Safety and the Solo Birder

In the December 2020 issue of Birding Magazine there is a great article by Sabrina Hepburn about how to be safe when one is out solo birding. This article is especially important for women. Women have to be extra careful when out solo birding. It's just a fact of life as lone women are more likely to be sexually or physically attacked. Although women should be much more aware while out solo-birding they should still do it, if they enjoy it. There is a peace and oneness with nature one experiences while birding solo. One of the best trips of my life was a solo trip I did to Colorado and Kansas in search of grouse and finches.

It is ironic how the author closes with the dangers of stepping on a rattlesnake alone. I have almost done the very thing at the top of Ramsey Canyon in AZ, which is about a 4.5 hour hike back down to the parking lot, much less a hospital. All these types of things one must consider when birding solo, be it man or woman. It is well worth the read for the tips and things to think about. You can read it here or below

Comments

  1. PacificnorthwestkateFebruary 3, 2021 at 6:29 PM

    Great post Mel - and yes, I really enjoy birding alone - it is very rewarding being at one with nature but its always a good idea to keep your wits about you and be very aware of surroundings and of other people on the trails... BE safe everyone!

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    1. Melissa HaftingFebruary 4, 2021 at 9:37 PM

      thanks kate im going to get the alarm she has for sure when im on my own. too many creeps out there. but yes i wont stop solo birding some of the best times birding ive had on my lonesome. sleeping under the stars in arizona and counting the stars driving up carr canyon gritting my teeth till i made it to the top only to be rewarded with buff breasted flys. i also find when im alone i meet so many cool people that i wouldnt have talked to if i was coupled up. i enjoy sharing things with those i bird with as it is so special to share those moments of a new lifer or cool sight but sharing them just with yourself is also so important.

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  2. KenFebruary 4, 2021 at 2:27 PM

    Thanks for sharing this great article mel. Having climbed, backpacked, and traveled solo for decades, this really resonates with me. It is the sad reality that female solo birders, travellers etc. have another level of potential danger to of which to be aware.
    For me, it boils down to research, Planning, and common sense. Just being "out there" solo can be one of the most rewarding experiences

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    Replies
    1. Melissa HaftingFebruary 4, 2021 at 9:39 PM

      definitely so very true. i went on my first solo trip to france when i was 16 and then travelled all over europe when i was 18. my dad made me call him every day but i am so glad he trusted me to do this because it was an experience of a lifetime i treasure now that im in my thirties. i still love birding alone today as well . there is just something so special about being alone in nature. thanks for reading and the comment.

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