Small armed bands routinely patrol Falcon State Park. With cameras on one shoulder and binoculars around their necks these grey-haired soldiers patrol the trails and roads in small groups, seeking their prey. When someone spots their quarry they huddle around a small book and debate the identity of the creature. Often this ends in agreement, but can lead to discord in the group. Individuals sometimes go out on patrol alone, seeking to surprise their quarry by stealth.

These troopers keep notebooks with long lists of the names of their targets. Often a joyous shout is heard when a new name is added to the list. 

Jean and I haven’t joined the bird watching army. We prefer to go out into the bush with our cameras and snipe for whatever we see.