How to Prepare Yourself for a Bird Watching Trip
If you are yet to experience a birdwatching trip, it’s something you have to prepare for. It’s not your ordinary trip. If you’re an avid fan of birds, you will most likely enjoy this experience. For first-timers, these are some tips to help you succeed in doing this trip.
Create a bird list
The first thing you need to do is to research the area. It helps if you already know what types of birds are available. You can print a bird list to use while you start the process. It works like a bingo card. You can check the box if you already found the bird that you’re looking for. You can also create a table that includes your description of the bird, and your experience after finding it.
Wear the right outfit
Prepare yourself for the possibility of going on the most uncomfortable trip. You might not like this experience if you’re after comfort and convenience. The locations are usually way too far from the town or city center. You also have to worry about getting wet or walking on a mud. Again, it helps if you research before you decide to visit the place. Otherwise, you will wear the wrong outfit and feel terrible.
Bring sunscreen with a high SPF count
Remember that you will be out there for several hours until you find what you’re looking for. Sometimes, it could take an entire day. If you’re heading to a tropical country, you need to bring sunscreen. Otherwise, it will be too hot and you might burn your skin.
Check the weather
Make sure you check the weather forecast before heading to the destination. If there’s a storm brewing up or any other whether disturbance, you might have to cancel your trip. Again, the location could in the middle of nowhere. It might be difficult to ask for help if you get stuck.
Invest in a quality birdwatching bag
Since you might have to travel to distant locations, and it involves long hikes, you need to bring a small bag. There are bags intended for birdwatching purposes. Even if it’s small, it can fit in everything you need. If you love taking photos, you should also have a secure location for your camera.
Join the club
While it’s a good idea to go on a trip by yourself, you might encounter lots of problems. It’s better if you join a club and travel with experts in birdwatching. They can help you in many ways. You can also ask them about some other ways to prepare for your first trip. It also feels good to travel with like-minded individuals.
Hopefully, you can make this trip happen. It won’t be easy, but you will enjoy the process. If you already successfully finished a birdwatching trip for the first time, the rest won’t be a problem. You can even invite your friends to discover the beauty of birdwatching. They might also enjoy this adventure.
Photo Attribution:
1st and featured image from https://www.toledoblade.com/image/2020/03/17/1140x_a10-7_cTC/Birding-crowds.jpg
2nd image from https://valenciabirding.com/2017/12/10/guided-bird-watching-trip-to-the-valencian-coastal-wetlands/
