Peru bird watching is one of the greatest things a bird watching hobbyist could ever experience. This is because the place provides a great background not only on magnificent bird life but can also present to you a landscape gifted with almost everything the nature has to offer.
Next to Colombia, Peru is the next country that has the largest variety of bird species available. Because of its unique topography and strategic geography, Peru offers a great habitat for so many birds in almost all parts of the world.
Studies show that there is almost 2000 bird species existing in Peru. Ornithologists—people who conduct scientific study on the life of wild and domestic birds. Investigate and record their anatomy, behavior, evolutionary development, ecology, classification, and species distribution—say that almost 19 percent of all the bird species in the world and almost 50 percent of neo-tropical birds can be found in Peru. The country also offers virgin forests that are perfect habitat for rare species of birds as well as animals.
The best places for Peru bird watching
Knowing how rich the variety of birds present in the country, no bird watching hobbyist can resist visiting the country. But before packing your bags and your binoculars, it is a must that you conduct a brief research first about the country so you can maximize your stay there. In your research, you should include the list of things that you need and the best places to conduct the activity. Here are some of the best places for Peru bird watching:
1. The Paracas National Reserve. This is considered as one of the most spectacular and convenient places to go bird watching in Peru. Located at Lima, this preserve in Paracas can be reached after almost 4 hours. The common birds that can be seen in the area include the Humboldt Current, the Pisco, Dark-faced Ground Tyrant, Peruvian Thick-knee, and Tawny-throated Dotterel.
2. The Lomas de Lachay National Reserve. You can reach this place if you traveling almost 100 kms. north of capital city—Lima. If you are into daytime bird watching, this is the ideal place for you because the place can only accommodate a small number of people. Although it is quite far, the trip will worth it because you will find rare species of Thick-billed Miner and Yellow-finches.
3. The Marcapomacocha. This area is almost five hours away from the capital city. But, the trip will really delight hardcore bird watchers because the place offers the view of some of the world's most rare bird species including different breeds of Andean species, Sandpipers, the beautiful White-bellied Cinclodes, and black-breasted Hillstar that is really popular in the country.
You can also enjoy the off road views in the Giant Coot located in the lake of Marcapomacocha, the Lake Junin, the Huánuco, and the Carpish range. (TIP: Make sure that you bring lots of water when you go to these places because the weather can be so hot and cause you dehydration.)
4. The Huascarán Biosphere Reserv. Located at Huaráz in central Andes, the reserve can be reached after almost 10 hours of driving. Before reaching the place where you can find the rare White-cheeked Cotinga, different kinds of finches, and Andean Condors, you will pass through breathtaking mountain ranges and lakes.
5. The Chiclayo-Cajamarca Circuit. Peru bird watching can never be complete without visiting this establishment because you can see the most legendary and rare species of birds that can only be seen in Peru including the buff-bridled inca finch, long-whiskered owlet, marañon crescent-chest, and the marvellous spatule-tail.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Techniques of Bird Watching
Now a day, large numbers of people from all over the world are involving in bird watching. Thousands of bird species are found in all over the world. People usually attract to the birds, as they don’t hurt to anyone, they are colorful, lively and interesting to listen. Over 1200 species of birds are found only in India. This is really an interesting work to do, as this activity doesn’t demand a lot of equipment. For bird watching, you must have only a pair of good binoculars and a field guide that may help you in identify the birds.
First of all try to observe birds in forest. There are two least methods to approach.
1. Whenever see any bird, walk along slowly and quietly, before the bird sense your presence.
2. Second method of watching the bird is to sit and wait patiently in a concealed position for birds to appear.
How to start Bird Watching
First of all it is better to know about the birds. You must have some knowledge about the birds and their species. It will help you during your tour to recognize the birds. It is very difficult to catch the birds as they disappear very quickly whenever they hear any sound around them. There are some tips, which I want to share with you which will help you during your bird watching tour.
The best way to start your bird watching tour with a person who knows better about birds and their species, as he can help you by providing the information about the bird.
If you don’t have any friend or person who is familiar with birds then don’t worry there are many good bookshops having a selection of books, magazines and tapes on bird watching. These can help you out.
If you can explore on net then you can also have lots of information about the birds and their species. Learn to identify common local species using your field guide.
Choosing a Bird Guide
Try to choose a good bird guide, which can provide exact knowledge about the birds. The guide includes information about habitats, maps showing range of different birds. It must also provide the knowledge about the birds that where and when they migrate and what their song or call sounds like. These guides also give information about the various birding sites. Bird guides will be useful to provide the knowledge about the water birds, birds of prey, and perching birds.
Checklist
A list of birds in any one particular area is called a Checklist. This checklist is found in most of the national parks and bird sanctuaries. These checklists tell about the bird species, which is found in that particular area. This is also very helpful resource to know about the birds and their species. Some of the websites on net also provide this type of checklists.
Equipment for Bird Watching
It is better to bring your binoculars with you to watch the birds from very close. Bird watching is not a simple game. Sometimes it is possible that you will walk for a long time and you will not see a single bird. And sometimes, unexpectedly you will see hundreds of birds. You should also put a cassette recorder with you which will be helpful to record the voice of the birds. If you have any pre-recorded cassette of bird voice with you then it may help you to attract the birds.
Clothing during Bird Watching
Whenever you go for Bird Watching, you must wear light in weight and dark in color clothes. Wear a hat of similar color so that your head is not so obvious when looking at a bird. Try to wear long trousers for some protection against thorns, insects, leeches and snakes. Jungle boots are ideal for protection and they can dry quickly after getting wet.
Birding Ethics
Ø During bird watching, you must be quiet, avoid harassment and don't disturb the birds.
Ø You must be little bit of extra careful during the breeding season of the birds as it may disturb them.
Ø First of all do not handle eggs or young birds in your hand and if you do this don’t do it too long at nests.
Ø Try to follow all the rules of every national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
Ø Try not to go in large groups for bird watching. If you have a large group then divide larger groups of people into smaller.
Don’t leave any garbage or trash behind you, as if any bird eats it then it may be harmful.
To know more about Bird Watching in India, click Bird Watching in India
Imran
Friday, October 24, 2008
Prince Edward Island - A Must for Bird Watching Enthusiasts
The Prince Edward Island holds the same name as the Canadian province where it is located. The national park is a haven for many bird species and a delight for bird watching enthusiasts.
Such natural beauty this place has that birds and people flock around to enjoy what the site has in store for its visitor. The rolling hills, untouched forests, ocean coves and its red soil is what make this place stand out for its beauty. You could only wonder in amazement that such place exists.
Prince Edward Island, the Province
Its government is now trying to enact laws to be able to preserve the place and prevent further damage from happening in the area which was brought about by the lack of zoning and planning for land use within the province that has resulted to some unpleasant aesthetic development in recent times.
Did you know that the author of the classic novel entitled "Anne of Green Gables," Lucy Maud Montgomery, got her inspiration for the settings and backgrounds of the story from the Prince Edward Island? It was done during the Victorian era. What was envisioned in the book can still be felt now. This island seems to be waiting for artists to draw their inspiration from its captivating beauty. Not only that, the place is now a favorite for tourists for relaxation activities like going to the beaches, golfing, eco-tourism experience, while enjoying all the sights and seeing on the cultural events within its local communities.
The slow-paced kind of life in the place rural areas is really what draws in more tourists as they can enjoy their vacation and truly relax in the process. This factor gives the impression of something like an old world flavor for most of the tourists that frequent it.
Most communities in the rural areas of the Prince Edward Island get their living through small-scale type of agriculture. The reason for this is that the size of the farm areas in the vicinity is indeed small especially if you compare it to the other areas in Canada. Although today, industrial farming is slowly being adopted in the area as the old farms become consolidated and likewise modernized.
The Coast of Prince Edward Island
This is the frequent stop of bird watchers in the area. The island's coastline has long beaches, dunes and cliffs made out of sandstones. Rolling hills can be found along its landscape. And it has a lot of bays and also harbors.
The islanders take their responsibility as guardians of the precious nature surrounding them. They only give back for whatever the place has also bestowed them through agriculture, abundant fisheries and, of course, tourism.
There are said to be about 333 kinds of birds that can be found in the area. There is really something for everyone to enjoy here. The bird watchers will have a feast with what's in store for them at this paradise.
Bird watching is only one of the many things that a tourist can enjoy at the Prince Edward Island. It is really a must-see place to experience such oneness with nature. Don't forget your binoculars and a heart set out for nature once you've had the chance to check it out.
Such natural beauty this place has that birds and people flock around to enjoy what the site has in store for its visitor. The rolling hills, untouched forests, ocean coves and its red soil is what make this place stand out for its beauty. You could only wonder in amazement that such place exists.
Prince Edward Island, the Province
Its government is now trying to enact laws to be able to preserve the place and prevent further damage from happening in the area which was brought about by the lack of zoning and planning for land use within the province that has resulted to some unpleasant aesthetic development in recent times.
Did you know that the author of the classic novel entitled "Anne of Green Gables," Lucy Maud Montgomery, got her inspiration for the settings and backgrounds of the story from the Prince Edward Island? It was done during the Victorian era. What was envisioned in the book can still be felt now. This island seems to be waiting for artists to draw their inspiration from its captivating beauty. Not only that, the place is now a favorite for tourists for relaxation activities like going to the beaches, golfing, eco-tourism experience, while enjoying all the sights and seeing on the cultural events within its local communities.
The slow-paced kind of life in the place rural areas is really what draws in more tourists as they can enjoy their vacation and truly relax in the process. This factor gives the impression of something like an old world flavor for most of the tourists that frequent it.
Most communities in the rural areas of the Prince Edward Island get their living through small-scale type of agriculture. The reason for this is that the size of the farm areas in the vicinity is indeed small especially if you compare it to the other areas in Canada. Although today, industrial farming is slowly being adopted in the area as the old farms become consolidated and likewise modernized.
The Coast of Prince Edward Island
This is the frequent stop of bird watchers in the area. The island's coastline has long beaches, dunes and cliffs made out of sandstones. Rolling hills can be found along its landscape. And it has a lot of bays and also harbors.
The islanders take their responsibility as guardians of the precious nature surrounding them. They only give back for whatever the place has also bestowed them through agriculture, abundant fisheries and, of course, tourism.
There are said to be about 333 kinds of birds that can be found in the area. There is really something for everyone to enjoy here. The bird watchers will have a feast with what's in store for them at this paradise.
Bird watching is only one of the many things that a tourist can enjoy at the Prince Edward Island. It is really a must-see place to experience such oneness with nature. Don't forget your binoculars and a heart set out for nature once you've had the chance to check it out.
This Winter, Provide Water For The Birds
Even the most novice bird watcher places a bird feeder out in winter, what strikes me, is the number of experienced bird watchers who do not provide water for the birds during winter.
The energy expanded looking for a fresh water source could be better used for staying well and surviving the winter.
All wildlife needs water, Summer or Winter.
Birds, like humans, need water all year. By investing in a heated bird bath or by adding a bird bath heater to your existing bird bath, you'll be providing the greatest resource birds need in order to survive.
Bird bath heaters are usually available wherever bird feeding supplies are offered. Check local hardware stores, large discount stores, and online.
Heated bird baths are most commonly found on-line. These are complete bird baths with the heater built into the bath.
When using either of these types, make sure your power source is safe. If you are unsure, hire an electrician to check it out or to install a GFCI outlet on the outside of your house. These types of outlets provide saftey for outdoor bird baths and any other electrical tools used in the yard.
Place your heated bird bath near your feeders for easier viewing. Even birds that don't normally visit your feeders will visit your bird bath. All backyard birds need water. Also, when placing your bath, make sure there is cover for the birds. Water on the feathers make birds easy targets for prey.
Do not place the bird bath too close to cover, otherwise cats can hide and attack the birds more easily, a few yards will be adequate.
The recommended type of bird bath, is the pedestal style. These give the birds more security by being 2 or more feet above ground. This height allows birds to view their surroundings and any would be predators. Any bird bath can be used.
By providing water for birds this winter, you'll not only be providing a service to our winter birds, but you'll have a greater diversity of birds and more of them to watch. And...
Isn't that what makes bird watching so much fun
Wild-bird-watching.com
Friday, October 17, 2008
California - A Haven for Bird Watching
Bird watchers should not be mistaken for ornithologists because the latter are into the scientific study of the bird species while the former do such with mere observation through the eyes. Bird watching is a popular hobby in California because the place has many sites wherein you could enjoy such.
Birder's Delight
This is how enthusiasts claim California to be. The place's almost perfect nature, with the palm trees or pine trees surrounding it, the tundra foliage at over 14,000 feet at the peak of the Sierras, and deep down 282 feet that is below sea level, Death Valley has its cactuses.
Such scenario makes the place one happy habitat for birds and one must-see destination for bird watchers.
Species Variety
California is a habitat for about 600 species of birds. With such variety, a person who loves this activity will never be bored in this place. And while you're out there looking for the birds and waiting to observe the many different kinds of it, California offers such scenic spots that would make you feel at one with nature.
No wonder how the birds flock over to this spot. The place really is a natural habitat that people must also feel responsible keeping it the way it is, respecting every creature even the birds.
As an enthusiast, you have plenty of spots to choose from when in California to see those birds while feasting your eyes with the beauty of your surroundings.
King Range National Conservation Area
This is located in San Francisco and home to an array of natural habitats such as an estuary, the evergreen forest, the riparian spots along the streams of freshwater, a captivating coastal prairie among others. At this place, you'll find bird species like the woodpeckers, swifts, hummingbirds, even ducks and geese, pelican, terns, loons. And this is just few of the long list of the different birds habituating the area.
Bodega Bay
This is located in the Sonoma County. You'll mostly find sandpipers and also terns in August, and September and October are hectic months for bird watchers because this is the time when the migrants arrive in the area, both the shorebirds and those that are on land.
Sierra Mountains
This can be found in between California and Nevada. Such mountainous vicinity is home to many bird varieties like the American Pipits, the Western Bluebirds, Palm Warblers, chats, vireos, Indigo Buntings. And this list is only a few of the many kinds of birds that one will be able to find here making this a birder's favorite.
Big Morongo Canyon Preserve
Located in San Bernardino County, the greenery surrounding the spot really is the key why some 266 native kinds of birds flock around and have been recorded on the area. The place has rich vegetation and is being surrounded with desert slopes. The reason for that is because it is situated between two deserts, Mojave and the Sonoran.
The list for hot spots for those who are into bird watching in California is long and you have a wide array to choose from. The Web is a vast resource of information if you'd still want to know more about some more places, even where to go about it and the list of bird species that you can find in it.
Birder's Delight
This is how enthusiasts claim California to be. The place's almost perfect nature, with the palm trees or pine trees surrounding it, the tundra foliage at over 14,000 feet at the peak of the Sierras, and deep down 282 feet that is below sea level, Death Valley has its cactuses.
Such scenario makes the place one happy habitat for birds and one must-see destination for bird watchers.
Species Variety
California is a habitat for about 600 species of birds. With such variety, a person who loves this activity will never be bored in this place. And while you're out there looking for the birds and waiting to observe the many different kinds of it, California offers such scenic spots that would make you feel at one with nature.
No wonder how the birds flock over to this spot. The place really is a natural habitat that people must also feel responsible keeping it the way it is, respecting every creature even the birds.
As an enthusiast, you have plenty of spots to choose from when in California to see those birds while feasting your eyes with the beauty of your surroundings.
King Range National Conservation Area
This is located in San Francisco and home to an array of natural habitats such as an estuary, the evergreen forest, the riparian spots along the streams of freshwater, a captivating coastal prairie among others. At this place, you'll find bird species like the woodpeckers, swifts, hummingbirds, even ducks and geese, pelican, terns, loons. And this is just few of the long list of the different birds habituating the area.
Bodega Bay
This is located in the Sonoma County. You'll mostly find sandpipers and also terns in August, and September and October are hectic months for bird watchers because this is the time when the migrants arrive in the area, both the shorebirds and those that are on land.
Sierra Mountains
This can be found in between California and Nevada. Such mountainous vicinity is home to many bird varieties like the American Pipits, the Western Bluebirds, Palm Warblers, chats, vireos, Indigo Buntings. And this list is only a few of the many kinds of birds that one will be able to find here making this a birder's favorite.
Big Morongo Canyon Preserve
Located in San Bernardino County, the greenery surrounding the spot really is the key why some 266 native kinds of birds flock around and have been recorded on the area. The place has rich vegetation and is being surrounded with desert slopes. The reason for that is because it is situated between two deserts, Mojave and the Sonoran.
The list for hot spots for those who are into bird watching in California is long and you have a wide array to choose from. The Web is a vast resource of information if you'd still want to know more about some more places, even where to go about it and the list of bird species that you can find in it.
Basic Bird Watching Apparel - The Must-Haves
In anything you do, it is better if you are geared up for an activity before it even starts so that you'll be able to give your best once you are into it. Same is true when it comes to bird watching.
Which One?
Are you are birdwatcher or a birder? The birdwatchers do such activity for fun. They are fond of the birds but they also want to enjoy the sights. They do their observation even without the help of any kit but, of course, they won't say no to a binocular but doesn't really mind its class or type. They are doing the activity to relax. And they can do such wherever they please, including at their own backyards.
The birders are serious about the activity. They don't merely want to observe, they want to learn and share that knowledge for the world to know. They study each and every movement of each and every species of the birds they encounter. They would go the extra mile to seek out new territories, to find out new kinds of birds and to study such further.
Between the two types of bird watching enthusiast, birders require the more apparel to them because of their purpose for doing the act. Those things that the birders need to have can also be used by the birdwatchers but they aren't really particular about such stuff.
Geared Up
The basic needs of a person involved in this activity are, of course, the binoculars, spotting scope would also be helpful especially the kind with tripod, notepad wherein to keep their journal and field guides.
The binoculars become so popular with bird watching activity that manufacturers even came up with the type that is intended only for this action. This tool helps one see the birds clearly. Although the good ones cost more than the simpler versions, it is advisable to invest on such especially if you are doing this activity with such passion and you feel the need to know more and more about the birds that you are observing or have already seen.
Purchasing a spotting scope with a tripod is like declaring the passion to a different level. Now, you're proving to be more serious about what you're doing and that you want to see more clearly than what the binoculars can do. Spotting scopes are actually telescopes, this is why its view can reach father. This type is mounted on a tripod for the user's easy navigation.
The field guides can be useful for someone who's into the activity to know where to go, to ascertain where to look and to help them easily locate what they are looking for. They can keep as many depending on where they have been or where they plan to go.
A notepad is also a bird watcher's best friend. They can document on it, jot down their observation, list down the things that are bogging them and note what they what to find out in future research.
As days go by, the bird watching apparel available in the market becomes more and more complicated but likewise helpful for the enthusiasts. It is advisable to invest on good quality even though the cost is higher because in the long run, you'll benefit more from such because it will last longer.
Which One?
Are you are birdwatcher or a birder? The birdwatchers do such activity for fun. They are fond of the birds but they also want to enjoy the sights. They do their observation even without the help of any kit but, of course, they won't say no to a binocular but doesn't really mind its class or type. They are doing the activity to relax. And they can do such wherever they please, including at their own backyards.
The birders are serious about the activity. They don't merely want to observe, they want to learn and share that knowledge for the world to know. They study each and every movement of each and every species of the birds they encounter. They would go the extra mile to seek out new territories, to find out new kinds of birds and to study such further.
Between the two types of bird watching enthusiast, birders require the more apparel to them because of their purpose for doing the act. Those things that the birders need to have can also be used by the birdwatchers but they aren't really particular about such stuff.
Geared Up
The basic needs of a person involved in this activity are, of course, the binoculars, spotting scope would also be helpful especially the kind with tripod, notepad wherein to keep their journal and field guides.
The binoculars become so popular with bird watching activity that manufacturers even came up with the type that is intended only for this action. This tool helps one see the birds clearly. Although the good ones cost more than the simpler versions, it is advisable to invest on such especially if you are doing this activity with such passion and you feel the need to know more and more about the birds that you are observing or have already seen.
Purchasing a spotting scope with a tripod is like declaring the passion to a different level. Now, you're proving to be more serious about what you're doing and that you want to see more clearly than what the binoculars can do. Spotting scopes are actually telescopes, this is why its view can reach father. This type is mounted on a tripod for the user's easy navigation.
The field guides can be useful for someone who's into the activity to know where to go, to ascertain where to look and to help them easily locate what they are looking for. They can keep as many depending on where they have been or where they plan to go.
A notepad is also a bird watcher's best friend. They can document on it, jot down their observation, list down the things that are bogging them and note what they what to find out in future research.
As days go by, the bird watching apparel available in the market becomes more and more complicated but likewise helpful for the enthusiasts. It is advisable to invest on good quality even though the cost is higher because in the long run, you'll benefit more from such because it will last longer.
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