During your trip to Oahu, make the most of the abundant wildlife by getting back to nature and observing the colorful insects, exotic animals, and cheerful birds that inhabit Hawaii's islands. Bird watching is a popular pastime for many nature enthusiasts, and Oahu is home to some of the most scenic and engaging bird watching in the United States.
There are several great ways to take advantage of the bird watching scene in Oahu. You may want to casually observe birds during a nature hike or visit to the arboretum or participate in a more in-depth bird watching experience by joining a guided tour depending on your time availability and interest level. Several popular options include:
1. Waimea Valley Arboretum and Botanical Garden: Located in northern Oahu, the Waimea Valley Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a great place to enjoy a casual hike through a beautifully maintained natural area that is home to several bird species. This option is best for general nature enthusiasts rather than intense birders because you'll observe the environment at your own pace. The arboretum also hosts periodic special events that may be of interest to visitors.
2. Oahu Nature Tours: Oahu Nature Tours leads several guided tours to explore and appreciate the natural environment on Oahu, including a private, custom bird watching tour designed for one to three guests. Tours visit Waimanalo Bay and the Enchanted Lake Bird Sanctuary, top bird watching destinations easily accessible from the Ko Olina area of Oahu. Each tour is led by a professional birder guide who can identify various bird species and share details about their preferred habitat and lifestyle, and guests are provided a set of binoculars to enhance their viewing.
3. James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge: Located in Haleiwa, about fifty minutes north of Ko Olina, the James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge is a 160 acre wetland habitat. Home to a wide range of bird species, the refuge was initially designed to promote the welfare of Hawaii's water birds, including the stilt, duck, and coot. In addition to avian life, the refuge's natural ponds support extensive natural vegetation and other fauna.
Both professional and novice bird lovers can enjoy the exotic, colorful birds found on Oahu. Upon arrival, you'll likely see spotted doves, white terns, and red-vented bulbuls. A keener eye and adventurous spirit that takes you to Oahu's botanical gardens or wetlands, however, will allow you to also see birds such as zebra doves, red-billed leiothrix, and bristle-thighed curlews.
As most birds are migratory, bird watching patterns do change throughout the year. As a result, Hawaii is home to a wider range of birds during the winter months, though birds are plentiful year round.
No comments:
Post a Comment