If you want to go exploring the world in unique ways, the best thing to do is to follow the wildlife. While many people may go on safari as a way to experience the majestic wonder of many aspects of wildlife, bird watching, or “twitching,” is another way to have an amazing, yet relaxing vacation.

While it may not seem super action packed, it’s a perfect way to explore the quietude, especially as you get older and want a more relaxing vacation. If you want to plan a bird watching vacation, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Bird Watching Vacations: How to Create the Ideal “Twitching Trip”

Bird Watching Vacation are all About Planning the Perfect Place and Time

The birding season will vary depending on your location. For example, in the United Kingdom, the birding season is during the spring, between February and August, which coincides with the beginning of the nesting season. There are a wide variety of places to go. You could head to the Cairngorms National Park in Scotland, which is home to the capercaillie, the largest species of grouse. There are many places around the UK that showcase amazing species.

The Lake District in the north of England, the Isle of Anglesey in North Wales, and the New Forest in the South of England are all home to a wide variety of species. If you’re trying to cast a wider net you can venture to heritage sites, but there are also many wilderness areas. In Costa Rica and Mexico, you can find birds pretty much everywhere, even in the biggest cities!

Bird Watching Planning – Choosing the Right Binoculars

If you’re going on a bird-watching vacation, you are going to need high-quality binoculars. There are some great cheap brands out there, as well as higher-end brands like Swarovski.

You should also think about the quality of your phone camera. You could get some amazing close-up shots of wonderful species of birds. For example, in Costa Rica, you could catch a scarlet macaw mid-flight!

Choosing Your Accommodation is Key

When you go traipsing around the United Kingdom, you could head to hotels such as the Wild Boar Hotel, which is home to a bird sanctuary but you could also opt for camping instead.

To check current rates for The Wild Boar click here. 

There are many national parks that arrange hiking trips through the forest, which is a wonderful way to get up close and personal, and when you wake up to a dawn chorus, there is nothing quite like it in the world!

Making the Most of the Entire Journey

For many people, it’s not just about bird watching, but about capturing a glimpse of other aspects of wildlife. For example, you could venture to Alaska and not just see moose, but also bald eagles and other amazing species that will make it more than worth your while.

You could also go on safari with a private vehicle and catch glimpses of parrots and lilac-breasted roller and the majestic eagle in the midst of the action.

Summary

A bird-watching holiday can be a very relaxing experience, but it can also be the perfect opportunity to create an amazing vacation full of memories. Hopefully, some of these will help you create the ideal twitching trip.

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