Our 17th year of leading fun, safe and exciting tours - worldwide!

"Thanks for an awesome and amazing week... and for sharing your terrific knowledge and experience with us. Your birding and nature skills have inspired me! Your expert photography knowledge has helped me to grow and be a better photographer. Your passion for your work is contagious!" -- Audrey F., NY

Some upcoming tours with space include:

ANTARCTICA - LAST MINUTE SPECIAL OFFER 20% OFF!
• ANTARCTICA: South Polar Circle & Antarctic Peninsula :: March 15 - 26, 2010

NORTH AMERICA
• COLORADO: Chicken Odyssey :: April 7 - 17, 2010 :: Two spaces remain

CENTRAL AMERICA
• PANAMA: Wild Darien :: March 23 - April 1, 2010 :: Six needed to make it go!
• COSTA RICA: Mountains to Coast :: April 6 - 17, 2010 :: Three spaces left

CARIBBEAN
• PUERTO RICO: Endemic Dash :: January 27 - 31, 2010 :: Two spaces available
• PUERTO RICO: Caribbean Gem :: January 31 - February 7, 2010 :: Four spaces remain

Colorado Chicken Odyssey

The White-tailed Ptarmigan, the smallest of the North American grouse species, blend perfectly in the winter wonderland, their all white plumage camouflaged in the snow.  Few things are visible above the treeline in the Colorado Rockies, but their beady eyes and black bill might be the only features that gives them away.  Amazingly, these Ptarmigan do not migrate, but endure the harsh alpine climate by roosting in snow banks for shelter, and feeding on willow buds.  Their genus name, Lagopus, means ‘hare-footed’ in Greek, acknowledging their snowshoe-like feet, which are covered in feathers to aid in walking in the snow, as well as retain heat.  They prefer to walk, not fly, which helps conserve energy.  As winter fades to spring, the Ptarmigan molts into a gray-brown plumage, but the tail remains white all year.

The beautiful White-tailed Ptarmigan is a key target species on our annual Colorado “Chicken Odyssey.”  Three spaces remain for our trip, April 7-17, 2010.  Contact us to sign-up today!

Click to read more and register for the Colorado Chicken Odyssey :: April 7 - 17, 2010

Birding with Binns ~ Adrian’s Optics Tip: Optics and Eyeglasses
Most optics feature eye relief cups that either twist open (up) and closed (down), or with rubber cups that can be folded down. If you wear eyeglasses, then you will want to have the rubber eye relief folded or twisted down, so that your eyeglasses can butt-up against the eye piece. If you do not wear glasses then you are better off using the open eye relief so that your eye fits comfortably into the eye cup. Try either of these ways and see which is more comfortable.  There is no right or wrong; it is a matter of preference.

Note: If you notice dark 'shadows' in your view, your eyes are probably too close to the rear lens. With twisting eyecups you may be able to adjust the cups to the exact distance needed to eliminate the shadow.

Purchase Trip Insurance
Wildside Nature Tours highly recommends the purchasing of travel insurance to protect you and your investment. In the event of illness or injury, before or during your trip -- of you or a family member traveling with you or at home -- travel insurance will assure that you do not lose your hard earned money.
• Why get travel insurance?
• Click to get a quote!

GIVE THE GIFT OF TRAVEL
Can't come up with the right gift? Give them a Gift Certificate to the World!

Enjoy these detailed & informative Wildside sites for specific regions:

EastAfricanWildlifeSafaris.com

BirdingBelize.com | TongassWilderness.com | BirdPanama.com

BirdPuertoRico.com | BirdingVeracruz.com