With more than 51 million self-described bird watchers in the United States, it's easy to see how birding has become this country's most popular outdoor activity. Although birding can be done in your own back yard, many people have begun traveling all over the country, and the world, in their quest to enjoy and understand birds. For this reason, special bird watching vacations are becoming very popular ways for birders to enjoy new birds as well as a bit of relaxation away from home.
Designing Your Own Bird Watching Vacations
Birds inhabit just about every part of our planet, but some places are better for bird watching vacations than others. Tropical locations, such as Costa Rica and Brazil, have the most diverse bird populations. Temperate climates also have significant bird populations, and places where trees and water meet, such as the Boundary Waters of North Minnesota or the Chesapeake Bay, are guaranteed to have large and interesting bird populations.
Although you can turn just about any trip into a bird watching vacation, many bird watchers are choosing to go on specially tailored trips that revolve around birding. Often, these trips are organized by outfitters, local birding organizations, or ecotourism agencies and can be booked through your hotel or travel agent. These trips range from the basic to the deluxe, but most will include a guide, transportation, any required permits, and accommodations.
Before you choose your bird watching vacation, take some time to think about your goals for the trip. Would you like an excursion that ensures you will view the maximum number of different species possible, or one that focuses more on the natural history of a few choice species? Many organized birding tours let you design you own trip, allowing you to consult species lists and trip descriptions before you decide.
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