7 Surprising Destinations For Birdwatchers


Do you enjoy sitting on a bench in the park, observing birds? Do you love how birds wake you up in the morning with their beautiful variations of chirp? Are you so eager to discover new kinds of birds other than the usual feathered creatures you see near your town? If you said yes to all of these questions- then you are definitely a bird lover!

Nothing thrills bird lovers like exploring the world in discovery of new bird species. Sure you can book a flight to the most common bird watching spots in the world, but it is so much more rewarding to get off the beaten paths. Here are seven birdwatcher’s haven you should visit in 2015.

1. Indonesia

Best Places to Visit: Bedugul Botanical Gardens, Kalimantan, Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park.

The biggest archipelago in the world is a haven for beach-goers, surfers, and birdwatchers. While Indonesia is popular among Europeans for its tropical climate and sceneries, let’s not forget the rare, exotic varieties of birds they have. This country has a very huge bio-diversity, and most of the birds here are endemic to specific islands. To spot the Javan Trogon, Ivory-breasted Pitta, or Knobbed & Sulawesi Hornbill, you will have to patient and do a lot of exploration.

2. The Philippines

Best Places to Visit: Puerto Princesa River National Park, Candaba Swamp, Freedom Island.

Above Indonesia, is another archipelago bio-diverse and interesting as a tourist destination. Brimming with more than 600 bird species, scattered around its 7,017 islands, The Philippines is a great place to watch Asian birds in their natural habitat. During the hot months, migratory birds stop by its lands to eat and rest. 

Be on the lookout for some of the rarest birds in the world. Don’t miss the sight of the Palawan Peacock-pheasant, Negros Fruit-dove, Wrinkled Hornbill, and Silvery Kingfisher. Visit the city of Davao and see the proud Philippine Eagle, the biggest eagle in the world. Even the most fascinated birdwatcher needs a break some times. That’s when they should head to the white-sand beaches of the archipelago.

3. United Arab Emirates

Best Places to Visit: Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Mushrif National Park, Sir Bani Yas Island.

Do you think a humid country, like the United Arab Emirates, is no place for feather lovers like you? Well, you are wrong. A total of 458 species of birds are located in this country, and tourists from western countries visit the oil-rich country to watch them. From birds of prey who hunt for dessert mice, to graceful water fowls, you will be surprised with how much fun bird watching in this nation is. Get stunned by these beautiful creatures: Hoopoe Roller, Rose Ringed Parakeet, Eastern Imperial Eagle.

4. Costa Rica

Best Places to Visit: Braulio Carrillo National Park, Costa Rica Bird Route, Tapanti National Park.

Rio, the animation movie, shed some lights onto the birdwatcher haven that is Latin America. While Brazil is a popular destination in South America, it is also one that comes with a pricetag. Head off the beaten path to Costa Rica for an equal yet cheaper experience. Costa Rica homes most of the birds you would see in the sub-continent, plus some species that are unique to this place. Observe the Red-throated Caracara, Spotted Antbird, Quetzal, and Turquoise Cotinga.

5. India

Best Places to Visit: Trans Himalayan, Bandhavgarh National Park, Little Rann of Kutch.

The number of birds in India easily rival with its large human population. Birdwatchers can never go wrong choosing India. It has about 1250 types of birds and offers some of the most beautiful touristic attractions in the world.

India has 13 distinct bio-geographical locations with its long stretch of coastline being a preferred site to encounter pelagic birds. You must see the Montagu’s Harrier, Rufous-winged Fulvetta, and Snowy-throated Babbler at all costs.

6. Botswana

Best Places to Visit: Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, Kalahari Desert, Makgadikgadi Salt Pans.

South Africa is a well-known place for people who wants to see animals up-close. Just north is Botswana; a lesser-known spot by the general public but revered by birdwatchers. Explore Africa’s finest wetland to spot new water fowls. You can always ask for birding guides but it is more fun to discover bird locations on your own. Don’t miss on the Ostrich, Red-billed Quelea, Kori Bustard, and Carmine Bee Eater.

7. Scotland

Best Places to Visit: Bass Rock, The Trossachs National Park, Cairngorms National Park

Scotland is not just about Hadrians Wall, Vikings, and Golf. It is also a captivating destination for birders. With its seasonal changes, birds here come and go and you can easily spot them almost everywhere. Wild places are all over the country, hence birds are not shoved away by the loud noises of cars, and constructions. Some birds you can see in Scotland are: White-tailed Eagle, Black Grouse, Red-necked Phalarope, Tree Pipit.

A true birder don’t limit himself to the place where he lives, he travels the world, and see what various destination holds for him. Visit this lesser known bird-watching spots and step up your love for winged creatures.

About the Author

Lace Wanders is a traveler and bird-lover. She works as writer for superiorpapers and moonlights as a marketing associate for a career company. She dreams of traveling the world before she turns 40.