The Very Best Birdwatching Destinations In The World
There are close to 10,000 bird species that enthusiast bird watchers can see all around the world so it should come as no surprise that making a list of the best birdwatching locations is really difficult. We mainly focused on those locations that have very good reviews from bird watchers that visited and that were highly impressed with what they saw. We did not arrange them in a particular order so you can consider them all, for sure.
Remember that in every single area that you visit you will need to respect various different local laws and regulations. It is always a really good idea to remain focused on that so that you will not have any problem while you visit the considered bird watching location.
At the same time, many bird watchers want to see something specific. Make sure that you consider the locations that do have the highest possible possibility to get what you are looking for.
We should also mention that you need to have specific equipment. You cannot simply get a pair of binoculars and expect that this is the only thing that you need. Based on where you will be traveling to, other equipment may be necessary, like specific clothing items.
Cape May
There are so many excellent birding options that are available in the US but beating Cape May is definitely difficult. This New Jersey location houses numerous birding infrastructures and birds. We are referring to a natural bird funnel during the fall migration season. Even spring migration is impressive but we warmly recommend a visit during fall. Cape May concentrates landbrids and waterbirds.
Lucky birdwatchers will see various songbirds, having a birdwatching day that will forever be remembered. You can easily see Palm Warblers and Common Yellowthroats, together with various species of cuckoos, flycatchers, cuckoos, tanagers and other warblers. Some vagrant species can also be seen from time to time.
Manu National Park
When referring to biodiversity, you will surely love the Manu National Park. There are so many animals and plants that are protected here, faced with various habitats. You will not find another park that is better for birdwatching in the entire Andean Mountain areas since there are many elevations and you should be aware of the fact that this part is declared as a UNESCO world heritage site.
Keep in mind that this area is protected by law so only some people are allowed inside. However, the bird watcher can enjoy everything in reserve zones and buffer zones. The only problem is that it does take around 3 hours to reach the Manu National Park edge, even if it is located close to Cuzco. This is because of the rough roads here.
Kruger National Park
Every bird watcher knows that South Africa has to be visited, with various birding options available. We are faced with a unique habitat, known as fynbos in the area. Because of this, it is the only place where bird watchers can see Orange-breasted sunbirds and Cape sugarbirds. If you visit the Kruger National Park, you will be able to view various species like the African Broadbill, the Livingstone’s Turaco and the Crowned Eagle.
Kruger has a great reputation because of the fact that you can see both rare and majestic birds and wild animals. You should know that there are always some birds that you can see and most of them are definitely spectacular.
The Entire South Of Spain
Many bird watchers avoid Europe since there is not much biodiversity present. Even so, there are various sites in the continent where you will love what you see. The entire south of Spain is on the list. There are many species to be seen, being quite widespread. If you decide to visit, you should be able to see great species like Eurasian Rollers, Eurasian Bee-eater, Common Hoopoe and Lesser Kestrel.
If you are looking for rare birds, you will want to visit the Coto Donana National Park. It is quite a large refuge that does protect large areas of Mediterranean and wetland habitats. Make sure that you take your camera with you to see the Greater Flamingo. While many come for the flamingos, many other birds will be seen, only making the entire experience a lot better.
Pichincha
In Ecuador you can easily see a huge avian diversity, one of the highest in the entire world. There are over 1,600 species that were identified in dry forests, cloud forests and tropical rainforests, together with other habitats. It is practically impossible not to put Pichincha, Ecuador, on the list because of the fact that there are so many bird species present that you will spend weeks until you get to see all of them. The birding infrastructure is also tremendous.
Remember that there are many different eco-lodges that are perfect for birders, together with birding guides, tour companies and travel guides that can help you to have the best possible time while visiting. This will help you to view thousands of bird species. Bird watching in Pichincha is an experience like no other.
Papua New Guinea
Australia is tremendous for the wildlife watcher and New Guinea has to be considered. Some of the most amazing of all the birds in the world can be seen here. You can easily see the Birds Of Paradise group, which is made out of sparrows to crow size birds with exotic and colorful plumage. These birds have a wide feathery variety, bright colors, exaggerated plumes and a generally odd appearance.
Different BOP species live in Australia, with a large majority found in New Guinea. There are not many roads available so a large part of this island will not be accessible to the bird watcher but some tours will offer you the possibility to get to where you want to and where you can see most birds. On a regular tour you can end up seeing over 700 bird species. This does include the incredible crowned pigeons, bowerbirds, raptors, kingfishers, fruit doves, parrots and raptors.
Borneo
This is a huge island, one of the largest in the world. It is actually surprising for most visitors to see the sheer size of the island. There are many lowland rainforests, tall rainforests and various habitats that bring in exotic birds like barbets, hornbills and gibbons. In Indonesia you will find much of the Bornean territory but not many tourists or bird watchers will visit because of the fact that there are accessibility problems. You can find great birding opportunities in the Brunei Sultanate but most of the birders will visit Borneo in order to go towards Malaysian territory. Borneo is quite accessible and birders do end up faced with various habitats that they can visit.
Rift Valley
This location in Kenya brings forward so many interesting opportunities for bird watchers from all around the world. Flamingos are always seen here and you will surely remember the noise that is made by these majestic birds. Make sure that you visit during the courtship season since it is definitely impressive. Keep in mind that fewer flamingo birds come back to Rift Valley every year so you will need to hurry. You can easily enjoy everything offered at the Lake Nakuru National Park too. It is located 2 km to the south of Nakuru.
Otaga Peninsula
The peninsula is located in New Zealand. It is one of the hottest of all the country’s attractions, with birdwatching being the main draw. You have to keep in mind that this is the only location in the world where the royal albatross is breeding. This is a huge spectacle that no bird watcher should miss. The albatrosses are stunning and there is no better place to see them than Otaga Peninsula. At the same time, it is the only place in the world where you can see the yellow eyed penguin.
Danube Delta
The Danube Delta is located in Romania. It is another tremendous place in Europe with so many channels that can be visited, together with reed islands, pastures, woods and lagoons. The region’s birdlife was depleted because of humans but we are still faced with a natural wonderland. Some of the most impressive birds you can see include herons, pelicans, ducks, ibis, white tailed eagles and warblers. Keep in mind that most wetland areas will only be accessible through rowboat or kayaks. You will also need a permit in order to visit but this can be obtained from hotels and travel agencies.
Plan Your Bird Watching Trip Now
These are just 10 of the numerous locations that you want to visit as a bird watcher. We are quite sure that you will love them all but there are practically hundreds of other locations that you want to add ot the list. Make sure that you consider all those that offer the type of birds that you currently want to see. With so many species out there, get ready to spend a lot of time travelling and planning your perfect bird watching trips.
