The sounds like a good spot, though the water jets sound like they'd make one
protective of one's binoculars, etc.
Regarding the child on your back, I recall trying to look at something once
with my son on my shoulders. Apart from the fact that as soon as I let go of
his legs to hold the binoculars he would grip onto my head with his fingers in
my eyes, he continually swung his legs. No amount of bracing can prevent the
swaying that causes in the field of view, probably good pelagic training.
Peter Shute
David Stowe wrote:
> What a brilliant idea Peter!
> For example, the famous Cairns Esplanade has a fantastic kids
> playground half way along it called Muddys. Heaps of different play
> equipment including some water based areas for cooling down. Lots of
> jets coming out of the ground at different heights and intervals.
> There is also a cafe (ice cream!!), but most importantly the birds
> are just outside plus things like Varied Honeyeaters, Figbirds,
> Helmeted Friarbirds flying around the trees above you. It is also
> very shady.
>
> As for steadying your binoculars with a child on your back....I don't
> think it's entirely possible!! I try by wearing a cap and holding the
> brim of the cap with a couple of fingers as well as the binoculars.
> This gives quite a bit of extra stability against your head.
> I must admit that i was able to see and photograph Thick-billed
> Grasswren with my 18mth old daughter on my back! Her interpreted
> squeals of "keep moving Daddy" didn't help with a bird like that
> though :)
>
> Cheers
> Dave
>
>
> On 18/05/2009, at 11:09 PM, Peter Shute wrote:
>
> Sounds useful, but what I meant was a guide for how to go birding
> with kids. E.g. the best playgrounds for birding, birding locations
> within walking distance of amusement parks, etc. It might have tips
> on how to hide your optics from the kids in a small cabin, how to
> steady your binoculars with a small child on your back, what to do
> when your kids throw rocks in a hide, etc.
>
> The normal books don't cover these things. Do you know I saw my first
> gannets from a monkey bar?
>
> Peter Shute
>
> ________________________________________
> From: Paul Doyle
> Sent: Monday, 18 May 2009 7:13 PM
> To: Peter Shute; ;
> Subject: Re: [Birding-Aus] RFI Mudgee NSW - birding and accommodation
>
> Someone already has.
> Lloyd Nielsen's Birding Australia: A guide for Birders, is sort of
> combination of reference book and resource guide to other sources of
> information.
> It covers the whole country divided into regions and has all sorts of
> useful
> info: local and regional bird books guide and other info,
> accommodation, dining, tourist site, other useful websites, daylight
> times at different locations and different times year, accommodation
> guide, suggested itineraries in all areas, outback safety and
> travelling tips etc. etc.
> It's self-published and can be found at www.birdingaustrlia.com.au I
> have no connection with the author: just impressed wit the amount of
> info in there.
>
> Paul.
>
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