Situational Awareness And A 360-Mindset

360-mindset

What is situational awareness? It is the conscious and subconscious mindset of knowing what’s going on around you. “Around” implies 360-degrees – more than just what’s in front of you…

How many people do you observe during any given day who are ‘tuned out’ as they walk?

Maybe they’re looking only in one direction – typically down towards their feet or path in front of them or into their “smart device”.

(UPDATED)


 
Situational awareness is a mindset. A frame of mind. Awareness. The mindset itself is a learned and eventually habitual behavior of observing one’s surroundings – including your six.

It involves mental conditioning that might be considered ‘forced paranoia’ at first – but eventually becomes natural and almost subconscious.

We don’t have eyes behind our head. However we do have pretty good peripheral vision. Peripheral vision is a part of vision that occurs outside the very center of gaze and is good at detecting motion. 120-degrees or thereabouts.

Related: 3 More Drills To Practice Situational Awareness

 
A problem (with situational awareness) is that our world is spherical — left, right, up, down, and all around. To achieve the highest level of awareness you must have a mindset of 360 degrees.

A ‘360 mindset’ is one in which we keep tabs on what’s going on all the way around us – the entire environment that we’re in. We see, we hear, we smell, we “sense”.

How do we successfully utilize our senses to accomplish effective situational awareness?

First, WE MUST NOT BE TUNED OUT. Which begs the question,
“Why do so many people stare into their ‘smart phones’ all the time?”

 
Here’s what you need to do. Train yourself (force yourself) to be 360-aware. The next time you go out in public, do it.

Lets say you’re going to the grocery store. From the time that you walk out the door of your home, simply glance around to be aware of what’s going on. Same thing in the grocery store parking lot. What’s going on around you as you’re walking to the store? It’s simple really, but most people don’t do this.

At first it may seem odd to be purposely observing what others are doing around you. After awhile it should become natural as your subconscious begins to take over the task.

On a related note, there’s a “color code” of situational awareness that may help:

Cooper Color Code For Readiness

Condition White (unaware and unprepared)
Condition Yellow (relaxed alert)
Condition Orange (specific alert)
Condition Red (fight)

You should always be in condition yellow when out and about…

 
Another example, while in your vehicle and having reached your destination – before you get out, take a few brief seconds to have a quick look around first.

Give yourself a specific drill – Look at people’s hands. Look at their eyes. Read their body language. It should take a micro-moment to categorize most people as potential “friend or foe”.

Next time you’re out in public, observe how few people actually look like they even know what’s going on in front of them – let alone around them!

Observe how many people walk with their head tilted downward towards the walkway in front of them as they walk with their thoughts – tuned out of their surroundings and environment. Observe how many have their heads tilted down in their electronic gadget as they walk. It really is quite amazing. Don’t be them!

54 Comments

  1. You can learn from those who practice S.A. to survive. Example: when I lived in Newark N.J. and several of us walked through a neighborhood with an ethnicity different ours they would alert one another. Everyone in that community of all ages were always on alert and watchful for any potential danger and would immediately inform others. One time we entered an apartment and in came some neighbors who stood in the doorway to keep an eye on us. When we left the building there had gathered a crowd, to watch, not to intimidate.

  2. Around here, you have to watch out. Depending on the season, you might just walk into that bear, moose, or me (kidding). You may also trip on that log or get that twig in your eye. Winter means ice and a sore tailbone if not aware. Winter also brings much snow sliding off roof onto your head or off trees if you are not aware. Just a few reminders that people and cities are not the only hazards out there.

    1. Yes Homebody….Course, the bears are finally down for the winter…however, they do pop out now and then on a sunny weekend around here.

      I make a point of living in condition yellow….rarely if ever condition white. Life is full of hazards in the country, and going to the city is often down right alarming. I see so many people in complete zombie mode!!!

      A large part of being prepared is watching the people around you, their body language, their eyes and hands. I ALWAYS check their hands first, then make eye contact. You would be surprised how many “thugs” actually will cross the street once they are aware that you SEE them.

  3. I just got a cell phone a few months ago. Last week as I got in my car at the end of the day I realized I had just walked out to my car texting my son almost the entire time. There is one driving lane in front of the building and I had looked before crossing. But, other than that I hadn’t done my usual 360 when leaving the building.

    Don’t intend on repeating that mistake.

    1. It’s easy to fall into that trap… when you visit a busy public place in any metro region, there are LOTS of people doing it…

      1. There sure are.
        (In my defense my son had just sent me a pic of my granddaughter) [grin]

    2. I just got a TracFone yesterday. I didn’t get a call on the cell I had for a year, so discontinued contract with no penalty.

      I have long distance service on my landline @ .15¢ a minute and just can’t see paying that for calling across the county line where Lowes is.

      I really like the TracFone.
      Don’t even consider the minutes card plan with GoPHONE at at&t–it does require a plan and the cheapest is $30 a month…I’m sure that was unlimited text/talk, but I didn’t need the expense, so for 120 minutes for 3 months @ $20.00 I went with TracFone…if I don’t use the minutes??

      I wasted 6.66 a month. Better than a 30 bill on your credit card each month.

      I know you think I’m full of poop–I checked my history on the old phone–I had 15 calls in 2 years!!!!! From my husband!!!

  4. What’s not being said, but a true fact of today’s society, is that it’s almost ‘socially required’ to be constantly looking down into your hand-held device, whichever one it may be, no matter where you are. If you’re not preoccupied with your device, obviously you’re not socially tuned in. You are the oddball, and something must be wrong with you if you’re not ‘with it’. Go into any ‘break room’ anywhere today, and you will not see people talking to each other, but concentrating on their electronic device. It’s always more important to be in contact with anyone or anything, than whoever you are with at the present time. Present day society has done a complete turn-around from just a few years back. These people (the ‘educated’ masses) will be the 1st casualties when the S*** does ultimately ‘hit the fan’. There is no such concept as ‘situational awareness’ in their realm of thinking.

    1. Chief, That’s a brilliant observation. ‘Social acceptance’. If you’re not ‘plugged in’ and tapping on your little smart-phone screen all the time, then you’re not popular. How long will it take until evolution begins to remove our voice box and mouth because we don’t use them anymore…

      You’re absolutely correct in that this stereo-type person will be very much out of their element (putting it nicely) if these systems crash and they’re forced to face a ‘real’ and natural world without ‘tech’.

    2. @ ChiefPontiac
      Personally I LIKE being — “You are the oddball, and something must be wrong with you if you’re not ‘with it’.” — I have a “Smart Phone” or as I like to call them, Dumbing Down Phone” for work and I use it some for research/internet, BUT what a waste of life, just like TV. I decided many years ago to axe the TV, and the Radio BS stuff, I get my news from the Net and several overseas sites and of course Glenn Beck LOLOL
      NRP

    3. OMG!! So now I’m an ODDBALL!!
      Let it go 4 months ago –haven’t needed it once!!

      Husband has $40 to spend on the house, treats, or etc.

      Note: I said I’d get rid of it when I didn’t use it for a year.
      I did what I said I’d do.

      I had a neighbor visit on porch one summer and eyed the smart phone entire time, scrolling up and down–I was taught that to be rude.
      How would you like me reading a magazine/book the entire time I visit you??
      Same thing.

    4. Chief, you’re absolutely right. Personal interaction between people is waning. It’s sad to see a family at a restaurant all on their own handheld device not saying a word to each other. A total disconnect.

      A few years back an experiment was done at a college. Volunteers went 72 hours without using any electronic device. They fitted each volunteer with a device that registered their brain waves over the 72 hours. They found the volunteers’ brain waves mirrored drug addict’s brain waves going thru withdrawals. It’s an electronic addiction and the whole world is hooked.

      Most will have zero chance of survival in a electronic down SHTF scenario.
      As a side note you might find this sadly amusing like I did.

      I was talking with a younger guy(30’s) after Church about the need for a good compass.

      He says “no need. I have an compass app on my phone .”
      Poor kid is gonna get eaten.

    5. Boy, this talk of being the ‘oddball’ and all….

      I love the reaction I get when people ask for my phone number. Then…. try to text me. I do NOT carry or own a cellphone. OMG!!! “How do you conduct business, how do you stay in touch, suppose something happens – some emergency?…..” . Heard them all.

      So, I respond. “I am an IT, I deal with the latest in nav/comm/sat systems – daily. That is a good question (regardless of which one is asked)”. Hmmm, I’m the guy who is fixing your computer, server, radar, ….. whatever….. and you ask me how and why I go ‘without’?. Yeah, good question. Just start with that, those facts. Could it be because I know what those devices are doing? What is really going on?”

      It’s funny really. I’m never late, I don’t change my mind or allow any ‘new’ business to switch my plans. I don’t just look around – I look up, down as well – I consider the 360 degrees to mean all directions in a sphere. Altitude and azimuth. I know what is known about me, what I’ve said, who I’ve contacted. And the glorious part of it all is that when I leave one place – until I make some digital contact somewhere else – no one but me knows where I’ve been or am. I am aware of the sounds, sights, smells, feel and even a bit, the taste, of where I am. My focus is in all directions using all senses. Those who limit their world-view to what they are seeing and maybe hearing alone are flat-out self-handicapping themselves.

      Situational awareness means exactly that. Whatever, whenever, wherever the situation is – is where you are. You tune into some cable station – your FIOS network for the news…….. someone knows what you’re watching and within about 15′ of exactly where you are. You make that call, or just carry that ‘smart’ device turned on; again, your location – your ‘situation’ is known. And, your data, sounds, even your imagery can be captured or monitored. What cams have you just passed? What other idiot’s cell/mobile device are you near? What receiver just caught the digital ‘glimpse’ of that RFID embedded chip in your debit card?

      We all need to be much more aware of the capabilities of all our devices right along with ourselves.

    6. The British television series “Black Mirror” is “The Twilight Zone” of the digital age. The episode “Nosedive” is an excellent depiction of the impact of “Likes” on a young woman’s life as well as society.

      It took me a while to figure out why it is called “Black Mirror”.

  5. Did you notice, in the reports of the Paris attack, as the crowd ran down the street with sounds of gunfire in the background, half of them were texting instead of looking around for danger?

    1. @ plainsroamer
      Amazing. Makes ya wonder what will happen when the SHTF really happens? I just shake my head at shepple anymore, mainly in disbelief. How Sad the stupidity runs so deep.
      NRP

        1. Plainsroamer, I wonder if they all were texting in capital letters? LOL!
          It will be a fast culling and we will be left to clean up the mess(and the bodies).
          A good after SHTF business will be mining the gold out of all those useless phones laying around The now extinct sheep.

    2. and those who weren’t doing that, were taking video and pics…

      too dangerous a mentality for sure.

  6. When I lived in San Diego it was amazing how many times I actually saw people step in a hole and fall flat on their face as they walked off the concrete/asphalt.
    Also how many times have sheeple actually missed the “curb” and either trip going up, or fell stepping off? But when they hit the concrete with their nose, they protect the Dumbing Phone.
    One last thing about SA, look around, the world is a place of Mirrors, Windows, Reflective Surfaces, watch these also for what’s around you. Looking in a window ahead of you will reflect exactly what’s behind you.
    NRP

  7. I am not popular because I am not tuned into a smart phone. I see what it has done to people on the streets in town, they are oblivious to the world around them. There are advertisements on TV how you need it when you go to bed and when you wake up, so society as a whole is pushing this as the “new normal” even for welfare recipients and unemployed. Sorry, I ain’t normal.

    Ken, you mentioned having a 360 degree peripheral as part of SA. I noticed something for years as I looked at the stars at night and if I didn’t look at them directly, ones that didn’t shine straight-on-focus can be seen with my peripheral vision. I always wondered why—found out last week. We just see better in the dark not looking directly at objects…. So those going to their cars or around the house on dark nights, trust what your peripheral vision sees.

    One night I thought I saw with my peripheral vision, a dark movement across my picture window as I watched TV. I had no other lights on. When I turned to look at it, it wasn’t there, but I went to the door to make sure I wasn’t seeing things. There it was, a very large black bear in front of my door. This is why I trust to investigate what I see out of the corner of my eye… and the chubby, tailless mouse I saw last night out of the corner of my eye running around my living room!

    1. @Stardust, Here is an article that describes exactly what you discovered. Pay attention to the section “Blind Spot Of The Eye During Night Vision”

      Human Night Vision

  8. Being aware, yes, this morning was a jewel example of being situationally aware, I sat in front of the admissions board for law school. As the board members ask me questions about why I wanted to attend law school and as they made their own declarations (statements) about the importance of being a lawyer, I watched their body language. I was so impressed with their self importance, ha ha. I saw their head nods, winks, head twitches and sly hand signals to each other. Oh, I knew the answers they wanted to hear and the comments they wanted to hear me make. Let me just say ” you do not have to walk down a dark alley to be in a den of vipers”. For one hour I had to sit there and carefully choose my wording so as to not inflame their passion. The point of all this is to say that a vicious attack is not limited to a parking lot or walking along the side walk, it can be in your office as well. A smiling face is not always a friend!

    1. No joke

      your “a smiling face is not always a friend”, is much more than true.

      we have found through years of having to deal with officials/medical professionals, etc, that

      most always, the more smiling faces there are, the more kissy assed they are, the more you should be on serious guard. Polite/respectful/”friendly appearing” etc..

      maybe you would be kind enough to elaborate on what you noticed/how you responded? Education in these matters is always helpful.

  9. Take a good look at the picture at the top of this article!
    Now, when you see or hear the term “Sheeple”, you know who they are.
    Completely oblivious to what’s actually happening around them.

  10. I agree, but I also have to disagree on one point–I’m a bookworm. I’ve always read while walking, and never fell off a curb or into a hole BECAUSE in order to read and walk at the same time I had to learn extreme SA. Not just the holes in the pavement, but the people around me, the tree branches, the cars on the road, mailboxes, etc. I was often the first to become aware of any kind of threat (the van following me, the bullies hiding around the corner). It is possible to be aware and still focus on other things.

    That being said, most people have trained themselves to focus to exclusion. Watch a baby or a small child–they see EVERYTHING, they pay attention to everything. As they get older they learn that some kinds of awareness are not socially acceptable (“Don’t stare” “Don’t talk to strangers”) and they learn to focus in on one thing because that’s the polite thing to do.

    1. I find this interesting. I too am a bookworm. Growing up in Middle and High school I Always walked the halls with my nose in a book. I built up a skill set that involved stepping over and dodging the feet and bodies of kids trying to trip me or bump me into a wall. If I wanted to read I HAD to be constantly aware of my surroundings. I’m glad to know im not the only one that mastered nose in a book Bully dodging.

  11. The following parable has little to do with Situational Awareness though I tell it to new employees that work within my unit (psych hospital) The Parable of the Little Brown Bird:

    One November day a little brown bird began to fly south with a small flock of little brown birds. As the day went on, the little brown bird grew tired and cold falling behind the flock. The little brown bird half fell/half fluttered into a barnyard where he was shivering on the ground very hypothermic.

    Along comes a cow which unloads a cowpie on top of the little brown bird. The bird thinks: “Oh great! now I get crapped on” Within 3 minutes the little brown bird begins to warm up and feel better within the cow pie. The little brown bird begins to sing a little song and chirp.

    A barnyard cat hears chirping coming from the barnyard and digs out the little brown bird and gobbles him up.

    There are 3 morals to this story: 1. Just because somebody takes a crap on you does not make them your enemy. 2. Just because somebody digs you out of a pile of crap does not mean they are your friend. 3. One day when you find yourself in real trouble/the crap is up to your eyeballs, You keep your mouth shut.

    It is a funny story with the purpose of being careful who you trust. (if anybody) within a large bureaucracy or company. If you do not trust things or people, you are naturally more observant.

  12. Something I use in my S.A is watching reflections in store front windows, etc. It is a great way to see what is going on without looking directly at someone.

  13. people don’t make eye contact anymore, nor do they reply if you speak to them they just carry on walking, its just not safe out there any more, people texting are bad enough but joggers are even worse-with headphones in their ears and music blaring they are totally unaware of anyone coming up behind or from the side, even a car!

  14. Concerning the 360 and the “head down.” I didn’t see it mentioned, could have missed it, but what of the technique of “looking down”, then tipping your head slightly to the left or right to expend your peripheral vision, especially to see behind you? Even better when you have a reflective substance, like a window or vehicle. I use this when I hear footfalls coming up behind me. You can see a lot more and in a less obvious way, if your head is down, rather than trying to turn it while up. Even more discrete if you appear to be engrossed in your DumbPhone. Sometimes, even the unlit surface of the phone can help see what’s coming from behind.

  15. The timing on this article update amuses me a bit. I was thinking about Situational awareness just this Sunday. I’m in my late 30’s and while having hunted for years on family land without ever getting a license, I decided to correct that so I can do some public land hunting and that meant taking a Hunters Education course.

    I’m sure most if not all of the readers here have taken such a course. While in mine, we did a woods walk. One Guide to 3 students ” All of us were adults ” And we each had a firearm with a dummy round in it and would be asked to spot different targets, decide on safe shots, pick out distances. There was one member of our group who Failed the class.

    This fellow while on the walk couldn’t locate a single Animal mock up without one of us pointing it out to him and TWICE crossed his firearm over one of us. He seemed to be completely unaware of what was going on around him. This event had me thinking about the dangers of being unaware. While it’s important that you practice SA, a part of that is also being aware of who ISN’T aware. This can be as simple as watching out for the Cell phone zombies to someone not taking a firearm seriously in practice. The instructors told us the rounds were dummy… but the writing on the shells that said that was almost completely rubbed off. For all we knew those could have been live rinds and shells.

    Either way, I was proud of my own awareness and terrified at the idea of someone that lax owning firearms.

    1. That’s good advice!

      When we have visitors here, one thing we typically end up doing is some shooting here on the property. Somewhat similar to your experience, I recall one particular time awhile ago while shooting with a few visitors…

      They already had their concealed carry licenses from their home state – which required training classes – so one might presume that they were reasonably prepared and safe operators. WRONG!

      One of them was fine with regards to safety while the other was not. There was complete and repeated disregard for muzzle direction, and to make it worse the finger was often on the trigger when it should not have been! Very dangerous to say the least.

      It goes to show how situational awareness is particularly important even when simply shooting with others whom you might assume are safe operators. Apparently and unfortunately not everyone understands the basic rules of firearms safety. After that experience I will never willingly shoot with that person again, unless and until I am convinced that their safety issues have been resolved.

      On anther note, not long ago I had the opportunity to introduce a 7 year old boy to the shooting sport. He is the son of a friend of ours and he totally enjoyed it. He immediately picked up the safety rules and with just a little guidance and supervision he was enjoying and safely shooting a bolt-action 22. I would shoot with him over that particular adult any day…

      Stay in the yellow…

      1. I myself was not introduced to firearms until later in life, But through friends and some experience in introducing younger kids to them, I have started to feel age 6 or 7 is a good time. They seem to soak up the information while still being at an age to respect the information your giving them instead of questioning it or wanting to do things like they see in movies or media.

        It is also a great age to introduce kids to Bow and arrow, I certainly remember enjoying it myself, and sometimes its all a kid can talk about.

        I think its great you have the opportunity to introduce and guide a youngster into the outdoor life.

    2. Our local hunters safety class is over a couple days in the classroom, one of the videos they show is a local group hunting goats up on the mountain, the one guy tells his buddy to stay low and then proceeds to fire off a a bunch of shots from a mini14 at the goats right over his buddies head, just idiots and was a cellphone video from one of the hunters,,,,, they thought it was cool

  16. Oh, I just realized this is an old topic..but I did need to explain about the gophone…it does have a plan-not contract–but still it’s not like you can just run out and buy a minutes card.

  17. Interesting Y-all bring up Hunting/Shooting safety in a Situational Awareness article.

    The procedure I use is whenever we have a group or just two people arming up, we have a 10-15 minute ‘Safety Talk’ we cover the basics and anything special/unusual that may be on the course/hunt. We pay particular attention to any ‘newbies’ that may be joining us and make sure they understand the importance of NOT shooting someone.

    As Ahab pointed out ‘Sweeping’ someone; in my book is a felony offence, so in the ‘Safety Talk’ I clearly let everyone know that;
    1. “If you sweep me with firearm I will politely ask you for it unload it and throw in in the dirt or mud, kick dirt into it and keep the rounds”. That usually starts a fight and is the end of the day. Luckly I have only had to do this once…..
    2. “If you do it a second time” I tell them, I simply say “there will be no chance of a second time”.
    3. Smart (Dumb) Phones are NOT allowed at a Range, period, the RSO will have one in case of emergencies.

    Something Ken said bugs me all the time; Getting a CC licenses is NOT Training. Most CC Classes are 8-10 hours in a classroom listening to someone else talk about all sorts of stuff, laws. Than you have to ‘qualify’, this involves shooting 10 rounds ‘freestyle’ from 3 yards, 5 rounds strong arm from 7 yards and 10 rounds freestyle at 7 yards, ya ONLY need 75% to ‘Pass’. If you don’t not ‘Clear’ the target with 100%……..

    Yes I agree carrying is SMART, getting a CC is SMART, but for crying out loud your life and the life of your loved ones/family may depend on your use of a firearm, GET SOME/LOTS OF TRAINING!!!!!

    Those of you out there that actually know what you’re doing, Please find the time to help train our youth, Help out at a local Range. Volunteer at the local Boys/Girls Scouts, FFA, or some/anywhere to teach the ‘proper’ way to own a firearm, just remember someday that youngster you help today may be the one that saves your hide by knowing what’s right and wrong.

    Rant Over
    NRP

    1. @NRP, Agree 100% with safety talk first. Regardless. Even for experienced shooters it places the notion forefront in the mind prior to commencing.

      1. Ken

        The last thing you want to hear at a range is “I thought the gun was empty”. I have been at an indoor range and on two occasions, some idiots fired into the ceiling and floor thinking the guns were not loaded.

        I now practice in my own wilderness where there is less chance of “friendly fire”.

        1. On two occasions at the range I have seen accidental discharge and both times it was a cop. Now I visit the range with my vest on and tell them it’s so I can train in body armor.

  18. Yesterday evening I witnessed first hand a zombie on a bicycle.
    She was college aged and was peddling down my street (quite suburbia street)looking at her dumb phone screen and texting away. I couldn’t believe it. Anybody could have been backing out of their driveway and run her butt over. Thump Thump! Of course I just watched for a while but was unlucky to see her get whacked by a neighbor and she just continued on. You can’t fix stupid and I had no desire to get involved and correct her actions.

    I wonder under a collapse what these zombies will do without their dumb phones? Stand in a dark corner like powered down robots?

  19. The hidden dangers! People’s daily actions are not the only “situation awareness” factors out there.

    A while back I defended the need for regulations and inspectors for the protection of the public. I too hate some bureaucrats and governments that are way to big, costly and are only interested in maintaining the status quo. But there are a few that do care and do a great job everyday for the public they serve. We do depend on the competence of others.

    So, what is a hidden danger? When you go into that mall, industrial building, or apartment building, you put your faith in the competence and ethics of the people checking the construction and safety of these buildings. This faith was broken in the fire situation in San Fran killing many people and now the deaths of many more in the fire in London – with thousands living in some 30+ other buildings with the same risks to the residents.

    What awareness can I recommend to reduce risk? There are many and none are a guarantee of safety. Stay out of large buildings when there is an obvious heavy snow load. Stay out of public housing where the main concerns are that of reducing operational costs. Stay out of buildings where there are combustible materials stored to the point that exits are not obvious. Avoid large crowds that may panic at the slightest provocation these days. Avoid flood plain areas when storms may put you at risk even if the “experts” say not to worry.

    Are these imminent threats? No, but if you do not pay attention to these and many more that are hidden, you may find yourself in that bad “situation”.

  20. With the “Knockout Game” still alive and around it’s very important for people who look vulnerable, the elderly, infirm, weak to be aware of who is around them especially their race, gender, age and how many of them there are.

  21. I used to do a lot of safety training for restaurant employees. One of the things that I used to say is that there is no such thing as an “accident”, only poor judgement, a lack of situational awareness, and a lack of timely response. Commercial kitchens are dangerous places full of hot, sharp, heavy, and slippery things with people​moving as fast as they can. A strong degree of SA is the only way to stay out of the ER.

    I will fully admit that I am not always as aware as I should be when out in public. Thanks for the reminder that this is a habit that I need to form!

  22. Perfect timing for this article. We are going on vacation next week. I try to stay at condition yellow any time I’m away from the house, but when we are traveling I stay at condition orange. I notice when people seem out of place, and so do the criminals. When they know you are on vacation they also know you probably have cash and other valuables with you. I always open the door for my wife when she gets in or out of the truck. This is not only the gentlemanly thing to do but it keeps her from being a target. I cover her to get in the truck and she covers me from inside until I get in. I do enjoy going on vacation but it can be exhausting keeping my awareness at this level.

  23. I have to have this 360 degree awareness driving through the forest for my job.

    Today I delivered the fish guts to the pile, waiting to see the eagles. As I drove down this two rut trail, an explosion of bald eagles took off over my truck. I came to a stop. One didn’t get enough lift and crashed into some branches overhead and the rear view mirror showed downy feathers falling from the overhead tree, one headed for my windshield but barely made it over, then left and right eagles flew as I counted 27 eagles, one was immature, 2 black vultures, and one raven. I watched behind me, they all made flight, and in front of me, the others made it over the trees okay.

    I had to stop for several deer this morning along the road, hard to see but I look for them all the time I drive, especially when there are fawns around. I see them every day when I am working in the forest.

    Then as I drove down a forest road in the afternoon, I saw a downy dirt-colored baby swan alone on the road and it ran with the truck a ways so I stopped and picked it up and placed it back where it started running, hoping it’s parents would find it.

    So often I see dead animals along the road because people are not aware or looking for them. I look forward to having the safe encounters because I’d rather enjoy their presence of life than regret the death I would have caused.

    1. Good to hear from you Stardust,

      I was just thinking of you today, hoping you are well…

      Good to know that you are being considerate and cautious when driving to protect the wild animals…

      Best wishes to you and your doggies (4 is that right?) :)

      1. Hi Shepherdess. I have 3 dogs now, one passed a year ago.

        I found out why deer get hit by cars so many times. They don’t have depth perception of objects coming closer fast like humans do seeing a car coming. I honk my horn to get their awareness and give them fear to run off the road instead of standing and staring in the middle of it. Sometimes our facilities are limited to perceive danger, with animals who seem to be aware of their surroundings…I just give them a little help.

    2. Stardust – thank you for these visuals.

      Couple years ago three deer popped out of a ravine and into the fast lane of the interstate I was on. Early morning but sun was fully risen. My beloved old Civic did not survive the impact and neither did two of the deer.

      Now when we travel I and my family members pray not the we will be safe but that wild creatures will be safe from us.

  24. I was trained to know everything around me at all times over 45 years ago and will not let it go. I know where the exits are within seconds of entering a building,store,shop or garage. I can tell you after I leave a restaurant how many tables were open and who was there. My back is always to a wall that gives me a view of who is coming and going. Most of the time I can tell you who was armed and if there were any cops out of uniform. The greats gift from Quantico was a six sense that has saved my life a number of times. Hold your head up when in public and look every person in the eyes. Send out the mind set you are ready to fight or be a friend. It’s not paranoia it’s survival and training and it works.

  25. Interesting subject as I sit in the traffic jam on Redstone due to an active shooter incident

  26. Head on a swivel but not obvious.. any ways most people are looking at their phones and not at you.

    This evening as my wife and I left a local,pizza joint, the street lights were out. I keep,a small flashlight on my keychain, kept distance from any dark doorways, hand on concealed weapon and Other holding wife firm .

    We talked normal and kept conversation a little loud, and I lit up the sidewalk

    A few other couples were looking at their phones and not at the shadows.

    Fortunately no issues on our walk on this one dark block.

  27. Negligent/accidental discharges happen because there is something loose behind the controls–

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