top 5 birding locations in the world
Are you an avid birdwatcher looking to add more locations to your bucket list? Look no further than these amazing international birding hotspots, which are sure to make any-level birder take flight in joy!
With this guide, we’ve assembled our top five list of must-see birding locations worldwide, each brimming with unparalleled possibilities and daring new opportunities. Put on your binoculars and get ready for showtime at these incredible destinations!
Iceland
Birders flock to Iceland's shores yearly - and it's no wonder why! Iceland is one of the best birding hotspots in the world. From April to September, Atlantic puffins migrate to the coast to form breeding colonies and create a spectacular show. Roughly half of all puffin species can be found here, and they tend to nest mostly on cliffs.
If you're looking for the perfect birding spot in Iceland, head to Ísafjarðardjúp in the Westfjords region, Breiðafjörður, or the Westman Islands - these areas are famous for large gatherings of puffins!
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a birdwatching paradise, with hundreds of feathered dwellers occupying its lush nature reserves. Every bird is a work of art here; vibrant parrots, majestic toucans, and dainty hummingbirds come in every color and size imaginable.
Birders looking for the most avian activity should pay a visit to Wilson Botanical Gardens in the south – over 300 bird species have been reported there alone! Curi-Cancha Reserve also merits a visit for its spectacular seven kilometers of birding trails, where you'll be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of splendidly camouflaged motmots and trogons. Bring your binoculars along - you won't want to miss out on this awe-inspiring bird show!
Yellowstone National Park, U.S.
Yellowstone National Park is a birdwatcher's dream. Not only does it offer birders the chance to spot incredible bird species, but it's also renowned for its large numbers of majestic Bald Eagles that soar above its landscape. In fact, there are an estimated 18 nesting sites within the park – making it one of the best birding hotspots in the world.
When looking out for them, birders should focus on areas near rivers and lakes - eagles often swoop down to feed on fish living there and can easily be identified by their brown bodies and white heads.
Papua New Guinea
For birders, Papua New Guinea is one of the most rewarding places to experience. Featuring an impressive array of bird species - including almost half of all Birds-of-Paradise. This little-visited country offers birders a wealth of discovery. The dry season, between June and October, is the best time to experience some fantastic birding spectacles.
The Raggiana, the nation’s national bird, performs a remarkable and unique courtship dance to attract a mate, an unforgettable sight for any twitcher. Furthermore, with many species found only in Papua New Guinea, birding here will surely leave you with some incredible memories and photos too!
Manu National Park, Peru
If birding is your passion, look no further than Manu National Park in Peru. The park boasts a stunningly unique range of habitats and forests and is also home to over 1000 bird species, making it one of the most eclectic birding hotspots in the world! An exciting adventure awaits birders who journey to this remote area - you will find bird sightings along the road, starting from high-altitude regions and extending down to the base of the Amazon Rainforest.
Some of the best birding experiences here come with a hint of danger - much of Manu National Park remains untouched by people, which means that birders must tread carefully in search of their feathered friends. But tranquility has its rewards; these regions are home to thriving populations and delight birdwatchers around the globe!
Explore The World of Birding!
So, there you have it—the top five birding locations in the world that should be on your must-see list. Now, all that’s left to do is pack your binoculars and get out there! Remember, the best way to see these incredible creatures is by being patient, planning ahead, and knowing where to look. With a little effort (and maybe a lot of travel), you’ll be crossing some of these beauties off your life list in no time. Where will your birding adventures take you next?