Bird-Watching for Beginners
WHY MAY IS THE BEST MONTH TO START
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. 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 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 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.
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!
So You’ve Been Laid Off — Now What?
2. Evaluate your savings and consider aid options. After you file for unemployment, consider the amount of money you have in savings and tied up in assets. How long can you pay your bills with those funds? If your situation is dire, you may need to temporarily rely on forms of aid beyond unemployment, like local food banks, welfare, or temporary assistance. If you’re sick or struggling with a disability, other options might be open to you, too, including Social Security Disability Insurance. Visit USA.gov/unemployment#Item-36912 to learn more. 3. Figure out if you were wrongfully terminated. North Carolina is an at-will employment state, so an employer can fire a worker for unjust or ridiculous reasons, and even for no reason at all. However, that rule doesn’t allow for termination that violates a law or contract. If you were wrongfully terminated, you might be able to sue your employer for compensation. 4. Seek help from an employment law attorney. If you suspect you’ve been wrongfully terminated or fired as retaliation, an experienced employment law attorney can help you take legal action. Here at Harman Law, we have an incredible team ready to step in on your behalf. If you’re ready to take next steps — or even if you just have questions about your situation — reach out to us today at 704-885-5550. We’re ready to help you through this.
In the third week of March, more than 3.3 million Americans applied for unemployment benefits. That was a record number, and because not everyone can file for unemployment, it hinted that even more people were likely out of work. If you (or a loved one) lost your job or had your hours dramatically reduced this spring, we can help. Here at Harman Law, we know how paralyzing unemployment can be. If you’re stuck, take these steps to start getting back on your feet.
1. File for unemployment. This step is crucial to ensuring you still have income while you’re out of work. Not everyone qualifies for unemployment benefits, but most people who have been laid off or seen their hours dramatically reduced do. To check if you’re eligible and apply online, visit FileUnemployment. org/north-carolina. Keep in mind that in our state, you need to be unemployed for a week before you can accrue benefits.
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