Tag Archives: Wildlife

Camping Tip of the Day: Bring a Bird Feeder

by

3

Bring a bird feeder? Really? Yes. If you’re like us, you enjoy viewing wildlife on your camping adventures. If you are camping in a wooded area, especially in a state or national park, birds are abundant. Why not bring a small bird feeder along so you can hang it on a nearby tree and enjoy the beauty of God’s creation?

IMG_1763

But Doug, our space is limited. I get that. We own a pop-up and we really have to pack it in a precise manner. However, you can find a small, inexpensive bird feeder at Wal-Mart, small bag of feed or suet bars, and pack it in the storage section of your camper.

Nothing is better than opening up the tent windows in our popup and watching the birds feed in the woods behind our campsite. It’s a nice way to wake up in the morning.

If you plan to do this, research the type of birds in the area where you will be camping. For example, if the area is known for Cardinals, bring sunflower seeds. If you bring the right type of seed you will have better luck seeing and hearing the birds.

HAPPY CAMPING!

Bruckner Nature Center – Troy, OH

by

0

5995 Horseshoe Bend Rd. Troy, OH

(937) 698-6493  http://www.bruknernaturecenter.com/index.html

On a recent trip to my hometown of Troy, OH I took my husband to Bruckner Nature Center.  I had visited the center several times as a youngster with my family and Girl Scout troop.  The center was every bit as great as I remembered, and we enjoyed seeing the wildlife and hiking the trails.  If you are ever in the area (about 20 minutes north of Dayton) be sure to visit!

There are six miles of well-maintained, mulched trails that take you through the wooded nature preserve.  The trails are easy to moderate and very shaded in most parts.  There are a few ponds along the trails good for viewing fish and turtles.  One trail also takes you along the Stillwater river.

While visiting be sure to take a walk through the visitor’s center and Idding’s log cabin.  There is also a treetop bird vista where you can have a seat and watch all types of birds visit the feeders from the comfort of an air conditioned room!  Bruckner also serves as a wildlife rehabilitation center and there are several animals on hand for visitors to see.  I loved the barn owls!

Ever wonder what to do with a baby bird when it falls out of its nest?  Check out the website above to find the answer to this and many more questions!

 

Top Ten Reasons We Love Winter Camping

by

2

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

We bought our first pop-up camper in December and couldn’t wait to try it out – so we didn’t wait!  We found some campgrounds  that were open year-round and spent the winter camping.  After several trips winter camping, however, we anxiously awaited the arrival of warmer spring weather.  We have camped several times this spring already, and while we love seeing the birds and flowers, and having access to shower houses often closed in the winter, there are some distinct things we miss about the winter:

10.  Wildlife is easier to see through bare trees.

9.  The campfire is more than just something pretty to look at…it’s warm!

8.  Solitude – no one else is crazy enough to be there, so you get your pick of campsites.

7.  No crying children. (Unless they are your own, in which case, no one is there to complain)

6. You burn more calories hiking in the cold.

5.  It provides a good excuse to go shopping for “winter gear”.

4.  If you happen to be lost, it is easy to retrace your footprints in the snow.

3.  Icicles make excellent weapons to ward off coyotes and bears.  (We have not tested this theory, but it seems   plausible)

2.  Snuggling is mandatory!  🙂

And the number one reason we love winter camping…

1. NO BUGS!