#39 Conservation Tip: Birds on the Road

Michigan has a Common Loon, New Jersey has a Red-headed Woodpecker, Minnesota has a Black-capped Chickadee, Texas has a Great Blue Heron, Oklahoma has a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Pennsylvania has a Saw-whet Owl, and West Virginia has a Rose-breasted Grosbeak. What are these stately connections? Conservation License plates!

Proceeds from the sale of wildlife conservation license plates, which only cost a few extra dollars, benefit state non-game wildlife programs, and go a long way to raising substantial dollars each year. Next time your vehicle registration comes up for renewal, consider purchasing one of these.

photo © adrian binns

#38 Conservation Tip: Report Banded Birds

There’s something exciting about seeing a banded bird, knowing that someone has taken information about that particular individual, hoping to find out where it has travelled or how long it lives.

If you see a banded bird – a goose, sandpiper or maybe a raptor - take careful note of the band(s). On which leg is the band? What color is it? If there are letters or numbers, write them down in careful order. Also note the date, time and location of your finding. If you know the bird’s gender or age, be sure to note that too.

Scientists band a whole lot of birds, but get back only a small percentage of data for their efforts. You are greatly helping the cause of research to report your findings. Report data to the national Bird Banding Lab, website: www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl/

photo © adrian binns

#37 Optics Tip: Keep Binoculars around your Neck

Do not swing your binoculars by the strap, as the strap may break causing the optics to fly onto the ground. Your optics are a serious investment, and should always be handled carefully. Always have the strap over your neck.

photo © adrian binns

#36 Conservation Tip: Save on Plastic Bottles

For day or multi-day car trips, save on plastic, by bringing your own water bottle and purchasing gallon water jugs to refill your personal container.

This is another way to help the environment by using far less plastic.

photo © adrian binns