Escape to the Tropics

Common Ostrich – Namibia – You can discover much diversity in tropical regions. The variety of animals can sometimes be bewildering. Check as many habitats as you can. Even vast deserts can be remarkably photogenic.

Get ready for another endless Canadian winter.

Here comes the short days, frigid temperatures, precarious driving conditions, and a lack of biodiversity. Our winters are so lengthy that by January, I find myself going stir-crazy. So, if you’re like me, and you find winter dragging you down, consider an escape to tropical habitats. If you’ve got time, visit as many different environments as possible. Anywhere in the tropics can be good, especially if you include gardens, coastal shorelines, forests edges, deserts, grasslands and wetlands in your itinerary. Even city parks and other urban environments can attract lots of unusual tropical wildlife.

Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth – Panama – This nocturnal Three-toed Sloth was active during early morning just outside my cabin in a tropical jungle. Before you travel, research which ecotour lodges have the facilities you’re looking for.

Palm Tanager – Trinidad – some tropical wildlife is abundant and highly visible. Palm Tanagers are common in almost all tropical habitats – from the most remote jungle lodge to the busiest urban centre, and everything in between.

Vacationers who just want to relax should consider an all-inclusive resort. If you’d rather spend all your precious time at one convenient location that offers gourmet food, swimming, shopping and other creature comforts, then do a little research. There are several outfits that provide a variety of activities while still being surrounded by nature. If they’re available at your destination, include any boat tours or safaris. They’ll certainly add highlights to your trip. A week or two at one of these reputable eco lodges can prove to be very comfortable while still being highly productive and photographically rewarding. Just do your homework before you go and stay safe.

Oryx- Kenya – Let the wildlife come to you. In Africa, many lodges include watering holes beside their property. This Oryx is accompanied by a Little Grebe and other small birds.

Keel-billed Toucan – Costa Rica – many lodges feature gardens in close proximity to natural areas. They often setup feeding stations that attract spectacular creatures like this Keel-billed Toucan.

Hippopotamus – Botswana – Every opportunity to get out on Safari, or Boat Tour, take it !!!. You’ll always experience extraordinary things that you wouldn’t be able to do on your own.

Blue Jeans Poison Dart Frog – Costa Rica – Tiny and secretive, these common little amphibians are frequently found in leaf litter throughout the day. If you visit the tropics, bring a Macro lens.

Yellow-headed Caracara – Costa Rica – A Common predator found throughout tropical America – the Yellow-headed Caracara is comfortable patrolling open properties. This tame one was hunting for large insects beside my lodge cabin.

 
Adult male Violet Sabrewing Hummingbird – Costa Rica – Tropical birds tend to be extremely colourful. For this reason, many lodges set up hummingbird galleries to attract a good variety of birds and other small animals.

© Tony Beck 2022

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