Get Ready for Birding and Wildlife Watching Tours
What do you want to see?
By T. Edward Nickens
Many wildlife-watching trips are focused on a few particular animal species, or groups of animals, so you'll need to match your interests with the experience. My wife could watch whales every day, but wouldn't cross the street for a glimpse of a New Guinea king bird-of-paradise. Before sending in your deposit, make sure that all members in your group know what to expect.
Parrots in their natural environment
display fascinating behavior
Watching marine animals-whales, dolphins, manatees, seals-most often involves a thrilling ride on a Zodiac boat or small runabout. These are perfect trips for beginning wildlife watchers, because the action is awesome, and even during the slow periods there's always the fun of being on the water.
Birdwatching trips tend to draw a different kind of crowd. Be sure to ask your guide about the typical skill level. Birding attracts a wide range of participants, from folks who don't know a crow from a starling to experts who've memorized the songs of 400 species. The best way to learn is to surrounding yourself with skillful observers, but don't go in over your head.
Watching forest and desert animals such as wolves, bears, and kit foxes often takes patience, but the payoff is huge. You might spend a few hours in a ground blind, or slipping quietly through the woods, before ever seeing your quarry. But when you do, you'll never forget the thrill of matching wits with a wild creature on its own turf.
If you plan on bringing young children, discuss with your outfitter which trips are most appropriate. Kids are most excited with they can interact, not just view, birds and animals. Inquire about hands-on aspects-seining a stream for native fishes, or watching a falconer.
A Day in the Wild Life
Let's not beat around the bush country: Prime wildlife viewing hours for most species are the first few hours of daylight and the last few hours before sunset. Be prepared to rise early. Many wildlife watching trips rely on van transportation to ferry you from one prime viewing site to the next, so breakfast might take place at a spectacular overlook-after an easy hike to a prime sunrise spot. Since midday hours are frequently slower, educational offerings-slide talks, skills lessons-might be slated for lunchtime. And speaking of food, shop around. There are cushy birding trips where deep-woods lunches rival what you'd find in trendy Manhattan eateries. And there are more basic daytrips where you stuff your own lunch into a daypack and munch on the trail. Then it's back into the woods-or marsh, or jungle-for the prime hours of late afternoon.
Not all creatures demand a dawn patrol, of course. Hawkwatching, one of the most exciting wildlife-watching events, is frequently best during the middle of the day. And the action for nocturnal, or night-active, animals doesn't get going until after the sun goes down. Hook up with an owl prowl, and your day won't start until nighttime!
Article © T. Edward Nickens
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