| If you get into bird watching, there is a chance | | | | off, you are lost. In the Amazon. Houston, we |
| you will get really hooked. If so, there is one piece | | | | have a problem. A BIG PROBLEM. |
| of equipment you must have, but probably | | | | If you are planning on taking trips where you are |
| haven't thought of. | | | | going to be in the proverbial jungle, you need to |
| Birding is one those things you kind of just fall | | | | fork over some cash for a very important piece |
| into. You might have discovered it after | | | | of equipment. In this case, we are talking about a |
| questioning a neighbor's intent when you see him | | | | GPS unit. GPS is simple a global positioning unit |
| standing in his backyard look at your home with | | | | that tells you where you are on this great planet |
| binoculars. Regardless, one you start taking birding | | | | of ours. The units used to be the stuff of spy |
| up, you can get addicted. Unlike many addictions, | | | | stories, but they are sold over the counter now |
| this one will not cause you health problems. If you | | | | and are common in a number of new cars. They |
| have it bad, however, it can result in your | | | | are not cheap, but are cheaper than they used to |
| traveling all over the world to see exotic species | | | | be. You can expect to pay $400 on up for one. If |
| you just can't live without. | | | | you're lost in the Amazon or somewhere else, |
| Bird watching in the US is a fairly safe endeavor. | | | | you will be glad you spent the money. |
| As long as you are not being shot at during | | | | Okay, so a GPS unit tells you where you are. So |
| hunting season, there isn't a lot that can go | | | | what? You already know you are lost. Well, these |
| wrong. You can get bit by bugs, but most of our | | | | handy, dandy little units do something special. |
| country has a fairly organized layout that | | | | Before you start walking away from your vehicle, |
| prevents most people from getting lost and so | | | | you can program in your starting location. If you |
| on. Foreign birding destinations may not be so | | | | get lost, the unit can tell you where you are now |
| accommodating. | | | | in relation to the original starting point. Now you |
| Let's say you really have the birding itch. You | | | | know what direction to head, which will both get |
| have some money in the bank account and are | | | | you back to safety and make you feel a whole |
| ready for an exotic trip. Hey, the bird species in | | | | lot better! |
| the Amazon are known to be exotic and amazing | | | | You probably don't need a GPS unit for birding |
| - a veritable heaven on earth for birders. Off to | | | | around your home area. If you are taking a trip |
| Brazil you fly. Into the Amazon you go with your | | | | to an unknown location, however, they are well |
| guide. Unfortunately, you get separated. Despite | | | | worth the expense. |
| trying to back track and finally yelling your head | | | | |