How do you deal with bird droppings?

[W8lkinUSA]

During my first and only hammock camping trip, I dealt with a decent amount of bird droppings over the hammock tarp and the lounging tarp. Is this a regular occurrence? Is this why I see a pattern of cold-weather campers?

I have been considering getting an air pad instead of an underquilt since I can use the air pad in tents during the summer time. I love the outdoors and enjoy camping despite the weather; just don't enjoy campsite fees.. We don't have the luxury of free campsites in Texas (as far as I know)..

If I were to go backpacking, cleaning this excrement would mean I'd need to pack extra water. Since I live in apartment, cleaning gear and allowing them to dry is very difficult even with a one-car garage..

Is my new hobby also a bust?

[Karla "with a k"]

I've dealt with more bird dropping on my tent than I do my tarp.

[Kroma]

weird...I've never run into bird droppings yet...

as for free camping in Texas...yeah I know..it sucks, but you do have a few options for free, dispersed camping along the Lone Star Trail in Sam Houston National Forest.

[Kroma]

I have been considering getting an air pad instead of an underquilt since I can use the air pad in tents during the summer time.

Why do you want to sleep in a tent in the summer time?

[olddog]

Normally here in Florida there is enough dew on the tarp in the AM that a handful of Spanish Moss or Grass will just wipe the droppings off. Part of sharing the woods with the animals.

[Shug]

Birds must have a grudge against you:::::::
Hard to control Nature.
Carry forth.
Shug

[dakotaross]

A pattern of cold weather campers? No pattern I think, and certainly not related to birds. I think its more of given the equipment we have now, there's just no reason not to be out in the winter - if you can afford it.

If you have a RR, then I agree with getting the pad. I would normally try to steer you away to an UQ, but it sounds like you'll be challenged to use your hammock at the fee'd campgrounds that you're limited to, and might as well go that route since the RR is so conducive to using the pad. I presume its double layer?

I'm not getting the bust part as it relates to your new hobby and the cleaning of gear at your apt and/or taking along extra water for cleaning in the field. I've had bird poop on my tarps and never really cleaned it off. This is partially untrue because many times I'm wiping dew off the tarp as I pack up, and so I am wiping it off. Happens nearly every time out that some bird takes target practice, but its nothing I've ever given a second thought to. You shouldn't either, just get out, learn what matters and doesn't. Don't take extra water that you really don't need to do. Shouldn't take much leftover water to clean a few spots anyway.

[dakotaross]

Why do you want to sleep in a tent in the summer time?

So true. This reminds me of when I was on Whiteblaze looking for a solo tent and a few keys folks would ask me, "why do you want to sleep on the ground?" !!

But sounds like his camping in limited, and I know even in very forested N.Ga, these campgrounds tend to be cleared of trees, or the trees are unhealthy, or too large (widowmakers), or are simply strict about adherance to camping on tent pads.

[Pennsy Camp and Canoe]

I get lots of bird poop here at home and nothing in the woods, but I think thats becaus I tie to the only tree in my backyard

[SilvrSurfr]

Six years of hammock camping and I can't recall ever clearing bird poop off my tarp. If you think birds are targeting your tarp because you're in a hammock, then by all means go back to a tent!