As promised, here is a listing of my favorite techie and wildlife-related gifts.
Techie
Cocorahs Rain Gauge. CoCoRaHS is an acronym for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network. CoCoRaHS is a unique, non-profit, community-based network of volunteers of all ages and backgrounds working together to measure and map precipitation (rain, hail and snow). This group will supply low cost rain gauges, provide low-cost measurement tools, help you with training, and provide a way for you to share the data you collect.
Smartphone or tablet, and/or a gift card for apps. Yes, you can now take your Android, Iphone, Ipad, or other tablet out in the woods, using one of the many available “apps” for collecting tree measurements, mapping, identifying soils, wildlife habitat, trees, plants and more! Learn about available forestry, ecology, and wildlife apps here and here.
Wildlife
Wildlife Camera. There are many high quality motion-detecting photo and video cameras available to identify what wildlife species are on your land. Go to your local sportsman’s shop for great options. Make sure you get batteries and a data card to go with it.
Binoculars or Scope. A good set of binoculars or a scope can bring you hours of joy learning to identify birds and other wildlife on your property. Be ready to spend some money!
Binocular harness strap. These are under $30.00, and are the most comfortable and convenient way to carry your binoculars. There are several different brands, your local birding shop or binocular store will have them. I love mine!
Wildlife Bingo. Great after-Christmas dinner game for wildlife fans of all ages! Play the game and support Forests Today and Forever, an educational non-profit in Oregon. Contact Lindsay Reavesfrom Forests Today & Forever lindsayga [at] peak.org or 541-746-8990
Bird, plant, mammal, and other guide books. There are a great number of locally relevant books. Check with your local book store!
And if you know anybody who lives in the Pacific Northwest, Trees to Know in Oregon is a wonderful gift for under $20.00. Who doesn’t like to identify trees?