Going on a Bird Watching Tour

By Anna Price

A bird watching tour is a fantastic way of seeing unusual birds in their natural habitats all under the eye of a local guide. If you've never been on a bird watching or any other holiday tour then there are many great reasons to do so.

Travelling on your own can not only be lonely but it can also be unsafe in some parts of the world. By joining a specialist tour group you will meet like minded people and get the opportunity to visit places you may otherwise not have found by yourself.

An organised tour is also a good way of budgeting for your holiday. There is nothing worse than finding that you have run out of cash half way through a holiday but as you pay upfront for a tour and usually everything is included in the price such as park entrance fees you will not have that to worry about. A tour may also be cheaper than sorting out a holiday yourself as your operator can often get group discounts.

Your tour operator will also be able to help you sort out any difficulties you may encounter such as problems with accommodation, border checks or even unscrupulous taxi drivers. Your tour operator and guide will also have local knowledge and be able to advise you on the best places to eat and drink and visit if you want to spend any time away from the group. However, it is recommended that you spend as much time as possible with your party as the excursions that they lead you on will help make your holiday even more enjoyable.

Your local guide will have excellent knowledge of the local area and habitat of the indigenous birds and you it is likely that you will be taken to places where you will be able to spot rare species. Before you go buy a guide book and read up on the local flora and fauna. Make a checklist of the birds you would like to see and don't be afraid to ask your guide if he or she can help you find these birds. If you are travelling in a small group your operator may be able to customise your tour and will certainly try their best to accommodate your needs.

Take a good pair of binoculars, a digital camera and sketch pad. If you see a bird that you are unable to identify out in the field, make some notes and ask your fellow birders or your guide when you are back at the hotel.

Going on a bird watching tour is an extremely efficient way of seeing as many different species in a short a time as possible. You will be taken to locations at the best times of day to view different birds so you will not waste time waiting around or miss that all important rare sighting.

Choose a tour operator that is fully bonded and insured so if there are any problems you will be able to get home safely. However, do take out full adventure travel insurance and make sure you have any required jabs.

Bird watching tours operate in all four corners of the globe and with a bit of planning and research you could end up having the holiday of a lifetime. You can find a selection of bird watching tours at British Bird Lovers.