"BIO-WATCHING": GETTING TO KNOW AND RECOGNISE VARIOUS FORMS OF LIFE AND THEIR ENVIROMENT

"Go by Nature" is an expression used by naturalists to describe how an excursionist should act. It refers to tourism based on observation, not only of what is traditionally considered of historical value such as churches, monuments, museums, but also of woods, fields, lakes, rivers, streams, sea coasts and cliffs. Along with them are their trees, flowers, insects, birds and mammals. Any environment is strongly tied to all of the living creatures which inhabit it and evolves along with them. All said and done, this is the real value of bio-diversity. However, recognising biological diversity is not a hobby or an extension of birdwatching to all that lives around us. Bio-watching (as we can call the observation of bio-diversity) can become an elevating passion that allows us to appreciate the extraordinary richness and variety of life forms. For too long, our natural heritage was little taken into consideration and her value was underestimated when compared with our historical and artistic heritage. Finally, a re-evaluation is underway. By getting to know Nature, by getting others to know her, people are put in the position of being able to appreciate Nature.
You can begin by birdwatching, by observing birds in their environment and then pass on to mammals, plants, and other biological forms - that's biodiversity. There are some expert naturalists who can mark off a square metre of land and are able to name all the creatures who live in that small area. We discover that there are many, many beings concentrated in microcosms: surprisingly varied botanical members; insects of various species; traces of micro-mammals, minute flowers and herbs. The earth offers life to everyone; all you must do is look and know how to recognise what you see. This is the point, we must begin to recognise and acknowledge the life forms around us. Wherever you go on Elba, there are marvellous forms of nature to see and discover. How do you go about it? What do you need? For any excursion in nature, there are some basic recommendations. First of all, the materials you need.

Binoculars.
On any field excursion, birds are the easiest animals to see. Birdwatching, observing birds in their own natural environment, is therefore usually the first approach towards biowatching. After spotting a bird with the naked eye, you identify the species and then observe its behaviour. Contrary to what happens in zoos where animals are kept prisoner in cages and can be observed close up but under unnatural conditions, in the wild, birds can be observed in freedom. If they seem too far away to our naked eye, we can get closer by using a pair of binoculars. Binoculars are an essential instrument for any wildlife excursion. For starters, we can use models that are not too strong or heavy. The important thing is that they let in enough light; for example, the 8 x 30 models are fine. The first number indicates the enlargement and the second indicates the luminosity.
Field Guides.
Essential for checking up on what you see in the open, small pocket handbooks are best. Obviously, when you are hiking through woods, fields or marshes, it's best not to weigh yourself down; so leave heavy volumes at home for more in-depth consultation later on.
Notebook Getting.
used to writing down your observations is important. It will help you remember particulars you have seen and will serve in identifying species or classifying the environment. It also serves in reflecting upon and better describing what we have seen for eventual research purposes. In fact, the observations of many amateurs have been useful in discovering new species whose presence had been ignored.
Maps of the area.
When you visit a new area, it is best to have a map of the surrounding territory .You can follow the trails marked on the map or get a better orientation of the area in a vaster context. Furthermore, the areas you have visited should be "marked" on the map so that you can then identify and remember the area you "explored". The right clothes, comfortable shoes, a windbreaker, food and water. No particular "outfit" is necessary, but the clothes that you choose to wear in the wild must be comfortable, sturdy and preferably not too colourful. A pair of hiking boots that are suitable for comfort on long walks is necessary. Carry something waterproof, food and water in your rucksack.
A guide the first times out.
In the beginning, it is important to have the support of an expert that can guide us towards the correct approach in observing nature: how to hold binoculars; how to recognise animal tracks; how to consult a field guide to identify flowers and other plants; how to get oriented in the infinite insect world; etc.

Even if theoretical advice can be useful, there is only one real way to know Nature: get experience in the field going as often as possible on nature excursions to observe, identify and enjoy the vast world of biodiversity. Biowatching is to discover life around us in the many and diverse natural environments of Elba.

Exploring nature on Elba
The boutique hotel Ilio in Capo S. Andrea invites guests to go "bio watching" in order to discover the different forms of wildlife that inhabit the evergreen woods in the Tuscan Archipelago National Park. This new form of eco-tourism will be popular with young and old alike