When viewing wildlife, how do you get to the spot where you do the viewing?
I try to combine my wildlife viewing with my other interests, so I try to ride my bicycle to where I'm viewing (except, of course, when I'm at home!). That can be difficult, as the distances are spread out, but I look at it as exercise as well.
Or, sometimes I walk. There is a path near to me that runs alongside a stream, and there is quite a variety of wildlife to be observed if I am quiet and paying attention.
Kingfisher
I always drive because unfortunately I live in a town so there is no countryside within walking distance around me. Occassionally I go down to the local park, but I much prefer going to the woodland about a 5-10 minute drive away.
I generally don't actively seek out wildlife. I prefer to enjoy it in my own back garden or on the tv
I'm lucky I suppose, I have a large piece of woodland adjacent to my home, in which I walk my dog. There are plenty of birds and plants, including several species of orchid - Northern Marsh and Frog to name just two.
I also like to travel and we go away as often as possible in our motorhome, usually choosing somewhere that offers good wildlife. We tow a small car which does nearly 100 mpg, so when we get to our destination, we can leave the motorhome on site and use the car if we need to. We also cycle - such as to the local shops for provisions - but if we are wildlife watching we usually go by car because of the amount of camera gear etc that I carry - impossible on the bike!
A couple of weeks ago we stayed on a field adjacent to the canal just outside Llangollen. We either cycled or walked and didn't use any motorised transport during the whole 10 days, except for the steam train, which was great.
We use a solar panel to keep the battery topped up at present, but now have bought a wind generator, which I have still to set up, so we are self sufficient, using an inverter to power the laptop. I have a battery charger from Tantronics that accepts different adapter plates for the different camera batteries that we use, powered either by mains or by the 12 volt cigarette lighter socket.
In winter, we do use sites with electric hook-ups, so as to have heating. We have enjoyed waking up to snow outside the van on several occasions.
I really am looking forward to retiring so that we can spend even more time away.
I am planning my next trip to England very carefully! First stop, Lancashire (must visit with relatives and tibbar and skippy
), then to track down wild canon to visit the orchids!
Kingfisher
I am planning my next trip to England very carefully! First stop, Lancashire (must visit with relatives and tibbar and skippy
), then to track down wild canon to visit the orchids!
Kingfisher
You will be very welcome. The season is late here in the Peak District, so time your visit well!
It is a rare treat to see orchids in the wild--something which I have seen only three or four times myself. Approximately what month would be the most likely to see the orchids in bloom?
Kingfisher
I like to cycle or walk as it feels more natural to me and gives you some excercise, but of course the further you go the more difficult this is. One of my favourite spots is at the top of high hill, it takes about 5 minutes to go up it by car, so I wouldn't fancy doing that on a bike.
It is a rare treat to see orchids in the wild--something which I have seen only three or four times myself. Approximately what month would be the most likely to see the orchids in bloom?
Kingfisher
In my part of the country, June or July would be best.
I'm lucky to live so close to a large woodland area and acres of countryside so there really is no excuse for me to drive. I'm not a cycling fan so I walk everytime, only takes a few minutes to get off the roads and into the woods.
Walking is better for hearing and seeing, anyway. The cycling is just to get me to my destination without unnecessarily using petrol (and to give me some exercise).
Kingfisher
I'm lucky as I live in the countryside and just grab my camera and walk to several good locations with a five mile radius.
I'm lucky as I live in the countryside and just grab my camera and walk to several good locations with a five mile radius.
That's the perfect scenario. I am also within walking distance of some very small woodland and a farm but I prefer to go a bit further afield to get to some really good places.
My bicycling area is good for up to 20 miles in any direction. Further if I'm really determined!
Kingfisher
We do walk to some local places but others use the car. I find time the most pressing thing I have to consider as well as having two boys & work, I can't wait to retire,so that I have more time to do other things.
You're very welcome to visit. We will look forward to it