The 2011 movie "The Big Year", based on a 2004 book of the same name, exposed the unknowing public to a sometimes obsessive hobby in which birders attempt to spot as many birds as possible in a given year.
They travel around the globe in this pursuit, often at a moment's notice and lugging a lot of gear. According to an article on the American Birding Association's website, respondents to a survey reported spending anywhere from a few hundred dollars a year to more than $75,000. Tourism industries have sprung up to cater to birders.
It's a unique segment of the tourist population and as such, has unique needs. Here then are some tips as found online for the traveling birder:
*Check your rental car's windows. The southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory points out that most rental vehicles in Arizona have deeply tinted windows. If there are more than two in your party, make sure the rear windows open fully enough for viewing.
*Check regulations at natural areas, including whether you'll need a pass or a permit, the hours of operation, and whether they're closed for holidays.
*Bring your optics in your carry-on luggage. This addresses one concern about theft, but there's a second component: luggage compartments in jets aren't pressurized and if the air pressure inside your binoculars or spotting scope exceeds compartment pressure, the internal seals might rupture.
*Protect the head of your tripod by bracketing it with your shoes. If allowed to bring it on the plane, place electrical tape over tightening knobs to avoid them coming loose and falling off in the overhead luggage compartment.