Being out in nature is one of the best ways to unwind and relax. While many people prefer safari holidays you can also focus on birdwatching which allows you to experience nature in its most captivating form. With a huge variety of bird species around the world, you will always be fascinated by what nature has to offer and the complexity of wildlife.
Birdwatching is therapeutic because it allows us to escape from worldly chaos and mundane chores and look for something unexpected. From the vibrant tropical birds of Central America to the majestic migratory species seen across Europe there is so much to unravel. Also, birdwatching allows us to be patient, slow down, observe and connect with nature. Choosing birdwatching holidays with Naturetrek allows you to explore some of the unique places across the globe where you can find unique bird species. This ensures that you can focus on making the most of time and spot different birds in different lesser-known locations.
Okavango Delta, Botswana
If you are looking for a nice wildlife and birdwatching holiday experience you should head to Botswana. Here you can explore the Okavango Delta, a sprawling oasis in the Kalahari Desert that supports an incredible array of wildlife and bird species. Birdwatching in Botswana can provide you with a memorable holiday experience as this delta hosts more than 400 species. When you are here you can spot African fish eagles, malachite kingfishers, slaty egrets, southern carmine bee-eaters, Pel’s fishing owls, sacred ibises and hammerkops. However, you must visit the Okavango Delta from June to August during the flood season when this place comes to life with a variety of wildlife and bird species.
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, India
One of the best places in Asia where you can enjoy birdwatching is India. Over the years, India has become a haven for nature lovers and bird enthusiasts. Hence, you can look out for the best national parks in India that can offer you the best birdwatching experiences. Locally known as Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is home to more than 370 species of birds. Hence, you can spot plenty of resident and migratory birds that arrive here every winter. Here you can spot rare species like the Siberian crane, painted storks, pelicans, spoonbills, herons, Indian darters, harriers, eagles, Indian rollers and kingfishers. You should visit this sanctuary from November to February to spot these birds and capture them on your camera.
Kakadu National Park, Australia
It would be hard not to include Australia in this list because this continent has always been known for its wildlife and bird life. Kakadu National Park in Australia’s Northern Territory offers a window into the rich Aboriginal culture but you can also find some stunning bird diversity here. The park’s wetlands and floodplains become a playground for more than 280 bird species that migrate here. This includes bird species like jabiru, black-necked stork, magpie goose, and rainbow bee-eater. If you are visiting this national park you must also look out for the rare Red Goshawk bird that lives here. Choosing to visit this park during the dry season makes sense. Hence, you should visit Kakadu National Park from May to September when water levels recede offering you more space to move around. Also, make sure that you bring in the best bird photography cameras to help you take the best pictures.
Chiloe Island, Chile
When you are looking for hidden gems around the world where you can go birding you should choose Chiloe Island in Chile. Located off the coast of southern Chile, this is one of the most emerging destinations for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. The best part is that the island’s geography attracts numerous bird species including black-necked swans, pink-footed shearwaters, ringed kingfishers, Magellanic and Humboldt penguins. The prime birdwatching season on Chiloe Island is during the southern summer which starts from December to February. This is when the island is packed with resident and migratory birds.
Mindo Cloud Forest, Ecuador
When it comes to birdwatching destinations, Ecuador is known for its Galapagos Island. However, there are many other lesser-known destinations in Ecuador where you can find bird species in a natural environment. Mindo Cloud Forest is located just a short drive from Quito and is known for its dense forests and misty mountains. These forests and mountains are home to more than 500 species of birds. Here you can find some of the lesser-known species like Andrean cock-of-the-rock, toucan barbets, golden-headed quetzals and a variety of hummingbirds. While you are exploring this forest you can also spot plate-billed mountain toucans and scarlet-rumped tanagers. Visiting this forest from December to March is the best time to spot as many birds as possible.
Donana National Park, Spain
Spain remains one of the most visited countries in Europe. While many explore Spain for its architecture, culture, food and music you can also explore Spain for its wildlife and nature. Donana National Park is one of the best parks where you can explore wildlife in Europe. Located in southern Spain, this ecological gem features lagoons, marshes, grasslands and woodlands that make this park an ideal space for migrating. Home to more than 300 species of birds, birdwatchers can spot purple swamphen, greater flamingo, Spanish imperial eagle, white-headed duck, black stork, spoonbills and avocets. This is a perfect spot for families to enjoy birdwatching as they can spend time
Danube Delta, Romania
While you are exploring Europe you would not want to miss one of Europe’s most extensive wetland ecosystems, the Danube Delta. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to more than 300 bird species and therefore it is a great place for those who want to see birds in action. With plenty of islands, lakes and marshes, there are plenty of grassland and aquatic birds that thrive here. Great white egrets, Dalmatian pelicans, pygmy cormorants, purple herons, and white- tailed eagles are commonly seen here. Red-breasted geese and common spoonbills are migratory birds here that arrive in large numbers from April to October. Hence, you can have a great time photographing these birds in action if you know how to photograph birds.
Cape May, United States of America
Located along the Atlantic Flyway, Cape May is one of North America’s premier birdwatching destinations in New Jersey. With a diverse landscape, Cape May is where you can find wetlands, woodlands, marshes and coastal habitat allowing a range of birds to make this place a home. Also, you will find ample migratory birds that settle here on their way. Here you can spot birds like warblers, hawks, shorebirds, falcons, red-tailed hawks, peregrine falcons and bald eagles. Visiting this place from April to May and from September to November offers an unforgettable experience for avid birdwatchers and photographers.
