Testing · 16.05.07
France’s new president, Nicolas Sarkozy, reached out to his political opponents in his inaugural speech, pledging to reunite the country as he was formally sworn in Wednesday in an elaborate ceremony at the Elysee Palace in Paris.
The conservative, elected on a platform of economic reform and tough proposals on crime and immigration, replaces his rival and former mentor, outgoing leader Jacques Chirac who is stepping down after 12 years in power.
Bird watchers flock to boats · 12.05.07
Growing numbers of binocular- and camera-toting bird watchers are taking a different approach to their colorful pastime: Birding by boat.
Waterborne observers can move more quietly. Boating eliminates many property and access problems. And boats can deliver birders to species unlike those normally glimpsed high in the tree canopy, or hidden in grass and shrubs along roads and walkways.
“Kayaking or canoeing is one of the few ways to reach habitats that otherwise are inaccessible,” said Melanie Driscoll of the National Audubon Society in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. “It’s a good way to count birds by ear. You can even get to birds migrating through. Warblers and other birds that nest over water are more approachable.”
Birders and other wildlife watchers often complain that canoes and kayaks are “tippy.” But some newer kayaks, particularly the surfboard-like “sit-on-tops,” are very steady in the water, making them outstanding viewing platforms.
The Hobie Cat Co., which earned an early reputation for innovative sailboat design, offers a line of kayaks propelled by foot, much like a bicycle. It’s the closest thing a kayaker can find to walking on water: There’s no paddling required, just pedaling. The kayaks also have rudders you can steer with your fingertips, but generally your hands are free for more important things, such as shooting a camera, logging a bird sighting or working a fishing rod.
Many touring or special-purpose kayaks are maneuverable, skim easily across shallow water and float as much as 400 pounds. An outrigger-like accessory, Hobie’s “Sidekick,” can be attached to the back of a kayak for additional stability.
“With the Sidekick, you can stand up, walk around the boat, reach for the rear hatches and even swing your legs over the side,” said Vincent Console, Hobie’s fishing product manager.
Another accessory is a fabric cover that screens the lower half of the kayaker’s body, converting the boat, in effect, into a floating photo blind.
“That hides most of your movement,” Console said. “And not having to flash and splash any paddles makes these real stealth boats.”
If you’d rather not buy or rent a boat, then booking a ride with a knowledgeable tour operator is a good way to go. Ginger Rushing operates Attakapas Adventues from Napoleonville, in southern Louisiana’s bayou country. She uses a 20-foot pontoon boat to take clients around the wildlife-rich area.
“It’s very comfortable for six people,” Rushing said. “They can get up and walk around. We have an ice chest on board and a sturdy top to keep them out of the sun. I can show them a lifestyle as well as wildlife. We still have people out this way trying to live off the land.”
Rushing seeks out the unusual during her marsh and swamp forest tours.
“I’ve seen Roseate spoonbills, which are unusual in this area. Their population was way down at one time. (Bald) eagles, of course. Great egrets, green and blue herons, purple gallinule. You never know what you’re going to find.”
Her pontoon boat is quiet and rock steady. It isn’t unusual for patrons to set up photo tripods on deck to help sharpen the images of birds and alligators as Rushing slowly, quietly cruises the overgrown backwaters.
“They don’t have to worry about their gear,” she said. “We’ve had a hat blow off into the water, but nothing more.”
That isn’t to say you shouldn’t waterproof expensive gear. The price of a long lens can be twice that of a camera body.
Your common, kitchen-variety sandwich bags don’t cut it. Get the real deal: padded and waterproof ammo boxes, crushproof plastic containers or airtight, roll-from-the-top dry bags. Look for waterproof containers that will float if they’re accidentally nudged overboard.
Water—particularly saltwater—can damage or ruin pricey electronic gear. That goes for GPS devices, cameras, video recorders and cell phones. Either keep them secured until you’ve reached the desired birding area or find models that can be encased in plastic housing, like those carried by divers. Several companies have introduced affordable point-and-shoot digital cameras capable of delivering quality images even when used underwater.
Subdued colors are best when mingling with wildlife. Kayaks or outboard-powered jonboats (flat-bottomed, square-shaped skiffs) painted sand or green are good choices.
Consider “safety colors”—orange, red or yellow—if you must negotiate busy waterways. You always can conceal the vibrant colors with burlap or camouflage once you’ve reached the viewing site.
The best times for bird viewing are early morning or late evening, when the low sun casts a soft, buttery light. Birds are more active then, too.
Be considerate of the wildlife. Slowly follow the drift and keep your distance, so you don’t drive them from nesting rookeries or feeding grounds. Rushing tries to stay within sight but well out of spooking range of bald eagles or animals rearing young.
“We should never harass any of the animals,” she said. “People should be able to enjoy them in their natural environment.”