by James Johnson

Created on: July 06, 2008   Last Updated: August 29, 2008

Birdwatchers can have a lot of fun looking for those feathered friends flying around the neighborhood and at the local park. It is a great hobby that gets one out of doors and birding doesn't require much expense, just a good pair of binoculars and a birding book. But after a while, one wants to expand their horizons, take flight and see something new! So, while it is nice to have continuity in a hobby, for a birder it is also exciting to find new species. To do that you will need travel to other places,time to consider making your passion an adventure! Here are some tips for planning a "birding" vacation!

First, make sure everybody going on the vacation shares your love of birds or will have something that they enjoy as well. There are birding destinations that have things to do besides just birds. This is important as dragging along an unwilling partner to sit in the woods looking for birds will not only make them miserable but dampen your experience, leave them lounging by the swimming pool while you watch the birds. That way everybody will have a much better time!

Next you need to decide what sort of birds you want to see and how much effort (as well as expense) you want to endure. Don't go to Africa to look for Macaws, they are in South American jungles. Can these birds be easily observed by yourself or is a guide needed? Are the birds there year round or seasonal? Don't look for summer migrants in Canada during the winter. All of this information can be found using the internet, check out websites such as Audubon Society, BirdingPal.com, or FatBirders.com! These websites are provided for free and often by bird enthusiasts such as yourself. They are supported by birdwatching groups and free to use, some even have birding trips.

Now it is time to decide what you should take. Binoculars are a part of every birdwatchers gear, but a good camera with high optical zoom will help with those difficult to see markings and to share your birds with other birdwatchers when you get back home. Get a local guide book if possible, either off the Web before you go so you can see what to look for or at the destination, conservation societies frequently have them. Sunscreen is essential if looking for shore birds or in meadows and fields, probably not as important in the deep forest or swamps, but there you may need bug spray. Regular clothing is best and be aware that camouflage is illegal in some countries.

You've now decided who is going, where to go, when to go and what to take; you are almost ready for that birding vacation! Now check out a travel website to find out about other things to do for that non-birder, as well as the best places to stay. The flowers around a fancy resort will often attract as many birds as a cabin in the wilderness. A website such as TripAdvisor.com will have Insider Pages, Hotel Listings, Trip Reviews, and Forums where you can ask other birders about the need for guides and such (as well as bug spray). Now you are set.

The Birding Vacation is a great idea and a lot of fun. Following these tips, it can be even greater!

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