[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

Re: advice sought from boating birders



Hi Ginger,

I doubt that color really matters on a boat. Not that I'm a boating expert, 
but I have considered the same question when thinking about birding vehicles. 
My wife and I purchased a four wheel drive vehicle some years ago with the 
idea that we would be doing a lot of birding and photography from it, which 
we did. We got a beige color that sort of blended in with winter foliage and 
wasn't too bright (to human eyes) even in summer. However, on birding trips 
out West we have rented cars in nearly every color of the rainbow, and the 
color never seemed to make a difference. I now believe that lack of noise and 
slow movements are more important than color.

That being said, I read an article a few years ago about a study that showed 
that some birds, specifically Mourning Doves in that study, do react more to 
blue than any other color. One suggestion was to avoid wearing blue jeans and 
other blue clothing when trying to approach birds. On birding field trips, 
which I lead a lot, people often wear blue, though, so again, I would say 
that a low level of noise and reduced movements are more important than color 
alone.

One last thought. A famous and successful nature photographer, Leonard Lee 
Rue III, usually wears camo clothing while out in the field. When asked about 
whether he thought camo was essential, he replied that it probably wasn't. It 
just made him feel better to wear it; it was just a little extra edge that 
might help.

That's my two cents worth.

Dennis

Dennis Burnette
Greensboro, NC
burnetted@aol.com

In a message dated 3/1/01 12:56:31 PM, Ginger@athena.dev.unc.edu writes:

<< Fellow canoeists, kayakers and johnboat birders:
I'm about to buy a new kayak for longer, more efficient birding trips in
swamps and on lakes and estuaries. 
My question: How much does color matter, if I want to get as close to birds
as possible? 
I'm looking at a heavily discounted bright-yellow kayak. Will it scare the
wildlife? 
If I pay more, I can get a new boat in a color of my own choosing, such as
green or light blue. I'm willing to pay -- up to a point. I just want to
know: Does color REALLY matter? If so, which color is best for a close
approach? 
Probably best to reply to me privately. 
Thank you for any advice you care to give.
Ginger_Travis@unc.edu
Chapel Hill, NC