5 Mile Radius (5MR)

Palo Alto, California, November 2024

The siren song of driving to places far-away from home to find that rare bird or photograph a unique scene is always alluring. While driving to say someplace that is an hour's drive away seems feasible, it's a significant drag on time that could have been otherwise spent on doing your favorite hobby! Not to speak of the energy costs and environmental impact. Now, more and more, the idea of 5MR - 5 Mile Radius birding (and photography) is holding appeal for me. While there are several species that I will probably never find within a 5 mile radius of my home, staying within the radius can pop-up all sorts of surprises, otherwise missed, as it gives one more time in the field. All-in-all it ends up being a much more satisfying experience as you discover the possibilities that exist just a stone's throw away rather than having to chase distant dreams. Instead of a quick glimpse after a long drive, 5MR allows you to take in more nature and discover more. Here are some friends that I met just two miles from where I live.