This could be a general nature question, but I am putting it in general instead of in nature talk, because I am thinking specifically about observing to take records for this website. How much physical effort and strain is observing for inaturalist? To me, it is a difficult thing, when I am going …

Exactly! Quite often I come home after hanging around a local wildlife park with only common and much already identified species, only to find something interesting in my own yard. I recently found a goldmine of observations in my Ex’s back yard (with his permission, of course), which is, for the …

I would say being out in nature in general requires some level of physical exertion. I think I speak for many here: there are broadly two kinds of physical activity when inatting: getting to the location, and photographing the specimens. iNatting for me typically requires me to be hiking for a few h…

I am somewhat fit (as in, fitter than the average person, but not as fit as people who do 100 pushups/squats in one go or run up mountains daily), so I have had no real difficulties in observing, even when lugging around a camera while hiking or walking. The only time I have been slightly physically…

My issue is that usually I am with a hiking party, that are interested in exercise, peak bagging or getting home for the rugby, tea or some other appointment. So the two arduous things are deciding what not to photograph, and remembering that each ‘decent’ photo (I take lots “on the fly”) is about …

Things I have done that make observing less arduous: -I focus on plants and those animals that hold still. If it runs away I don’t chase it. -I take photos for ID not for art, so I don’t get down on the ground for the perfect side shot of something. I don’t worry about excellent lighting. -I use …

Well, for me, I am used to walking and bicycling a lot. I don’t have a car or know how to drive. A lot of my recent observations are on 20-40 mile bicycle trips. Riding a mile on a bicycle is pretty easy for me. But, scanning my surroundings, braking, hopping off, getting into position for say, a R…

It is hard for me physically but the rewards are great! Having had some physical disability for over 30 years (due to Multiple Sclerosis & Arthritis) I’ve had plenty of periods of time when making observations is too physically taxing to be enjoyable or successful. Re-awakening my interest in nati…

Not as arduous as having to sort all the photos at the end of the day! Especially if you take a lot of photos. Though given I’m picky in ensuring I have at least one useable photo of everything I find, my rate is a bit higher than average…

At the end of a full day of making observations in rugged terrain, I’m exhausted. When I’m backpacking with a couple of cameras and several lenses, it is like doing mini Burpees with weights. I sometimes wear knee pads to make it easier and more comfortable.

How physically arduous is observing?

General

jasonhernandez74 March 8, 2021, 3:38am 21

I don’t find it arduous. But probably that is because I stay active in general, e.g. why drive when the errand is within walking distance? So I’m really not pushing myself any harder than I am used to.

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How physically arduous is observing?

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