Travel Tips - For Birdwatchers

If you’re heading to sight some winged beauties, here are some things to keep in mind

A group of Ruddy Shell Duck in the Deepor Beel Bird Sanctuary, in the out skirts of Guwahati. Photo: Ritu Raj Konwar

The earlier, the better

Set out early on in the day. That’s the best time to sight birds. If not, wait till late evening.

Keep your eyes and ears open

Be aware of your surroundings. Notice what’s happening around you, and take in the experience.

Guided trip or individual effort?

Ideally, take a guide along. If not, jot down what you observe (beak colour, tail colour, etc) in a note book or take photographs. Once back at camp, check with your field guide to identify what you saw.

Remember

* To take along a pair of binoculars, a field guide and a map of the area

* The best season to sight birds is between November and March.

* Enhancing your knowledge of birds is a great idea, but never forget you go bird-watching to delight in the joy of watching birds take off, glide and swoop.

Avoid

Going in a large group. You’ll scare the birds away

Loud conversations

Wearing bright-coloured garments. Stick to earthy tones.

(Source: Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON), Anaikatty)