that speaks to family traditions, regional fare and new ethnic flavors when they create meals for ourselves and others.
On Sunday, May 29th, they ventured down to the beach for the second year in a row to enjoy a seafood boil with friends. While they reported windy conditions, they still managed to heat and eat an impressive amount of food!
Check out these mouthwatering images!
Children’s Summer Solstice Bird Count in the Presidio! June 11th!
Saturday, June 11th
10 am to 2 pm
Meet at Rob Hill Campground
Did you know that the Presidio is a birding hotspot in the Bay Area? After a short “binocular bootcamp and birding basics” youth ages 8 to 15 and their families will join experienced birders in teams on different routes throughout the Presidio. After an easy 2 hour walk counting observed bird life, groups will return to Rob Hill Campground to tally their numbers during lunch. The day be topped off with presentations of the day’s numbers by…kids!
Lunch will not be provided, so we recommend bringing a paper-bag lunch and snacks as needed. Please remember to dress in layers and bring water. Binoculars are not required, but recommended if you have them (a supply of binoculars will be available to borrow for the day).
Because space is limited for this
event, please RSVP to Pete Bidigare
at: [email protected] or
415-561-4449
This free event is sponsored by the Presidio Trust and Golden Gate Audubon
How Dangerous is the Outdoors? Killer Bees vs. Killer Cheese
I was so glad to learn from my friend Roy, of The Camping Blogger that Eastern Mountain Sports have yet another infographic that gets down to the nitty gritty of what true risks there are to your health in the outdoors -- compared to hazards found right in your own home!
Confessions of a 'Glamper'
By Tracey Friley
Outdoor Afro Contributor and Founder of One Brown Girl Adventures
I made the switch some time ago without even realizing it. I guess I should have figured it out sooner, but it wasn’t until I went to Santa Barbara recently that I suddenly realized that I’m a glamper…and I like it. Let me explain.
Like most outdoorsy folks, I grew up going camping with family and friends. My dad rode a motorcycle with a bunch of his friends and one of the motorcycle families (John & Shirley) used to bring along their big motor home on camping trips. Even with the motor home cruising along behind the bikes, we still pitched tents, gathered wood for campfire and had crazy outdoor fun.
In addition to family time, I also went to camp on my own. Day camp, after school camp, overnight camp – you name it. Sometimes I slept in a tent, but mostly I slept in a cabin with my camp buddies. It was still camping, but without the tent. As an adult, I went on camping trips with friends both at traditional campsites and on houseboats. Anywhere there is water, whether a lake or an ocean, I’m there. Still am too.
What I have come to realize now is that I haven’t pitched a tent for a longgg time (although I still have a bunch of camping equipment in the garage). I still go camping, mind you. But in cottages, safari tents and cabins. And nice ones at that. El Capitan, the US Virgin Islands, houseboat trips, you name it. I have turned into a glamper and I didn’t even know it.
Glamping is synonymous with luxury camping because glam + camping = glamping. Isn’t that a hoot? Don’t get it twisted though. There is still dirt outside, bug spray to use and s’mores around the campfire, but in glamping environments, the dirt is nice and neat, the bug spray is organic and someone brings you all of the necessities for a great campfire. Some campsites even offer room service. (Still adjusting to this perk.)
Now before the traditional campers have a hissy fit and tell me how oxymoronic the term luxury camping is, relax. You see, I have come to realize that traditional camping isn’t for everyone. And if a little luxury is what gets folks outdoors, then so be it. Who am I to judge?
In addition to my ongoing business and personal camping experiences (I run a travel adventure camp for girls), I have a mean case of wanderlust that keeps me moving about. In fact, as I sit here typing, I’m in Paris (France, by the way, has over 11,000 campgrounds!)…making plans for my next adventure in Barbados and Martinique in the New Year. I just can’t seem to keep still.
So in the spirit of glamping it up while traveling, I have compiled a short list of glamorous places to get your luxury camp on for the folks like me who like to keep it moving in the great outdoors. This list, which I started on American Airlines Black Atlas Web site, is an ongoing project of mine and I only hope that I can someday get to all of these fab places on my list and find some more. Mind you, most are outside of the United States, but I did manage to find a link for yurt camping vacations with locations mostly in the US. I haven’t tried camping in a yurt yet, but I’m sure I will one day. After all, if it’s outdoors, I’m all in. Thanks for listening...and here we go..
If you are interested in glamping, I am leading a trip this August, and you can check out these resources below to learn more!
GALAPAGOS SAFARI CAMP / Ecuador
THE RESORT AT PAWS UP / Montana
LONGITUDE 131° / Australian Outback
CLAYOQUOT WILDERNESS RESORT / Canada
BANYAN TREE MADIVARU / Maldives
TSALA TREETOP LODGE / South Africa
NGORONGORO CRATER LODGE / Tanzania
Tracey Friley wants children of color to travel and enjoy the great outdoors. More specifically to waterfront environments that help teach our Brown children that the environment is theirs to care for, nuture, and love just as much as anyone else. Learn more by visiting her website: One Brown Girl Adventures
Tent Camping Essentials for Outdoor Afros
Since so many folks are taking off for camp this Memorial Day weekend to kick off the summer, I thought I'd repost this guide from last year to refresh your memory and get new campers on the right track!
What you bring to the wilderness really depends on where you go, for how long, and the number and age range of the individuals camping. The following is not a definitive list, but are some general guidelines to get you on your way:
ENTERTAINMENT
- Games (dominoes, cards)
- A lightweight novel or other reading you would not otherwise have time to read back in civilization!
- A note pad or journal for writing or sketching
- Frisbee, football, or soccer ball
FOOD
- A “one-pot” meal plan with as much prep as possible done at home; bring ingredients or marinades in containers (or Ziplock bags) for quick camp preparation
- Only the food you need, (i.e. 1 cup of grits rather than an entire box), and store in sealable containers to economize space and keep safe from critters
- A camp stove such as the classic Coleman Stove with extra bottles of propane to cook most meals; coals and extra wood for grilling.
- One large pot and two pans
- Cooking utensils
- Spices and condiments
- Re-usable plates, cups, towels and utensils for everyone – avoid using disposable products where possible
- Dish pan, cloths, and liquid soap for washing dishes
- Don’t forget marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolates for S’mores!
SLEEP/COMFORT
- Use a tent sized for one more person than your party and extra poles - I once arrived at camp only to learn we left the poles at home - having no poles is a non-starter!
- Tarp large enough to go under your tent to keep out moisture
- A sleeping bag for each person rated for the weather conditions for your location
- Sleep mat or cot
TOILETRIES
In addition to your personal preferences/needs, it's a good idea to bring toilet paper, seat covers, wipes, and hand sanitizer
SAFETY
- Basic First Aid Kit
- Bug repellent
- Sunscreen
- Emergency cards in plastic bags
- Medication
LIGHT
- A flashlight for each person and extra batteries
- Lanterns for inside your tent and for dining
- Firewood and kindling (if not available for sale at the campground)
CLOTHING
- Prepare to dress in layers; days may be hot, but nights and early mornings can be chilly
- Even in summer, bring closed-toe shoes and socks
PRACTICE!
If you have a new tent or stove, test these items out at home without the pressure of hungry stomachs or anxious spectators!
Any other items you can't camp without? Leave a comment!
Monta Ellis as Landscape Canvas
Photos of a large tree tattooed on the chest of Golden State Warriors guard Monta Ellis on the Tattoos by Randy Myspace page are making a big stir today.
Thanks to urban forester Kemba of Urban Releaf for the initial sharing! The tat has now inspired her to recruit Monta to help plant trees in the local community!
Read more
Get Involved on National Trails Day!
Your Local REI Invites You to Volunteer this Summer for
National Trails Day on June 4th!
Thanks to the efforts of the American Hiking Society, National Trails Day is celebrating 19 years of hosting volunteer events across the country. This nationwide event is a great opportunity for families
to enjoy the outdoors together. As a national sponsor of National Trails Day, REI invites you to get outside, have fun, and feel good about volunteering on Saturday, June 4th.
The theme for National Trails Day 2011, ‘Made With All Natural Ingredients’, encourages all Americans to get outside, connect with local outdoor clubs, businesses, community groups, and parks and recreation departments as well as federal land managing agencies to experience, appreciate and celebrate the natural places where we can find a spread of scenery, a plateful of peace, and a heap of happiness and health.
Volunteering with REI or your local land agency on National Trails Day is a superb way to get to know your local parks and trails better and deeper your connection to the outdoors. It’s also a fun way to meet other environmental stewards in your community. Many projects entail building or grading trail, installing features such as fences, gates, signs or stairs, and removing invasive species of non-native plants. No experience is necessary.
America's 200,000 miles of trails allow us access to the natural world for recreation, education, exploration, solitude, inspiration, and much more. Trails take us to good physical and mental health by providing us with a chance to breathe fresh air, get our hearts pumping, and escape from our stresses. With obesity rates skyrocketing, exercise is increasingly important, and trails provide a wide variety of opportunities for being physically active.
Encourage the children in your life to participate in the National Trails Day Coloring Contest – entry information can be found HERE. Entries must be received by August 1st, 2011.
If you want to get happy, healthy, active, fit, and have some fun, National Trails Day is your recipe to success. The only ingredient missing is YOU. Visit the event website to find your local National Trails Day project, or visit the REI Website.
Outdoor Time With Jarid Manos: Ghetto Plainsman
It was a gift to spend time last weekend with visiting outdoor pioneer Jarid Manos, author of Ghetto Plainsman. Jarid writes poignantly in his book about his coming of age and the ways the outdoors was a catalyst for change in his own life. As Executive Director of the Great Plains Restoration Council in Texas, Jarid has inspired an innovative movement for those most at-risk in our communities, such as those incarcerated, to find healing and purpose through ecological restoration and a genuine connection to the earth.
Local Ecotherapist Phoenix Smith helped make our in-person connection, and we all enjoyed a brisk and windy Sunday hike along the shore of the San Francisco Bay near where I live. We were just in time to catch the sunset as we reached the man-made jetty pictured below.
Learn more about Jarid Manos by visiting his rich website and purchasing his book!