The most beautiful destinations for bird lovers
May is the month of the great bird migration, when many birds return to Europe from their wintering grounds in Africa and elsewhere. Dozens of migratory bird species land on Texel, but many wintering birds also arrive in the rest of our continent. In Europe and beyond, there are wonderful places to watch special birds all year round. Like in Colombia, with the largest number of bird species in the world or along the coasts of northwestern Europe, where funny puffins are popping up everywhere. So in this blog, some of the world’s most spectacular birding spots, Where the world can’t find you.…
1. Los Llanos – Colombia
Perhaps the very best destination for bird lovers is Colombia. The country has the most bird species in the world: a whopping 1,900! This is nearly 20 percent of the world’s bird species, including many endemic species and migratory birds. Although the Red Ibis and Andean Rockcock are the most iconic species, you can also discover hundreds of species of Hummingbird, Flycatcher and Tanager in the vast tropical rainforests and Andean mountains. A sample wildlife & birding trip can be found here.
2. Hokkaido – Japan
In the far north of Japan, Hokkaido is the winter home of magnificent Chinese Cranes and large flocks of Steller’s Sea Eagles. Cruise among the melting ice floes to take breathtaking photos; this is nature at its best! A sample birding trip to Japan can be found here.
3. Extremadura – Spain
Located in Extremadura, one of the most important raptor regions in Europe, the Monfragüe National Park is an absolute must-see. In this bird-rich area with spectacular landscapes, look for many vulture species, such as the Griffon Vulture and the Monk Vulture. Extremadura is also known for the Little Bustard, the Great Bustard and birds of prey such as the Imperial Eagle and Hawk Eagle.
4. Kerkini – Greece
Lake Kerkini, among the high mountains in northeastern Greece, is home to hundreds of bird species. Especially the huge colony of crucian pelicans attracts attention here, but many heron species can also be seen in addition. The Danube Delta in Romania is also home to many crucian pelicans. Many crucian pelicans are also found in the Danube Delta in Romania.
5. Costa Rica
With as many as 878 bird species, Costa Rica is “must-see” for any bird lover. Look for typical Costa Rican bird species such as the quetzal, the endangered Buffalo Macaw, the endemic Mangrove Amazilia, Copperhead Emerald Hummingbird, Manakin and many species of parrots and toucans. Of course, there is much more to see along the way: howler monkeys, the sloth, red-eyed macaque frog, emerald basilisk and many colorful poison dart frogs and iguanas. This birding trip to Costa Rica is great for any bird lover.
6. St. Kilda – United Kingdom
Puffins are found on many rocky coasts of northwestern Europe. The remote St. However, Kilda has not only the largest colony of Atlantic puffins (nearly one million), but also the largest colony of Gannets and the extremely rare St. Lawrence. Kilda wren. You can also find large colonies of puffins in Iceland and Norway; the most accessible spot is near the Farne Islands, on the border between England and Scotland. Rent a boat and cruise among the many impressive colonies. This cruise is very interesting for the bird lover and visits St. Petersburg, among others. Kilda.
7. Kafue and Lochinvar N.P. – Zambia
Located on the plains of Kafue in Zambia, Lochinvar N.P. is a true bird paradise with hundreds, most endemic bird species. Also, this is the habitat of the rare Kafue Lechwe, which you can spot during walking safaris and impressive tours by mokoro.
8. Texel – Netherlands
Texel is the bird island par excellence with hundreds of, often rare species. The island is the ideal place is a stopover for migratory birds on their annual faraway journey. Because of the nutrient-rich mudflats, many birds also come to nest. Bird-watching huts with views of nesting or foraging birds are located in several places on Texel.
9. Phobjikha Valley – Bhutan
In the beautiful Phobjikha Valley with the backdrop of the Black Mountains, the rare Black-necked Crane comes to winter annually from Tibet. Gangtey Monastery is the scene of the annual Blackneck Crane festival, as the bird plays an important role in the myths and legends of the valley. A visit to the crane center is not to be missed.
10. The Gambia River
The Gambia is known as one of the best countries for birdwatchers. The small country has a huge concentration of bird species. In addition to the many African species, many migratory birds also come to winter from Europe. In addition to many heron species, along the river are many birds of prey, such as the Bateleur, Crested eagle and African bald eagle and the dark song hawk but also Turacos, Weavers and Senegalese cuckoos.
Other birding areas
Of course, there are many more beautiful birding spots in this world to explore, but with a top-1o, one has to make choices. In Asia, consider Keoladeo National Park in India, for example, or West Papua with its famous Cassoaris bird, Birds of Paradise. Africa also includes many parks in Tanzania and South Africa. But the polar regions are also very interesting for bird lovers: Spitsbergen, but also South Georgia, for example, with gigantic colonies of king penguins.
Endemic species
Endemics are species found only in a particular area and nowhere else. Often this is due to a natural barrier, such as a sea, river or mountain range. Such a barrier has prevented the species from expanding. Many endemic species are therefore often seen on islands. Well-known examples are Madagascar, New Zealand and Australia.
