Have you booked an exciting trip but didn’t plan in time for birding—and now you’re regretting it? Or maybe you’re traveling with others who might not be as nerdy about birds as you?
I feel your pain! Inspired by a recent 4-day trip to Mexico City, here are my top tips for squeezing in some birdwatching on a short vacation.
Prepare for your trip
If you have the space, pack a small pair of binoculars for your vacation. For my quick trip to Mexico City, I took my lightweight travel binoculars in my backpack. Bonus tip: I recommend keeping them in your carry-on bag to avoid them getting thrown around so much in checked luggage!
If you use the Merlin Bird ID app, download the “Pack” for the region you’re visiting ahead of time (you can find it in Settings > My Offline Birds). That way, you can identify birds when you’re on your trip without having to use expensive international data, and in places where there’s no service.
Master the art of “stealth birding”
If you are traveling with non-birders, you don’t have to ditch the group to see birds. I like to call this “stealth birding.” It’s all about being observant while doing “normal” tourist things.
Even on short vacations, you can spend a lot of time waiting around and traveling from A to B. In Mexico City, we spent several hours in Ubers traveling around the city and on coaches for excursions. This a great opportunity to insist on that window seat and see what birds you can spot. Voila! Lots of time to do some birdwatching on a short vacation.
I was able to spot lots of rufous-backed robins in vegetation near the road, and dozens of house finches darting around in the trees (plus a hummingbird that was too quick for me to ID). While waiting for an Uber outside my hotel, I saw a darling pair of inca doves enjoying an early-morning preen perched on a building sign right next door.
Keep your binoculars handy
If you found space for your pocket-sized binoculars, take them with you on excursions. I spotted male and female vermilion flycatchers on an excursion to Teotihuacán—without my binoculars, they would have just been red and brown blobs in the distance!
If your hotel room has a nice window (or maybe even a balcony!) park your binoculars nearby so you can grab them in a flash if you spot a bird outside.
Hang out in parks and patios
Local parks can be a great way to squeeze in some birdwatching on a short vacation. Try planning in a quick stroll with a coffee, or maybe a picnic on a scenic bench. I tried that on a trip to London last year and spotted some classic English birds (the swans were hard to miss!)
When on vacation, choose outdoor seating whenever possible. Whether you’re grabbing a quick street taco or settling down for a leisurely brunch, patio dining is a fantastic opportunity for some “stealth birding”.
Even on a time crunch, or when you’re with non-birders, there’s always time for a little birdwatching. Sometimes the most rewarding sightings are the ones that find you while you’re just busy living your life.
What tips did I miss for birdwatching on a short vacation? Get in touch to let me know!
Happy birding,
Elli
