Roy C. Smallwood 3rd - Articles

 

Roy Smallwood is the owner of Kingbirdfeeders.com. Roy began this enterprise after a 26 year career as a teacher of science. His love and enjoyment of the outdoors and birding in particular is the impetus for the company. He is an active member of the Central Texas Audubon Society. He encourages everyone to participate and enjoy birding whether in the backyard or in the field. Visit www.kingbirdfeeders.com for , binoculars">http://www.kingbirdfeeders.com/00ProdBinoculars.htm”">binoculars and spotting">http://www.kingbirdfeeders.com/00SpotScope.htm”">spotting scopes and happy birding!

Enjoying Birding

What can one do that is relatively inexpensive, helps you get away from the worries of the day, gets you outdoors, enables you to get some exercise, can be done alone or in a group, and provides you with lasting memories and good conversation? That is one heck of a question! Or is it a multitude of questions? Birding, that’s the answer Read

By: Roy C. Smallwood 3rd | 26/01/2009 | Nature

Encouraging a New Generation

Birding is such a wonderful avenue to developing one’s sense of nature. It is an activity the leads many into a greater appreciation for the environment. It may even lead one to advocacy of good stewardship of the earth and influence the decisions made as one conducts their life. Thus birding serves as a gateway into an understanding of humans interplay with nature and the environment. It behooves us to encourage our youth in nature observation. Read

By: Roy C. Smallwood 3rd | 18/11/2008 | Nature

One More for the Birders

Birders are constantly looking for any advantage to assist in identification and increase the pleasure of their field experience. Every birder knows that the conditions of weather and light can make decisions difficult. Every birder knows that sometimes it is the briefest of looks that the bird affords. Every birder wants to go into the field with as good a binocular as possible. Read

By: Roy C. Smallwood 3rd | 10/09/2008 | Nature

British Columbia and the Northwest

We traveled to British Columbia this summer leaving behind 101 degree F temperatures and the dog days of Texas for the cool NW. Temperatures in BC ranged from 57-71 degrees F. We flew into Seattle and rented a hybrid to drive to Canada. I made no bones about my intentions to find good birding. Read

By: Roy C. Smallwood 3rd | 10/09/2008 | Destinations

Advanced Birding and the Spotting Scope

Most of us begin birding with a field guide and a pair of binoculars. Yet, we eventually realize that certain situations demand our acquisition of a spotting scope. It may be that we find ourselves at the wetlands and can not quite tell if we are looking at a White Faced or Glossy Ibis. Or, we spot a raptor across the canyon and can not say if it is a Red Tail or some other hawk. Or, maybe, we just would like a better look at the Black Throated Green Warbler high up in the oaks. Read

By: Roy C. Smallwood 3rd | 17/06/2008 | Nature

Binoculars for Kids and Youth

Children are naturally curious, inquisitive, and adventuresome. We should foster this whenever we can. One way to do so and foster a love and greater understanding of the world around us is to take them on outdoor adventures. Of course, we can nurture their zeal by providing them with tools of observation. Thus, the choice of binoculars is a gift that will serve our children well. So, what are the options? Read

By: Roy C. Smallwood 3rd | 03/06/2008 | Equipment

Binoculars for Birders

With the beginning of Spring Migration it is time to consider investing in new binoculars. This is a proposition that can present itself in daunting ways. Careful consideration needs to be made whether a new birder or one who has spent some time in the field and acquired some expertise. The optics field is quite large and the number of products is considerable. How does one choose a binocular? Here are my suggestions. Read

By: Roy C. Smallwood 3rd | 11/03/2008 | Nature

Hummingbird Havens

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have crossed the expanse of the Gulf of Mexico and have been sited all along the Texas, Louisiana, and Florida Coasts. It is time to get ready for them in your backyard. Bluntly put, there is huge fascination for these small bundles. It is just such fascination that fuels the desire to find a way to attract hummingbirds? Read

By: Roy C. Smallwood 3rd | 06/03/2008 | Landscaping

The Allure of the Field

It is getting to be that time of year when my thinking is almost always focused on getting into the field. In my neck of the woods the days alternate, at this time, between cold and overcast and clear, sunny and warming weather. Spring is but just around the corner; certain signs are all around. It is time for an outdoor adventure. Read

By: Roy C. Smallwood 3rd | 26/02/2008 | Hobbies

Birding in the Backyard

This past weekend in February marked the eleventh annual Great Backyard Bird Count. It gives many people a chance to stay at home and observe birds which visit their “own neck of the woods”—their backyard. And it allows the novice to participate as well as the experienced to assist scientists assess the state of the birds in their locale. It does not take a whole lot of equipment to participate in such an event; the enjoyment of such can extend a lifetime. Read

By: Roy C. Smallwood 3rd | 19/02/2008 | Hobbies