[wisb] Some more Jaegerfest tips
- From: "Peter A. Fissel" <pfissel@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: Wisconsin Birding Network <wisbirdn@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Wed, 18 Sep 2013 09:10:36 -0500
I'd like to emphasize a couple of points for Jaegerfest newbies. Both
of these were mentioned in previous posts (Tom Schultz's report from
Daryl Tessen and Ted Keyel's excellent eBird Hotspot writeup.)
First, bring a wide variety of clothing for all conditions. Even if the
forecast calls for one thing, it could be completely different out there
on the beach. Depending on which direction the wind is from, it also
can be totally opposite on the lake side vs. the bay side of the point,
especially if the sun is out (both weekend days look cool and sunny.)
You may be hunkered down and wishing you'd brought another couple of
layers while sitting on the beach, but walk over the dunes to the road
where you're out of the wind and you may be roasting in the sun.
Layering is the key, and bring it with you in the car, rather than
guessing what you'll need for the day and leaving some things back at
your motel. It's a long drive back into town, and you might miss that
Long-tailed Jaeger or Sabine's Gull! Same goes for food - at a minimum,
bring lots of snacks and energy foods and water with you. (I've been
advocating for Tom to arrange for a coffee cart for years...)
Second, do not leave valuables in your car, especially camera gear or
optics or small electronics, and especially if it's plainly visible.
Even if you're within sight of your car along the road, lock it. Sneak
thieves can pop out of the vegetation and grab a camera out of an
unlocked car faster than you'd believe. All it takes is one interesting
bird to grab everyone's attention.
The things first-timers tend to forget are wind/rain pants and gloves
(you will need them - maybe even your winter ones.) The forecast winds
on Friday are 15 mph out of the WNW. That means wind chill on the
beach. Also, a lawn or camp chair is really useful. Just make sure if
it's an aluminum-framed chair with tubular front legs that they have end
caps. If those have come off, try covering the openings with several
layers of the handyman's secret weapon, duct tape. Otherwise, you may
find yourself slowly sinking into the sand (I speak from experience...)
Peter Fissel
Madison WI
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