Bird watching is just about the most unobjectionable hobby in
the world. With Halloween approaching, however, it is time to
discuss the dark, dark, dark side of birding.
Bird watching enthusiasts are always looking for good spots to
whip out the binoculars and visually hunt for a new life bird.
There are really only two potential downsides to this for bird
watchers.
What Are You Looking At?
For backyard birding, one runs the risk of neighbors thinking
you are a pervert of some type trying to look in their windows
with your binoculars. This can usually be overcome by spreading
the word in the neighborhood that you're an avid birder and the
binoculars are not pointing at anyone's windows. Really.
If this doesn't work, invite the offended neighbors over to do
some watching. They will either grow bored and leave or get
hooked. Either way, you'll benefit and no longer have to deal
with negative gossip.
Buffy the Bird Watcher
Cemeteries! Not just for demons, vampires and Buffy the Vampire
Slayer!
A nasty little secret in the bird watching world is the fact
cemeteries are good places to bird watch. Generally, the
cemetery is quite, has lots of trees and hunters typically
aren't bold enough to have a go at the fowl. In short, a perfect
place for birds to congregate and you to watch.
Now, it goes without saying that bird watching in a cemetery
requires a certain etiquette. First, the staff at the cemetery
may have a "get the hell off the property" policy towards
birding enthusiasts. This can quickly be overcome by explaining
that uncle/aunt [look at closest grave stone] was an avid bird
watcher and you are bringing their equipment in remembrance. A
little wailing may help with senior staff, while cigarettes seem
to be preferred by staff carrying shovels.
Having dealt with the staff, small mention should be made
regarding actual funerals. If a dearly beloved is being
interred, do not pursue your birding within site of the event!
Doing so could result in serious physical injury, as funeral
goers do not seem to react well to a person with binoculars
staring in the direction of funeral and writing down things.
Keep in mind emotions are justifiably high. This means they can
outrun you.
Typically, most will cluck in dismay at the idea of bird
watching in a cemetery. You may be doing so now. Ah, but as
Halloween approaches and you're dying for a new sighting, you
just might start to feel differently.
After all, where else will you be able to finally see Vladious
Vampirous in its natural habitat?
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