Jenny Craddock
Five Tips For Birdwatchers
Although a journalist at heart, Jenny Craddock’s interest in birdwatching began when she produced natural history programes for the BBC.
She’s worked closely with wildlife presenter and avid birder Chris Packham.
Below you can read her five tips for birdwatchers in Tobago. Then watch your birding soar to new heights.
No 1. Most important: good binoculars.
The best you can afford. It’s very boring when everyone is getting excited and all you can see is a small dark shape flitting around a bush.
With a decent pair of binoculars, it will be transformed into a thing of beauty.
No 2 Buy a good bird book.
One you can put in your rucksack. There are plenty online. I used “Birds of Trinidad & Tobago”. Internet access out in the field may be difficult, but the book will provide all you need.
Who’s this colourful chap? Click here. Picture: Jenny Craddock
No 3 Do your research.
Use the ID book and online sites about the fauna and flora of the country to choose target birds.
Ones that are so beautiful, exotic, quirky or rare that you’d be kicking yourself if you missed them.
This may affect your itinerary around the country, because you’ll want to choose places that offer the best chances of discovering them.
Our Tobago Birds
No 4 Hire a local guide
Hire a Tobago guide for at least part of your visit.
The experts know where the birds are and will help you find them.
They’re always pleased if you’ve done your research and have target birds.
It’s also a great way of getting to know the friendly people of Tobago.
No 5 Cameras
Decide if you want to photograph the birds.
If you do, digital SLR cameras with big telephoto lenses are the best for fabulous close ups, where you can see every feather.
But they’re expensive and heavy to lug around. Compact cameras now offer great digital zoom lenses and are much cheaper and lighter. Make your choice!