Travel enables us to discover. It introduces us to new cultures, distant landscapes, and fresh experiences—and in doing so enables us to view the world in new light. Travel also offers us the opportunity to venture beyond the human landscape. With a touch of planning, we can explore the natural history of a place and learn more about the animals and wildlife that call it home.
So when you prepare for your next holiday, think about adding wildlife watching to your travel plans. Here's a few simple tips on how to do that:
Tip 1: Research and Prepare
Once you have a destination in mind, you can start to gather information about the animals and wildlife you can expect to encounter. I like to make lists of the species. I divide the list into general groups such as amphibians, birds, fishes, invertebrates, mammals, and reptiles that I might encounter. I then make note of common species, that way I know which animals I'm more likely to encounter.
Gather information about the climate (average temperatures, rainfall) and geography (maps showing soil, vegetation, and topography are always a great help). This helps to build a picture of the habitats of a place. Locate nature preserves or sanctuaries where you will be better able to locate and view native wildlife.
Here's a quick list of how to research and prepare for your trip:
- Make lists of species you can expect to see at your destination.
- Highlight the more common species, consider how seasons and migration might affect what you see.
- Gather maps that will tell you more about habitat (anything showing soil, vegetation, climate, and topography will be useful).
- Find out where an nature preserves or other protected areas are located
- Buy a pocket field guide that covers the area you intend to visit.
Tip 2: Explore and Enjoy
When you reach your destination and it comes time to set out in search of local wildlife, don't worry if you can't find a particular habitat or you fail to locate a rare bird. Enjoy the process of exploring. If you can't find the bird you wanted to see, then look closer at the plant life and habitats around you. There's much to take in when you travel, so be open to what's available.
When you venture out to explore, also be sure to dress for the weather. If it's likely to rain, toss a small unbrella in the daypack. If you're going to do a lot of walking, take a bottle of water and a small snack with you. If you have someone with you, distribute the weight between your backpacks. Consider paring-down the non-essentials.
When exploring:
- Don't pressure yourself to find all the species on your list.
- Dress for the weather.
- Take what you need to capture your memories (camera, binoculars, notebook).
- Be flexible and explore what's available to you.
Tip 3: Capture Memories and Document Discoveries.
I find it rewarding to jot down notes about the places I visit. I include information about the animals and wildlife I encounter, their behavior, the habitat, the weather conditions. I also like to make sketches of local wildlife and landscapes and take photos. Together, these things let me capture unique impressions of a place and its wildlife.
Consider the following methods of documenting your adventures:
- Take pictures.
- Jot down notes.
- Sketch what you see around you.
- Record bird calls and other sounds.
- Identify whatever wildlife you can.
Tip 4: Get Involved.
It's rewarding to get involved in protecting the species that you see when on holiday. When you return home, consider getting involved in some of the conservation efforts going on in the place you visited. For example, if you were able to see an endangered species, consider contributing to an organization that protects that species. If you visited a wildlife sanctuary, find out about the conservation efforts they sponsor.
Tip 5: Get Inspired and Explore Some More.
After a trip, it's easy to become hooked on wildlife exploration. You can direct that energy into the planning of your next excursion. Select destinations where you want to see unique wildlife or explore new landscapes. Use the planning process as a way to enjoy your trip before you take it!
