Having things to look forward to in the future has always been an important part of life for me. For example, I love to plan for vacations far in advance. Through the process of planning, I am able to imagine what it will feel like when I'm at that place I want to be. If I have a tough day, I can pull out my calendar book and remind myself a vacation is coming. Even if it is months away!This week I have found much enjoyment, by making a list of places that I would like to go hiking and birding. I have gone though the process of looking though topographical maps, hiking books, birding hotspot books,land trust information, books, and trail information websites.The whole process increases my anticipation to explore new areas.
This week, I heard a program on NPR with a guest talking about hiking in Connecticut. I found it very interesting listening to hikers talk about all that the Appalachian Trail has To offer. The guest, whose name escapes me now, mentioned that one of the most beautiful portions of the trail is right near the border of Massachusetts and Connecticut. I can't wait to explore that part of the trail. I will have my binoculars with me and enjoy seeing whatever birds I might happen to come across.
I was also very pleased when I read the 2007-2008 winter finch report out of Ontario Canada. The idea of being able to see winter finches such as: Evening Grosbeaks, Common Redpolls, Purple Finches, and Pine Grosbeaks, in Connecticut this year is very exciting! I plan on visiting areas where I'll have a chance to find some of these species. One area that I'm interested in trying is the Eugene D. Moran Wildlife Management Area which I learned about in the book Birding Western Massachusetts.This area has been known to have Pine Grosbeaks, White-winged Crossbills, and even an occasional Boreal Chickadee. I may not see any of these birds, but I'm sure looking forward to trying.I now have a new wish list of places I'm looking forward to visiting. Type of habitat, points of historical interest, and finding places that are unfamiliar to me are all factors I've considered when choosing these destinations.This may not lead me to the best birding spots, but how do you know unless you try? What's important is enjoying the overall experience. It's not always just about birds and hiking. It's also about reconnecting with our place in the natural world. On a good day, it can lead to a feeling of spiritual renewal.
Do You Enjoy Planning For The Future? What Are You Looking Forward To?
8 comments:
I am happy with the winter finch survey for Saw-whet Owls!
Thanks for the Ontario bird link. I am very much a spontaneous person and will get up in the morning and go somewhere on a whim. I drive my husband crazy. He is a planner like you.
Monarch-good point!I didn't mention the Saw-whet Owls-thanks.
Ruth-I forgot that you were in Ontario-send those winter finches south!
Hi, I'm blog-surfing this afternoon and arrived at your blog. Great photos! I, too, love making plans and having things to look forward to (I even look forward to the (snail) mail every day..you never know...). Right now, living in Florida, I look forward to cooler weather and camping (tent) season, which is just around the corner.
Hi Larry - your blog has a new look - very nice! As for planning for the future, I usually like to plan birding trips a few months in advance, and if my regular vacations take me on some birding side trips, all the better.
Hi Larry,
This was a good post. Right now I am mostly looking forward to when my bills are paid off and I can start working part-time so I have more time for birding and being out in nature.
I have wondered also if this will be a winter where I will see more unusual birds--my little red-breasted nuthatch and early purple finches are a good sign. I think I'll have a lot of fun with my Project FeederWatch sightings coming up.
ruthiej-I go out of my way to make time to be out in nature.-Life just wouldn't be the same without it.
I need to make more time to go birding; I think I'm spending too much time inside reading. Those books won't go anywhere, but the autumn migration will end soon!
I think I will resolve to do a little birding planning. I'll post about my results. Thanks for the ideas!
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