Hi All,
I'm less familiar with Harney County waving customs, but in similar
areas of Lake County (such as the Warner Valley) it's pretty typical for
passing drivers to give at least a "finger lift" or "open palm on the
steering wheel" type of wave.
The same goes for the more sparsely populated areas of Wheeler Co. etc.
Though Wheeler Co. residents are less used to seeing birders, so often
they'll also stop to ask if you're OK.
It's good to give a friendly wave back, to avoid creating the impression
of unfriendliness that Tim describes. The trick is to calibrate your
waves since if you wave too wildly, they might think you're in distress
and trying to flag them down. You want to try to convey just the right
level of friendliness without going overboard. Still, better to look a
little too friendly, than not friendly enough.
For fun, you can practice this in urban areas of western Oregon, and see
what kind of looks it gets you!
Joel
Tim Blount wrote:
Hi All,
The wave is the norm in Harney County. What happens is when a local sees
someone that is birding they assume there will be no wave. I have a ball
catching them off guard and giving the wave and see them trying to get
one
up before we pass. The best way to try and fit in is that little
gesture of
a wave. Something I love about the people of Harney County.
Tim
POST: Send email to boo@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
HELP: Contact boo-moderators@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
