The Christmas season has come and gone and now it’s New Year’s Resolution time. I encourage you to set goals for yourself and your family and hopefully make this year even better than the last. As a rule, New Year’s resolutions usually revolve around things like fitness. “Ok, this year I’ll remove all of the clothes hanging on the treadmill that I bought when I made last year’s resolution and promise to use it this year.” Or resolutions related to finance. “This year I will save a little extra cash out of each paycheck and finally taking that vacation I’ve been wanting to go on.” All of that is well and good but are we really taking full advantage of the New Year’s Resolution?
This year consider adding a resolution that involves getting outside and enjoying the great outdoors. Perhaps your outdoor resolution includes getting into or back into hunting. Good news! Your timing is great. You still have until the end of the month to enjoy hunting season and plenty of time to get ready for next fall.
Another great outdoor activity available this month is the annual Festival of the Cranes which has expanded to a two date event this year, January 9-10.The celebration of Sandhill Cranes and Whooping Cranes brings together experienced birders and those who would like to learn more about birding and other wildlife that live in Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge in Decatur (www.friendsofwheelerrefuge.org). Over 12,000 Sandhill Cranes along with several pairs of Whooping Cranes spend the winter each year at the Refuge. Enjoy nature walks, live raptors and refuge tours. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring binoculars and a camera. Throughout the event, the enclosed Wildlife Observation Building will offer views of thousands of Sandhill Cranes, along with Whooping Cranes, ducks, geese, raptors, and maybe a bald eagle. There will be bleachers and spotting scopes available along with volunteers and staff members on hand to answer questions.
Need more outdoor ideas? Visit us at Mark’s Outdoor Sports to become inspired and to be fully equipped to make the most of your time in God’s great outdoors. We will help make sure that you have everything you need to make your time outside that much more enjoyable. Happy New Year & God Bless!
-Matt Lovett
Mark’s Outdoor Sports
1400-B Montgomery Highway, Vestavia 35216
205-822-2010, www.marksoutdoors.com
