| Each year many avid birdwatchers visit tropical | | | | Gallinules, Jacanas, Macaws, Cuckoos, and Hawks. |
| countries to see the varied birds. At the same time | | | | Mangrove swamps are therefore an attractive |
| there are thousands of individuals who visit for | | | | location for birdwatching. Long pants are also |
| vacation and during their visit will engage in a day of | | | | recommended for birding in mangroves because |
| birdwatching. Also each year thousands of persons | | | | insects, particularly mosquitoes are abundant in |
| begin the hobby of birdwatching. A common question | | | | mangroves. |
| of all those persons is, what to wear when | | | | Most birdwatching in tropical Caribbean countries is |
| birdwatching. This article will address what to wear | | | | done during the early morning and evening hours when |
| when birdwatching in tropical Caribbean countries. | | | | the sun is lower on the horizon and the rays are less |
| In tropical countries there is a wide variety of birding | | | | intense. It is advisable however to carry a hat |
| habitats and so the type of clothing will, to a certain | | | | especially if an all day birdwatching adventure is |
| extent, be influenced by the habitat into which the | | | | planned as the sun rises quickly and all-day exposure |
| birder ventures. The beach is a prime attraction for | | | | to the sun can cause sunburn. In some instances the |
| visitors to many countries. Indeed it is said that tourism | | | | birding may be in forested areas where the overhang |
| in the islands is based on sun, sea and sand. The | | | | of branches and leaves will block much of the sunlight, |
| seashore is also good birding habitat for specific | | | | however a hat can still be carried for protection. It is |
| species such as sandpipers, plovers, gulls, terns and | | | | advisable to carry some type of rain gear such as a |
| turnstones. For birdwatching along the sea shore short | | | | lightweight nylon jacket or poncho because although |
| pants and short sleeved tops are suitable attire . | | | | most days start sunny it is possible to have a rain |
| Species such as Tanagers, Kingbirds, Flycatchers, | | | | shower during the day, usually around midday. |
| Hawks, Woodcreepers and Warblers are found along | | | | In choosing clothing one should remember that birds |
| forest edges and so roadside birding is often | | | | are sensitive to noise and therefore noisy material |
| undertaken in areas where roads run through or along | | | | should be avoided. Fabrics that squeak or rustle will |
| the forest. Short pants and short sleeved tops are | | | | make noise as you move and may scare off the birds |
| also suitable for roadside birding. | | | | you are trying to see. These types of fabrics |
| If an individual is birdwatching on the beach or along the | | | | therefore should not be worn. Birds can distinguish |
| roadside then sandals can be used. It is advisable | | | | colours and very bright artificial looking colours can also |
| when roadside birding however to wear closed shoes | | | | have the effect of scaring away the birds. Muted |
| as the birder is often attracted off the road edge and | | | | earth tones such as khaki, olive, brown, gray and green |
| into the forest by glimpses of a bird. Very often in | | | | are good choices, as they allow you to blend with the |
| order to get a better view of an elusive bird, individuals | | | | environment. |
| tend to venture further and further into the forest as | | | | Most individuals are aware that insect repellant should |
| they seek that better observation. In forest | | | | be used when bird watching in mangrove swamps. |
| environments closed shoes (sneakers, boots) are best | | | | Insects, particularly mosquitoes are also found in |
| to prevent your feet from being scratched by thorns | | | | forests and areas with tall grasses, even in the |
| or bruised by rocks. Shoes should be of sturdy | | | | daytime. Insect repellant should therefore be used |
| construction and ankle height to help prevent twisting | | | | when going into these areas. In order to carry all the |
| of ankles.The average hiking boot would therefore be | | | | various items such as hat, poncho, field guide, insect |
| suitable. | | | | repellant it is worthwhile to have a backpack. |
| When birding in a forest environment it is advised that | | | | Overall the clothing that you wear should be |
| long pants be worn to provide protection against | | | | comfortable, of earth tones and clothes that you do |
| thorns and insects. Mangrove swamps are home to a | | | | not mind if they get a little dirty. |
| wide variety of birds including Herons, Egrets,Iibises, | | | | |