A harness!

[Deb London]

I mentioned somewhere in passing that to enjoy my hobby of bird watching to the full I'd need to build up the muscles that enable my head to stay tilted skywards for long periods of time. At the moment I can only really manage this action comfortably for about 10 min. Someone suggested a harness. Well, I'd never heard of a harness, let alone whether it would be useful. Harness means to control and direct, so I guess it figures that such an object might help.

Does anyone else have the problem that I describe? Does anyone else recommend using a harness? I thought it's just be a case of practicing a little every day until it became a lot easier, as with any exercise.

[The Woodman]

It happens to me regularly when watching bats emerge from or return to their roosts.

This morning I was in a position directly under a tall vertical wall with no room for manoeuvre and having to keep my concentration in that position for over an hour.

Where possible I try to support my neck either by lying down, sitting down and resting my head on a suitable object behind me or taking a camping chair and slumping down so that my head rests on the top of the back rest.

The most comfortable position is lying down but at this point I can hear you thinking, "What good is that to me?" The chair method is quite comfortable but I worry about poor posture and further long term damage to my spine.

To say I don't have the answer might upset a member who has recently stated that such replies are a waste of time but you did ask if anyone apart from you has the problem.

Over the years my neck has never got stronger in this position despite not being weak and regularly in this position. The nagging feeling I'm getting is that it's not doing me any good. I will be interested in others' replies.

The thought of a harness and looking like an advert for a bondage gear manufacturer doesn't grab me!

[accipter]

I have tried one Deb I could not get on with it these days I use a light weight mono pod you can fit your bins on, before that I use to lay down on my back not recommend for a lady.

[Deb London]

Thanks both very much!

Originally Posted by The Woodman

It happens to me regularly when watching bats emerge from or return to their roosts.

This morning I was in a position directly under a tall vertical wall with no room for manoeuvre and having to keep my concentration in that position for over an hour.

Where possible I try to support my neck either by lying down, sitting down and resting my head on a suitable object behind me or taking a camping chair and slumping down so that my head rests on the top of the back rest.

The most comfortable position is lying down but at this point I can hear you thinking, "What good is that to me?" The chair method is quite comfortable but I worry about poor posture and further long term damage to my spine.

To say I don't have the answer might upset a member who has recently stated that such replies are a waste of time but you did ask if anyone apart from you has the problem.

Over the years my neck has never got stronger in this position despite not being weak and regularly in this position. The nagging feeling I'm getting is that it's not doing me any good. I will be interested in others' replies.

The thought of a harness and looking like an advert for a bondage gear manufacturer doesn't grab me!

Oh god, don't worry about replying that you can't answer, I'm not one of those, praise the lord. Ha, ha, the thought of looking even more peculiar than I normally do had struck me too.

The chair method works well for me, I have a special chair for the purpose and love it, but in winter I want to keep moving, trying to stay warm and out of the wet. I won't be lying down in winter, either.

Interesting what you say about the neck not getting stronger.

Originally Posted by accipter

I have tried one Deb I could not get on with it these days I use a light weight mono pod you can fit your bins on, before that I use to lay down on my back not recommend for a lady.

That's OK, I aint no lady. Thank you for your recommendation. That's something we were discussing the other day as it happens.

[accipter]

There is a serious point to mention to much looking up can give you a trapped nerve in the shoulder or neck so be careful

[Gatekeeper]

Birders in The States have a term for this- 'Warbler Neck'. I've done quite a bit of birding in Central Park, New York, and you will regularly hear birders complaining of this 'condition'. This link may be useful:

Warbler Neck John Rakestraw

[Cotham Marble]

Originally Posted by Deb London

I mentioned somewhere in passing that to enjoy my hobby of bird watching to the full I'd need to build up the muscles that enable my head to stay tilted skywards for long periods of time. At the moment I can only really manage this action comfortably for about 10 min. Someone suggested a harness. Well, I'd never heard of a harness, let alone whether it would be useful. Harness means to control and direct, so I guess it figures that such an object might help.

Does anyone else have the problem that I describe? Does anyone else recommend using a harness? I thought it's just be a case of practicing a little every day until it became a lot easier, as with any exercise.

If you have the time, it would probably be worth taking up some balancing activity such as yoga or Pilates to help maintain flexibility.

Unfortunately, 'building up' doesn't occur with fixed position postures - that's not the way the body works. It might be worth looking into Postural Integration/Alexander Technique approaches which work on achieving good postural habits - there can be a surprising amount of difference between how we each hold a posture and what is actually the optimal posture to take for any given activity. In any event lots of stretching exercises for your neck and upper back are likely needed to avoid long term problems from forced postures.

CM

[The Woodman]

The examples given for bad and good posture are fine but physique must play a part. I think men's necks are generally shorter and thicker than womens especially as they get older.

I do a fair bit of neck wobbling after a long session because it's sore and I feel that the motion is flexing and easing the muscles.

I'm sure CM is right and will investigate the suggestions.

[accipter]

Stretching exercises are not much use if you have two slipped discs as I have as long as I am careful I am ok and boy am I careful.

[Deb London]

Ahh, I'm glad I started this thread now, I'm learning a lot.

I have started yoga, CM. I find it really difficult, but will persevere if it improves my birding chances.