Bigger & Harman, APC - May 2020

BIRD-WATCHING FOR BEGINNERS WHY MAY IS THE BEST MONTH TO START

Bird-watching is like a lifelong scavenger hunt that you can play anywhere on Earth. The activity provides a mixture of science, travel, and beauty, and it’s a chance to get outside for feathered adventures and quiet reflection. The month of May is a great time of year to go birding because rising temperatures prompt spring migration. So if you’re eager to begin bird-watching, there’s no better time than now. Here are some tips to get started. EDUCATE YOURSELF Thousands of species of birds span all corners of the globe. That’s why finding them is an exciting prospect — there’s no end to the hunt! Start by researching birds that are native to your location. Purchase a field guide with pictures of each bird and maps of their range and use it to figure out where different birds live. From there, it’s easy to pick your first spotting goal.

You can even get yourself extra excited by watching a few bird documentaries. GEAR UP One of the best things about birding is that you don’t need a lot of equipment to do it. As long as you’ve got your field guide and comfortable walking shoes, the only other thing you’ll need is a pair of binoculars. And they don’t have to be fancy. As long as they can zoom in on faraway trees and perches, they’ll work for now. You can always upgrade later.

distracted by other species. The thrill that comes with spotting your first bird will keep you coming back to find the rest. Bird-watching is a wonderful hobby because it’s easy to get started and can last a lifetime. As long as you can walk, drive, or look out a window, you can be a birder. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and find some birds!

GO EXPLORING Your very first birding excursion is

important because you don’t want to be overwhelmed or underwhelmed. So use your field guide to home in on a single bird and go find it. It may be local, or you can plan a trip to a specific bird’s natural habitat. Stay focused and don’t get

WATCH OUT FOR MORE THAN JUST MOVING VIOLATIONS

Truckers are expected to adhere to higher standards than a typical driver. Anyone who drives a semitruck, box truck, coach, bus, trailer, or another commercial motor vehicle (CMV) must drive with the utmost professionalism while out on the road. As such, it is essential for CMV drivers to understand the severe consequences that come with a moving violation. However, commercial drivers need to watch out for more than just moving violations. WHAT EXACTLY IS A MOVING VIOLATION? This type of violation occurs when a driver breaks traffic laws while their vehicle is in motion. A driver who runs a red light, fails to stop at a stop sign, or fails to yield is committing a moving violation. These traffic infringements are usually infractions. However, if a driver is charged with DUI, reckless driving, or leaving the scene of an accident, these moving violations are normally misdemeanors.

For a CMV driver, any of these charges can be catastrophic. Not only does each violation go on their record and add points to their commercial driver’s license, but also their entire driving career is at risk. WHAT ABOUT OTHER VIOLATIONS? Commercial drivers need to watch out for more than just moving violations. In California and many other states, points can be added to a driving record for violations that do not occur while a vehicle is in motion. For instance, most logbook violations, some vehicle safety violations, and even parking in the wrong spot can result in points being added to a driving record. Whenever you get a traffic ticket in California, give us a call so we can look up the violation with you and determine whether or not it is something you should be concerned about. We always give free consultations and would be happy to speak with you.

2 | www.bakersfieldtraffictickets.com

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