Things to pack for Birding in Andaman
Because of the hot, muggy weather and scarcity of nearby supplies, birdwatching in the Andamans requires significant preparation. By offering a broad checklist of what to expect and pack before joining us for this incredible tropical experience, we hope to reduce the stress associated with packing for a comfortable, hassle-free birdwatching and bird-photography tour. So, guys, get going and pack up! But, Do pack light.
Jokes aside, the list to think about is as follows:
- Binoculars, preferably 8 x 42, with a wider FOV. Birding in the Andamans is predominately in the forest habitats, where an 8X magnification is ideal for scanning the canopy.
- Camera, If you are into photography, then a camera with a minimum 500mm focal length telephoto lens. You can also carry a 1.4x teleconverter if you are not stringent about image sharpness or loss in autofocus speed.
- Tripod or monopod: based on your personal shooting preference. The Andaman birds are not very cooperative, so you will miss some images or species while you are busy setting up your gear each time.
- Rain Gear: The weather in the islands can be quite unpredictable, so if you are traveling between June and December. Do carry rain gear. Andaman experiences heavy rainfall during monsoons (June-mid-September) and some light showers from October-December.
- Travel Documents: Aadhar or Voter ID for Indians & Passport & Visa copy for Foriengn nationals.
- Cap/hat for sun protection.
- Full-sleeve (cotton or linen) shirts or t-shirts, preferably in muted colors, to camouflage oneself while birding.
- Full-length pants. Avoid wearing shorts unless you don’t mind the mosquito and sandfly bites.
- Electrical power plug adapters-—especially for foreign nationals
- Leech guard (required in rainy season): Some of the birding hotspots will have leeches post-rains, but it’s definitely not as bad as the Northeast or Western Ghats.
- Sunglass and Sun protection
- Insect repellent
- Comfortable shoes with some level of grip—we will be mostly walking along paved roads and gravel trails. Carry shoes you prefer for comfortable walking long distances for South Andaman Birding. On a side note, carry your hiking boots with mud grip for Little Andaman birding, especially post-rains.
- A croc/sandal for wetland birding in case you wish to get muddy for the perfect eye-level shot. Strictly no flip-flops while birding.
- A little first aid kit or personal medications
- A light blanket for a comfortable voyage via sea during Little Andaman’s birding.
There will be opportunities for laundry at the hotel; just ask.
Of course, all the above-mentioned are not necessities and are applicable per your circumstances only.
Hope to see you with us soon. Happy birding!
