Birders and wildlife watchers are starting to get used to the fact that gear manufacturers recognize us and want to make equipment specifically for us. So it wasn’t a surprise, but definitely great news, when Lowepro came out with their Optics Series for wildlife viewing.

It's been nearly 225 years since Congress called for lighthouses "beacons, buoys and public piers" to be built for the safety of the public and seafarers. You can celebrate that occasion, which fell August 7, 1789, by visiting one of the many lighthouses across the National Park System.

You don't normally associate barn swallows with Redwood National and State Parks, but in fact the birds do show up there, and even like to nest in the park as the following video relates so well.