I always bring my binoculars on vacation and I would encourage you to do so as well. Spotting a few new birds just adds another layer of enjoyment to your time away from home and work.
While on vacation in California last week I was able to do some light birding. I usually vacation in or near beautiful natural areas where there's so much to see and do. I don't go on vacation specifically to bird watch but my binoculars are always with me. It’s a lot of fun to see different birds than what you see in your own backyard. You also gain an understanding of the diversity of bird life we have in our country.
Most of my birding opportunities last week came from the balcony of the condo overlooking the view of a natural area leading to the beach. Being the first one up in the morning I would sit on the balcony with a cup of coffee and I’d listen and watch. So, without really trying I was able to see and identify the following birds:
Pacific wren, or Winter wren (really hard to distinguish between the two)
California scrub jay (lured to the balcony with treats)
Snowy and Great Egret
And.....
While on a whale watching trip besides seeing the awesome Humpback whale, Rissos dolphins, sea lions, and sea otter, I saw Black footed albatross, Cormorants, Sooty Shearwaters, and many different gull species