bird watching
Sian Ka’an: Birding in Mexico
November 1, 2011
Sian Ka’an is one of the most wished for destinations when it comes to birding and it is one of the best bird watching sites among birding communities. This place is a picturesque protected area which sits on the Riviera Maya close to Tulum Mexico has plenty to offer like the ancient Mayan ruins, rich flora and fauna and a lot more.
Sian Ka’an means “Where the sky is born”, and its name was given by the ancient Maya. This area of the Yucatan Peninsula features mainly flat landscape having limestone bedrock and hardly any real elevation.
One can hardly find any surface rivers in this location but the sandy soild as well as the limestone bedrock make it possible for the rainfall to filter through and be contained under the ground. This underground aquifer expands not only beneath the Sian Ka’an grounds, however below the entire peninsula.
When it is rainy season such as from May to October, this nature reserve gets to be flooded with water turning wetland areas into small lakes which contain natural rich soil.
The Sian Ka’an is a UNESCO World Heritage nature reserve and the habitats found here are protected by the Mexican government; this reserve consists of lowland forests, lagoons, hummocks, mangroves as well as barrier reef These various habitats are home to more than 350 species of aquatic as well as terrestrial birds and are paradise for the bird watching lover.
Don’t miss the experience, go and grab your birding equipment. The carefully guided birding tour to Sian Ka’an will provide you the opportunity to witness with your own eyes most of the rarest avian species, plus some birds which you cannot see somewhere else anywhere! A total list of all birds endemic to the Yucatan peninsula could be seen here: Birding Sian Ka’an
A few of the rare birds which you can see in Sian Ka’an are the Yucatan Woodpecker, the Yellow fronted parrot. More than 40 of the bird species you are able to see in Yucatan are endemic and vacationers from around the globe come here to view them.
In the event that you’re a bird watching fanatic and would really like to go to the Sian Ka’an biosphere reserve, then book your trip ahead of time. Due to the fact that this place is a protected reserve, tourists are only allowed to visit if they are in an organized tour, where the guides will do anything possible in order to safeguard the natural habitat and to make sure that the plants and creatures species don’t suffer from the presence of people.
Birds dwell in every single are of the nature reserve but one very interesting place to visit is the lagoon of San Miguel with its “Bird Island”. This is an awesome spot where by countless tropical birds get to roost and also raise their young. In this nature reserve, you can find Herons, White Ibis, Frigates, Pelicans and many other species in significant numbers.
A few of the birds in Sian Ka’an nature reserve are harder to see compared to others; if you’re looking for an uncommon bird, you can inform your guide that you want to see this certain bird specie, and they’ll do their very best to get you to a location where you are almost certainly to see it.
Bird watching is one recreational activity that is interesting and relaxing. When you desire to see countless species of birds as you can, in that case head to Sian Ka’an – we are confident that you’ll leave satisfied and also eager for your next visit to this gorgeous and also charming place!
Birders will enjoy the Travel Articles at the 2Adventuretravel.com travel community. Wanna go birding in Sian Ka’an yourself? Check out the Yucatan Birding Tour.
Bird Watching Basics
September 29, 2011
Birding which is more popularly known as bird watching has always been a favorite outdoor activity. Bird watching is really a misnomer inasmuch as it not just about watching birds but also involves the auditory senses. Together with gardening, birding is the most popular outdoor recreation in the United States. For many people bird watching is an opportunity to feel close to nature. They also enjoy the relaxation and peacefulness by watching birds. Given the chance, they are willing to take a long trip to have a look at a seldom seen bird. These birders are known as twitchers. Twitching is widely practiced in Britain and mainland Europe. Many birders are initiated into the activity from watching and then attracting birds outside their homes. Bird feeding can benefit birds and also provide great bird watching. You can attract a variety of interesting birds to your yard by selecting and offering the right kinds of food. The bird watcher can have his choice of bird foods ᾢ seeds, nectar and suet. Early morning is the best time for bird watching since many birds are then searching most actively for food.
As the birder regularly offers food, birds will keep coming back and he will soon recognize some regular customers. Once a person is hooked into bird watching, he will need binoculars, a notebook and field guides.
The bird book will identify the different birds and their characteristics. A field guide shows birds of just one country, or one region of a country, or one habitat.
Binoculars are described by two numbers: 8×32 for example. In the numbers 8×32, 8 indicates the binoculars’ magnification power. The second is the size in millimeters of the objective lens that can be found at the end of the binoculars. Usually 7 or 8 power will satisfy the requirement of a bird watcher.
The next step is to broaden your birding experience beyond your own backyard. Bird sanctuaries and national or state parks are excellent places to spend time bird watching. Birders everywhere always see to it that birds are kept out of harm’s way.
And don’t forget to join a local birding club. Birding groups are into activities like promoting field trips, organizing forums and information sharing, and environmental protection projects. Also visit your local library and check out books on birds and ornithology.
Join HRU for programs that focus on nurse training. An HRU seminar is a great educational investment for your nursing staff.
The Ideal Sites for Birding in the Yucatan
September 11, 2011
Did you know that birding is actually one of the famous activity in Yucatan that made travelers and bird lovers go bird watching. You don’t need to be an expert to have enjoyment from bird watching – no matter what your age is you will surely enjoy this activity.
No matter whether you are going to rest in your hammock with a fantastic book and binoculars or join one of several tours of which take you to spots where numerous birds nest, spending time to go birding can be an experience of a lifetime.
Bird Watching In Yucatan
In terms of Birding, Yucatan is without a doubt a destination to be. Countless of species of birds come to the wetlands and jungles during the migration periods. The number one bird reserve, Sian Ka’an, is noted to host countless migratory birds alone.
Having said that, it is not solely the migrating birds that comprise the whole diversity. There are actually over 546 species of birds who dwell in the areas in the Yucatan year round, eleven of which are native to the island (living only in Yucatan and no place else in the world). Most of these unique local species also carry the name of the region: the Yucatan wren, the Bright Red Yucatan parrot and the Yucatan night-jar.
Yucatan Birding Sites
When it comes to birding, Sian Ka’an Biosphere reserve, Celestun, Rio Lagartos and Isla Contoy comprises the top bird watching destinations.
Sian Ka’an Biosphere
Located a few miles south of Tulum Mexico, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere reserve is found 40 miles south of Playa Del Carmen. You will find a lot of small hotels within the shoreline, therefore hotels are simple to find throughout the year.
This mentioned reserve covers over 1.3 million acres of land, mangrove swamps, tropical forests, wetlands, lagoons and cenotes. It was created to provide protection to not only the native bird species, but also more than 1200 several other animal species like reptiles, insects and mammals.
You will find more than 360 bird species which live in in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere, as well as for nature lovers there are actually non-profit community birding tours. The groups could be big or small, with the smallest group to be created when at least a couple wish to take the tour. Ibises, vultures, herons as well as orioles are some of the birds which are easily found in the area.
Celestun
Celestun is simply 45 minutes drive away from Merida. It’s a small fishing village, nevertheless one can find some basic hotels where you can stay. On top of that, Eco Paraiso Xixim, a good looking 280-room Eco-resort is only six miles north of Celestun.
One of several bird species that could be encountered in this place is the pink flamingo, they are in great numbers from March to August. Many other birds, just like snowy egrets and herons can also be seen, specially when you take a tour with one of the fishing boats.
The Rio Lagartos Biosphere reserve
Five miles north of Valladolid, plus an hour away from Chichen Itza and on the Yucatan’s northern Caribbean coast you can find the Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve. Here you will discover pink flamingos in large colony – roughly 40,000 flamingos call this their haven. Together with the flamingos that dwell in the areas around Celestun, the reserve is home to around 90% of the world’s population of pink flamingos while in the winter time.
Isla Contoy
Isla Contoy is actually a national park which sits north of Isla Mujeres . It happens to be a bird sanctuary and one of several major sites for birding in Yucatan. There is certainly a limit on the number of visitors which are permitted to visit Isla Contoy in one day, hence if you’re eager about travelling to this place, always make sure you join an organized trip where all preparations are made for you.
The avian species you can see on Isla Contoy are generally marine birds, including the the frigate, double-crested cormorant, and brown pelican. You could also find birds which are nesting on this tropical isle.
Linda Patterson is a birding enthusiast from the USA. She has advised birders from all over the world showing the most amazing birds watching spots. The original article can be found at The Best Spots for Birding in the Yucatan
South New Jersey’s Winged Migration And Other Natural Wonders
September 5, 2011
New Jersey calls itself the Garden State, which elicits smirks from those who only know its overdeveloped, industrial northeastern corridor. In fact, though, there’s a wealth of natural beauty and eco-tourism opportunity in the state, beginning with a leg of the legendary Appalachian Trial in the north and ending at the white sand beaches and bird sanctuaries of the Cape May area at its southern border.
The peninsula is bounded by the Delaware Bay to the west, the Atlantic to the east. Its nature sanctuaries, like the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge, are home to more than 400 bird species, temporarily at least, during migrations up and down the Eastern Seaboard.
Even as man continues to encroach on nature nearby, the refuge is a safe haven of 11,000 acres; its area includes beach, grasslands, forests and wetlands. It seeks donations to reach a goal of doubling in size over time.
The end of September brings one of the year’s natural extravaganzas. The annual Monarch butterfly migration down the East Coast, on the way to Mexico. The refuge is alive with the flutter of orange-and-black wings, the cedars are a cluster of resting Monarchs. It’s an awe-inspiring sight, and one that repeats itself year after year because the Monarchs always choose to fly over the Cape May area to avoid being over open water.
If somehow nature palls, there are plenty of other things to do and see in Cape May. In summer, the sugary soft beaches are crowded. The town offers many diversions–a host of restaurants, B&Bs, interesting shops. You can stroll the boardwalk, bike or take a carriage ride along the quiet residential streets. All year ’round, there are festivals, music and theatrical events, plus other special happenings. One thing you won’t find in natural Cape May, though: chain stores.
Here’s your source for the latest news, best tips and in-depth reviews about other ecotourism and green travel? Plus, we’ll even share the travel pro’s airfare deals and travel secrets to get you there!
What Kind Of Bird Was That?
August 23, 2011
Building and decorating a bird house is something that parents and kids can do together. It is relatively cheap and can provide hours of entertainment even after the project is completed. Finches fly in a more exaggerated roller coaster pattern while woodpeckers fly in a more moderate rise and fall pattern. Then there are birds like Sharp-shinned Hawks, Cooper’s Hawks, and Northern Goshawks that make several wing flaps which are followed by a long glide, whereas a Red Tailed Hawk can usually be seen soaring.
Here is a feature that is often overlooked: bird-proof door locks. You should get a cage that your bird can’t escape from. Just think about what would happen if your bird escaped & was free the entire day while you’re out!
But on the other hand, a carefully cared for, high quality powder-coated bird cage can last 10+ years. So what makes a cage simple to clean?
You may find that perhaps only a few species actually inhabit that particular area. With a little preparation, you will be able to more readily identify bird species from each other. Keep a list of successfully viewed species – we’ll call this tip number two and a half.
What kind of bird was that?
This is what you normally ask yourself or your partner when you see an odd bird perched around in one of those trees.
It is fascinating to see birds around you chirping and enjoying the bounties of nature or even the city life. What is even more fascinating though is when you see a bird you have not seen before.
Have you ever seen a bird that seems different from the rest? Normally we give these unknown birds a name – odd birds. These odd birds are either an un-named breed by the taxonomists or a foreigner to a certain area.
Bird watching is one of the most calming and peaceful hobbies available. Just sit down in a good spot and have your kit in hand. For the novice, you might want to consider taking along a good picture book of the common birds in your area so you will not tag a named bird as odd.
If you suspect that the bird you saw is odd, take a picture of it and research. Look for it in books and bird websites. It just may be that the bird is just visiting your area but is not really going to stay there for long. The top two ways to give your bird stimulation on a daily basis are: toy hooks & playtops. There’s no need to explain why toy hooks are stimulating, they just are!
If you desire the look of antiques without the price tag, reproductions are also available. Replica antique bird cages often maintain the look and style of the original, but at a fraction of the cost.
Perhaps many people think that owning a bird is reserved for the wild at heart or certainly for those living in a tropical climate.
Just where to hang the feeders? In general, it is good to hang these feeders in any part of the garden where there is no direct exposure to sunlight and where the wind will not be able to shake the feeder. Additionally, binoculars with built-in digital cameras enable you to identify birds once you get home. These benefits will definitely enhance your bird watching. A great pair of binoculars will turn a mediocre experience into a great one. You can count on it!
If you still have difficulty in looking for that specific bird share the picture to an ornithologist or someone more knowledgeable in that field. It will be a great contribution to science if this bird is still un-named and you found that bird and were able to take note of it.
Another help you can add is if the bird is used as a bio-indicator and might lead scientists to know if there is something new or different in the environment. An example of this are some shrike species that indicate presence of pollution. So share your knowledge and learn from it too. Remember to note where you saw it, the sound of chirps that you heard, the colors, the form of the beak, the feet, feathers, wing span (approximately), length, tail, and its characteristics (like if its moves around from branch to branch or if its very noisy).
No matter how odd or different looking the bird you saw is, just be glad it showed itself to you. Settle down and don’t be too excited because you might scare this odd bird away and you may not be able to finish looking at its features.
Enjoy bird watching and be one with nature. How do bird watchers strive to entice birds to their yards? Find out at http://www.bird-watch.info
This is a tricky dilemma when shopping for a bird cage, but here is the general rule of thumb; the bigger the better, as long as the bar spacing isn’t too wide. So what is too wide of a bar spacing? If you’re looking at a quality cage it will be constructed of steel (powder-coated ones should have steel underneath the powder-coat and stainless steel cages need to be 100% stainless steel, not plated or hollow) or iron.
One great resource in looking for cheap bird cages is the internet. Amazon often offers bird cages at significant discounts. This website also offers customer reviews of different products. This can be a helpful tool if you are still in the decision-making phase of your cage search.
The birds tail will not touch either the back or the bottom of the cage while sitting on the perch. If you are a new bird watcher, we urge you to joing a bird watching forum.
Just like people, birds get hot and thirsty. Especially during the blistering summer months, your favorite flying friends may be roasting in their feathers. Help out your local birds and provide them with a shady spot to splash, play, bathe, and drink–a bird bath!
If you found this article interesting why don’t you visit and read Leland Polik’s other articles on his website the latest being on Football History and Rules, and 4 Football Dribbling Techniques.
Part 1 – Creatures of the Everglades
August 21, 2011
In 1773 British surveyor John Gerard de Brahm was mapping the coast of Florida. In using the maps laid out by the Spanish cartographers a few centuries before him, he found the area they referred to as Laguna del Espiritu Santo or Lake of the Holy Spirit. The Spanish called it as such because they knew there was water there, they just couldn’t see it. Brahm mistook the translation as meaning river and called the area River Glades. By 1823 maps of the region had been copied with yet another mistake in translation and referred to the wetlands as the Everglades.
The Florida Everglades are a subtropical wetland consisting of no less than six different ecosystems. The mere geography of the region, combined with differing weather flows from varied sources makes the Everglades a decidedly diverse place. There are many resulting factors from the uniqueness of the Everglades, and one of them is the existence of several species of flora and fauna which can only be naturally found in this singular place on earth.
The Florida Panther is both endemic to Florida and an endangered subspecies of the cougar. This beautiful and rare cat is born with blue eyes and a spotted coat to aid in camouflage. As the cub grows the eyes become a deep yellow and the coat changes to a rich tan colour. Their underbelly will remain white, but black tips will appear on the tail and ears. One of the most defining characteristics of the Florida Panther is its inability to roar. Every other subspecies of the cougar is able to make some sort of defensive, deep, guttural projection of noise. Florida Panther can only growl, whistle, chirp or purr. The only predators to this beautiful creature are alligators and humans.
The second creature on our list of species endemic to the Florida Everglades is the Florida Black Bear. A subspecies of the American Black Bear, the Floridian cousin is known to roam through most of southern Florida as well as Alabama and Georgia simply due to infringement on their habitat. The Florida Black Bear prefers a forested home, either wetland or upland. Those living in the southern portion of the Everglades are the only subspecies to live in a subtropical climate – quite a feat considering their coat. The Florida Black Bear are large, stocky, covered with shiny black fur and have a short tail. There are many members of the subspecies who have developed a white chest patch, but it is not common throughout the population. The most prolific source of mortality for the Florida Black Bear is interference with motor vehicle traffic.
Theses are just two creatures that make the Florida Everglades their home. They are powerful, unusual and dwindling animals that deserve respect. While the Everglades is certainly an ecological wonder, visit it carefully and with awareness of the creatures living there.
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Part 2 – Creatures of the Everglades
August 20, 2011
In part one we learned of the distinctive characteristics found in the Florida Everglades, including the multiple ecosystems that make up the area. We also explored two endangered species endemic to the Everglades, the Florida Panther and the Florida Black Bear. Now we will look at a few other creatures found only in the Everglades.
The Snail Kite is neither a snail nor a kite, but it does fly. The Rostrhamus Sociabilis is a bird of prey that just happens to be of the same family as eagles, hawks and vultures. This particular predator is not especially colourful or unique. In fact it is distinctive for not being distinctive. The adult male is adorned with dark blue-grey feathers, while the females’ plumage is a lighter grey with thin white tips. The ladies have yellow legs, the gentlemen have red legs but the only female has a lovely white face. Their main source of food is the apple snails, which they locate through slow flight while looking down. Although the Snail Kite prefers freshwater wetlands where they roost for the winter, they have been known to take short trips south to South America.
Switching from fauna to flora, we will now explore the wonder of the mangroves. Contrary to common beliefs, mangroves are not a singular species of tree. They are a collection of various kinds of trees that prefer to grow in tropical and subtropical habitats where there is a great amount of water. However, it must be said the word mangrove has been used to describe a particular ecosystem, a forest, a swamp, or a family of plants or trees.
The mangroves existing in the Everglades are divided into three groups: Red Mangrove, White Mangrove and Black Mangrove. They are all highly sensitive to temperature, and will die in freezing conditions. The three groups of mangroves in the Everglades are categorized according to their proximity to water. The red grows closest to the water, but only open water, not streams. The black grows in moderate levels of water with prop roots. The white is the most fragile, grows closest to shore and also has prop roots.
Amid all those roots of the mangrove there are hundreds of species of fish, birds, crustaceans, reptiles, insects and so on. The roots provide a sheltered nursery for young fish. Wading birds can safely grow and mature in the mangroves without fear of predators finding them. Below the surface of the water the roots of the mangrove trees provide homes for anemones, corals, mussels, crabs and many more creatures. The Everglades are truly a treasure trove of flora and fauna.
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Bird Watching Tours In Mexico Affords You A Good Time
August 2, 2011
The huge Mexican bay area in the West of Mexico near Guadalajara is the a compelling location for bird watching. The Bahia de banderas, or the Bay of Flags, which is cut like a crescent out of Mexico’s Pacific Coast, is one of the best places for spotting migrating and endemic species. The coastal regions of the bay are relatively plain without the birds, except the few runnels and inlets at the river mouths. The Yelapa, Mismolaya, Boca de Tomatlan, and the rocky island of Marietas are some of the ideal locations for bird watching tours in Mexico.
More birds can be seen in the Yucatan Peninsula; on the Mexican East coast with town such as Chichen Itza, Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
The high mountains go down sharply to the edge of the waters from the north, a place referred to as San Blas, Nayarit, to the south, to a place referred to as Isthmus of Tehuantepec. The Bahia de Banderas is a part of this mountainous region, and reaches to the northeast direction. The valley somewhere between is referred to as the Valle de Banderas, this means the Valley of Flags. The high mountains all around the enclosed valley segregate Isthmus of Tehuantepec from the north and from the south.
The valley is not greatly large, covering an area at most 150 square miles. The place is flat lowland, specifically where the delta is found. This is one of many finest places for birding with the rich ecosystem located in the bordering forests. The significant beaches also are a well liked haunt of the migratory birds which move in through the winter months.
Other birders might prefer the calm breeze of the Carribean and choose to set off to the Riviera Maya. With plenty of hotels and cozy cabanas it attracts a great deal of tourists. Some of these miss out on the birding opportunities the Yucatan Peninsula provides.
Mexico also has many protected bird habitats in the East. The Yucatan Peninsula boasts the Mayan Riviera as well as Cozumel Island; both are great places to spot birds.
With that being said, Guatemala is a fantastic destination to dedicate the vacation birding.
From the Pink Flamingoes that make the coastal horizon bleed in the Mayan Riviera, to the small discreet birds hidden in the high canopies of trees in the deep Guatemalan jungle, you will never find shortage of birds to see.
You can go visit the Mayan temples, go to eco theme parks, go kayaking, snorkeling, climbing, hiking, and many more. If you’re a loyal birder, you can go to reserves and biospheres. There are protected bird sanctuaries, too, in the Yucatan Peninsula. That being said, you’ll definitely have a good time when you go on bird watching tours in Mexico.
To get good ideas of the possibilities for bird watching in the Yucatan Peninsula check Onejungle.com birding. They have great birding information and offer the best birding tours in Mexico.
Learn Online How To Select The Right Bird Watching Binoculars
June 11, 2011
How to choose the right bird watching binoculars is critical for the person who wants to be accepted into a bird watching group. If one sets out with a group of seasoned birders and ends up squinting and pointing at fleeting movements in the bushes one will soon feel a ninny. Companions might even cluck as they knowingly train their glasses on shrubs or rocks.
Unlike ornithologists bird watchers are a community of humane and interested people. Without being scientists they are genuinely interested in knowing more about the beautiful little creatures that survive somehow amidst the onslaught of domestic cats and other human predations.
A feature of modern society is the formalization of activities that were formerly casual and unorganized. It used to be sufficient to ride a bicycle with only a pair of trouser clips to keep loose trousers from getting in the chain. Now panoply of colourful clothes, helmets, gloves and gadgets are considered indispensable.
It is not sufficient to walk in a park, or be on a hike, or creep around sewage works where birds abound, improperly equipped One needs to be properly attired, with strong shoes, a jacket with many pockets, a floppy hat and of course the latest binoculars. This will translate a slight flutter in a bush into a brilliant little creature, perfect in every feather, poised for flight.
As in so many instances, the Internet has transformed the way in which people may pursue their interests. Not only is it possible to communicate with other people who have similar interests, but it is also possible to browse through the websites of manufacturers of binoculars to see everything that is available. After choosing what one wants, one can simply put it into a virtual cart and wait for delivery.
The size of binoculars is an important consideration. Big is not always better, especially where women are concerned.
The specifications of many fine instruments can be found on manufacturers’ websites. Magnification levels and prism types should be studied carefully because these are the things that ultimately determine the quality of image that will be seen when they are aligned and focused. As always price will be determined by quality so that is why careful research is necessary.
How to choose the right bird watching binoculars will depend upon the purposes which a particular person has in mind. A pair of large field glasses will suffice for the interested amateur who leaves them on the mantelpiece some that he can survey visitors to his garden through the window. For the person who undertakes expeditions to deserts and mountain ranges in order to search for rare and different species will find a small pair with high magnifications more suitable.
Sneak a peek at our article on how to choose the right binoculars for bird watching . You will also get more info on how and where to find high quality bird watching binoculars online