Máistir Nádúraí: Rare!

7.08.2025

Rare!

"I finally understood what my grandmother meant. If I wasn't comfortable with myself, I would never be comfortable."

― Marjane Satrapi

A rare photograph of the author during an actual Bug Hunt!

A long time ago, someone told me I dress like a Boy Scout. Yeah, I don't think it was meant as a compliment. At the time, I shrugged it off. I hadn't thought much about it since — until I saw the above photo, mid-stride in the woods, geared up in earth tones, pockets, and straps. That's when the memory came back. Yep. Still got that look!

Here's what I'm sporting:

Shirt: Vortex Optics Quick-dry shirt

Shorts: KÜHL Mountain Wear

Shoes: Keen Targhee IV

Socks: Darn Tough Vermont

Cap: Vortex Optics

Butt Pack: Hill People Gear

Watch: Suunto Traverse

Binocular: Vortex UHD 8x32

Monopod: Leofoto

Camera: Nikon Mirrorless + Tamron 60mm Macro

Sunglasses: Vortex Optics 'Jackal'

Readers: 1.5x Foster Grant

Water bottle: Nalgene (in Swarovski bino case)

Quiet readiness: Undisclosed

But for me, it's about function, utility, and comfort — clothing that serves a purpose for the kinds of things I do outdoors. I like quality stuff that holds up, fits well, and works when I need it to — gear that performs and lasts a long time, not fabric that flatters.

Bio:

Mike McDowell has been documenting southern Wisconsin’s flora and fauna since 1987 and began leading field trips in 2002. While he is most prolific at Pheasant Branch Conservancy, his explorations extend to other natural gems like Pope Farm Conservancy, Spring Green Preserve, and the Baraboo Hills. His nature photography has graced numerous publications, including newspapers, magazines, a Wisconsin Endangered Resources license plate, a Capital Brewery beer label, and even a National Geographic feature. Since 2005, Mike has been journaling his nature observations on his blog. He is the recipient of the 2012 Bronze Passenger Pigeon Award from the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology, presented to individuals who have made outstanding contributions in their local communities or state to promote the field of ornithology. A skilled digiscoper, he was a multiple-time finalist in Swarovski’s Digiscoper of the Year photography contest. Mike’s interests span insect macro-photography—focusing on tiger beetles, treehoppers, and robber flies—fossil collecting, botany, natural history, amateur astronomy, and long-range rifle marksmanship. A former gigging musician, he has rekindled his passion for collecting Fender Stratocasters, with his prized possession being a 1957 Vintage Custom Shop 'Mary Kaye' White Blonde. After a 15-year career in IT, Mike has spent the past 25 years in the sport optics industry.

Disclaimer:

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author alone and do not necessarily reflect the views, positions, or policies of the author's employer, organization, committee, or any other group or individual with whom the author may be associated. Furthermore, any assumptions, conclusions, or inferences drawn from the content herein are the sole responsibility of the reader. The author disclaims any and all liability for misunderstandings, misinterpretations, hurt feelings, eye-rolling, second-hand embarrassment, or spontaneous combustion resulting from exposure to the contents of this blog. For the avoidance of doubt, this blog is written for entertainment, education, and/or catharsis and should not be mistaken for professional advice, legal counsel, or the inner workings of a well-adjusted mind.