King Penguins in Falkland Islands

20 Best Bird Watching Destinations Around the World – [By Travel Experts]

Avid birders are always looking for new awesome bird watching destinations to check off lifers from their bucket list. These colorful feathery friends fuel wanderlust and are sometimes reasons for picking destinations to travel to.

My personal favorite birding destination which I have visited so far has been Zululand in South Africa. What a lovely variety of birds and so many lifers. I love Hornbills and spotted at least 4 new kinds, so this adventure was a big check off my birding list. My trip to Zululand could make any birder green with envy and surely counts as one of my top bird watching vacation.

Click here for a complete checklist of birds spotted with pictures in Zululand.

Best Birding Lodges in the World

Short on planning time and want to book an epic last minute birding lodge, guaranteed to add lifers to your list? Well then check out my handpicked selection of these top birding resorts and jungle lodges across the globe for your bird watching vacations.

Tifakara Boutique Hotel & Birding Oasis – This jungle oasis is nestled in La Fortuna, Costa Rica where I enjoyed a splendid birding trail during my visit. The hotel also boosts of night frog walking tours. Ideal for nature lovers and birders.

Finca Luna Nueva Lodge – Easy drive from cloud forests with local guides that can spot birds from afar.

Apart from that one epic adventure, I also personally loved these two birding destinations – Bogarin trail in Costa Rica (no doubt CR is one of the best countries for bird watching) and the remote village of Assam Lingzey in India.

Trumpeter Hornbill
Trumpeter Hornbill

20 Epic Bird Watching Destinations Worth Traveling For

best bird watching destinations

Are you like me and always searching online for “best places to see birds near me”? Then read on to find your ideal bird watching spots.

Since I cant travel everywhere, I decided to collate this list from fellow travel enthusiasts, expert globetrotters, and avid birders about their favorite birding destinations and birds found in the area.

Isle of May, Scotland

Contributed by – Nicola Holland of Funky Ellas Travel

Puffins in Isle of May, Scotland
Puffins in Isle of May, Scotland

The Isle of May, on Scotland’s east coast, is a haven for birds, most famously the cute and popular little puffin. You can take a boat from the fishing village of Anstruther, in the East Neuk of Fife, which drops you off on the island for a couple of hours of exploring.

As an important National Nature Reserve it’s important you stick to the paths which stretch around the circumference of the island, as puffins burrow underground to have their babies (pufflings!) and they can’t be disturbed. 120,000 puffins make this island their home from April to mid-August and you get close enough to see them in great detail as they cram on to the high cliff edges and duck and dive into the sea below.

The island is small, only 1.5km long, so you have enough time on the island to walk around it, relax for a bit to eat and spend time watching and photographing the birds. It’s not only puffins you’ll see, there are also huge colonies of shags, guillemots and razorbills which means your walk around the south of the island is accompanied by a thunderous chorus of birdsong.

As you approach the island on the May Princess you will also find some of the 160 seals which live on the island. If the water is calm during the journey the boat will circle the island so you can see the outstanding scenery from the sea.

Here’s a cute video I found of Puffins in Isle of May , surely makes it look like one of the best bird watching places in the world –

Playa Larga in Cuba

Contributed by – Paul Healy of Anywhere we Roam

Cuban pygmy owl
Cuban pygmy owl at Cienaga de Zapata National Park

The Cienaga de Zapata National Park, near Playa Larga in Cuba is a nature lover’s paradise. It comprises of flat swampy grasslands, dense mangrove forests, stunning coral reefs, underwater canyons and vast wetlands.

This varied eco-system is home to thousands of flamingos, but the real drawcard is the bird watching opportunities. The national park is home to a whopping 28 birds that can only be found in Cuba. While some of them are elusive – depending on the time of year you visit – it’s not uncommon to spot at least 10 to 15 colourful feathered creatures.

On our 3-hour sunrise walk through the park, we saw the brightly coloured Cuban tocororo (or trogon); the tiny bee hummingbird; a few friendly Cuban tody; the Cuban parrot and our favourite, the Cuban pygmy owl.

Tours can be organised from the Zapata National Park Office in Playa Larga and cost around $US 15 per person. Our guide was an expert at bird spotting. Pulling up recordings on his phone, he summoned a variety of birds to prime photographing locations; allowing us to capture some truly unique creatures. His depth of knowledge on both the national park and the birds who call it home meant we left with a much greater appreciation of the environment and the wildlife in Cuba.

Hawaii , US

Contributed by – Christine of Christine Abroad

Red-crested Cardinal,
Red-crested Cardinal in Hawaii

Hawaii is a true paradise for birdwatchers and bird lovers, and thanks to the pleasant climate, birds can be seen year-round. Due to the isolation of the Hawaiian islands, there are many endemic species as well and there are several professional bird watching tours that one can join in the various islands.

Of all the birds in Hawaii, my favorite is definitely the Red-crested Cardinal, which can be seen in many places in Hawaii. You’ll see it here and there, and not only is it a beautiful bird, but they are also quite playful, jumping around and do all kinds of funny things.

It originally comes from South America but is now as mentioned very commonly seen in Hawaii. It’s a medium-sized bird with a red head, red bib, and a very short red crest. Besides the Red-crested Cardinal, visitors can see birds in Hawaii such as House Finch. Mynah. Black Crowned Night Hero. Cattle Egret. Grey Francolin. Hawaiian Goose Nene. and the Hawaiian Stilt.

If you’re interested to see as many birds as possible I suggest to join a birdwatching tour with a local who know exactly where and when to find the Hawaiian birds.

Isle of Mull, Scotland

Contributed by – Alison Donnellan of Alison Fay

Sea eagles/white-tailed eagles on the Isle of Mull
White-tailed Eagles on the Isle of Mull

The Isle of Mull is a beautiful island, located off the west coast of Scotland in the Inner Hebrides, one of the best bird watching sites in Scotland. Thanks to the lack of human-interference, the island has an abundance of wildlife including White-Tailed Eagles, also known as Sea Eagles. During winter, the eagles are courting and building nests. They lay their eggs in March, which they incubate for approx 40 days and if the nesting is successful the young will start fledging after 10 to 12 weeks.

One of the best places to see the eagles is from the roadside by Loch Na Keal. During 2018 and 2019, the eagles have been nesting in trees that you can see from the north side of Loch Na Keal. If you’re lucky you might spot them flying over the loch to catch fish.  You can sometimes see the Sea Eagles by Loch Scridain, flying over the loch. They sometimes nest in trees along the scenic road that runs towards Craignure and joins up onto the road alongside Loch Scridain. I highly recommend driving this road, as even if you do not get to see the eagles, it’s a beautiful drive.

To get up-to-date locations, I recommend taking one of the 1-day wildlife tours when you first arrive on the island. These wildlife tours will take you around the island and show you the current locations, saving you from wasting time. You may also spot Golden Eagles, Oystercatchers, Merlins, Otters and if you wish to take a boat trip – puffins.

Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

Contributed by – Naomi of Eat Love Explore

Crowned Crane in Tanzania
Crowned Crane in Tanzania

I never used to be a bird watcher, but after traveling in the amazon and seeing so many different species of birds I’ve become hooked on it. Birds are so beautiful and each one is unique and beautiful.

The best place to see many different species of unique birds is on Safari in Tanzania, especially in the Ngorongoro crater.

There are hundreds of species of birds to see here like the beautiful crowned crane, the African bustard which can be more than 3 feet tall, thousands of pink flamingos, kite birds, guinea fouls, ostriches and more.

The Ngorongoro crater is a really special place because all of the animals live together and rarely leave. The grass is low and it’s really easy to spot all of the wildlife that live here.

There are more than 30,000 animals in this relatively small area and it almost feels unreal – like a natural zoo – although all of the animals are free to go and come as they want. However, they stay in the crater because it has everything they need: water and an endless supply of food.

I loved seeing the crown crane during our safari, they are truly one of the most beautiful birds I’ve ever seen and it’s no wonder they are the national bird Uganda and well-loved in many African countries.

Silver Springs, Florida

Contributed by – Jenn and Ed Coleman of Coleman Concierge

Cormorant in Silver Springs
Cormorant in Silver Springs

Deep in the wilds of central Florida sits Silver Springs, the world’s largest artisan spring by volume. The springs discharge over 2,080,000 cubic meters of crystal clear daily. You’ve enough movies have been filmed there that you’ve undoubtedly seen ones like the black and white Tarzan films or Creature from the Black Lagoon. Many people take the glass bottom boat tours here, but we prefer to paddle. Kayaking Silver Springs lets you explore this amazing habitat and brings you right into nature. It’s one of our favorite places for birdwatching and animal sighting.

The first mile of the spring run is crystal clear, perfect for sighting manatees. A little further downstream, wild monkeys swing through the cypress swamp (they were brought in for an animal attraction in the 30s).  All along the river, you’ll find cormorants drying their feathers in the sun and white ibis resting on the branches. On the banks, you’ll probably spot an alligator or two and more turtles than you can count. It’s only a 5 1/2 mile paddle, but you feel like you’re in another world, one where beauty and nature take precedent of concrete and cars.

Jardin, Colombia

Contributed by – Sarah Carter of A Social Nomad

Andean Cock of the Rock in Jardin
Andean Cock of the Rock in Jardin

I’ll be honest, I’m not a hardcore birdwatcher, so that makes Jardin in Colombia one of my favourite places to go bird watching. It’s a unique location, as walking to the Reserva Natural de Rocas takes just 5 minutes from the centre of the gorgeously quiet town of Jardin.

At the private reserve, you’ll pay 10,000 COP and be able to see about 50 of the Andean Cock of the Rock birds. These stunning and unique birds, known as the Gallitos de Rocas in Spanish are best seen around dusk, so go for the evening opening time of 1630-1800. It’s a small reserve and while the owner will help, and give you a background, you’ll need some Spanish to understand. Take as many photos as you want, but remember no flash.

The birds are very easy to spot with their distinctive red plumage, and this is their home, there are no nets, they’re free to come and go as they please, and there are plenty of seats and covered areas for you to spend as long as you want – until closing time – admiring them.

Mindo, Ecuador

Contributed by – Fiona of Passport and Piano

Rufous motmot in Mindo
Rufous motmot in Mindo

Mindo is a small town in the heart of the cloud rainforest in Ecuador and birdwatching is one of the best things to do in Mindo. Plus Ecuador is one of the best country for bird watching. The diverse and rich ecosystems of the forest are unique and with more than 500 species of bird recorded here, its a paradise for birdwatchers.

The area has won the highly regarded Audubon Society’s annual Christmas Count on six occasions, with more species recorded in 24 hours than anywhere else in the world. Moreover, the international bird organisation recognises Mindo as an important area due to the diversity of species and threat to their environment.

Whether you’re a serious birdwatcher, an avid enthusiast or a complete novice, there are trails to suit everyone. The most common species spotted around town is the hummingbird. There are 152 species of hummingbirds in Ecuador, and while you’re unlikely to see them all, you’ll undoubtedly see them everywhere. Their beautiful vibrant blue, green and purple feathers glisten in the sun, and they’re a delight to watch as they dart around. Many of the cafes in town have feeders, and they regularly catch you by surprise.

To see more specific bird species it’s advisable to hire a guide. You can book numerous tours in the area, and if you have particular interests, guides will accommodate them.

Most birdwatching tours start at 6 am and involve visits to private reserves which incur additional costs. The displays by Cock of the Rock Leks are spectacular and a popular sight to visit. On many of the walking trails, you can expect to see toucans, tanagers, flycatchers, motmots, and woodpeckers.

Bellavista, Milpe Lodge and Yellow Trails Lodge offer some of the best trails for birdwatching. For excellent close up encounters it’s worth visiting the El Edén treehouse guesthouse. The owner has transformed his garden into a tropical oasis and runs a small cafe. With plenty of bird feeders to attract the local species, you can get some great photographs of hummingbirds, toucans and other Mindo birds.

Sanibel Island, Florida

Contributed by – Bret Love & Mary Gabbett of Green Global Travel

Roseate Spoonbills at Ding Darling NWR
Roseate Spoonbills at Ding Darling NWR

Located in southwest Florida Sanibel Island is famous for a few different things. Its beautiful beaches are lined with millions of seashells, so it’s widely considered one of the world’s best places for shell-hunting. The iconic Sanibel Island Lighthouse was built in 1884, and is on the National List of Historic Places. Most importantly, the City of Sanibel passed restrictions on development back in the 1970s, which continue to protect the barrier island today.

There are no buildings allowed to be taller than the trees; no chain restaurants other than the two that were there before the law was passed; and nearly two-thirds of the island’s 33.25 square miles are protected by wildlife refuges. Of these, J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is by far the best-known and largest, encompassing around 5,200 acres that includes one of the country’s largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystems.

The refuge was named for Pulitzer Prize-winning political cartoonist/conservationist Jay Norwood “Ding” Darling. He created the Federal Duck Stamp Program and designed its first stamp; was tapped by President Franklin D Roosevelt to head up the U.S. Biological Survey (now known as U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service); founded the National Wildlife Federation; and emphasized the importance of creating an organized network of nature sanctuaries, now known as the National Wildlife Refuge System.

Ding was a huge bird-lover, and the refuge named after him is a world-class birdwatching destination. Hiking, biking, or driving the five miles of road that winds through the refuge is a must, revealing an astounding assortment of birds that includes myriad herons, egrets, anhingas, cormorants, osprey, and (my personal favorite) the fluorescent pink roseate spoonbills.

Watching these flocks feasting among the refuge’s waters at sunset is one of our favorite activities, as the stunning colors reflected in the shallow waters make for picturesque moments of reverie and wonder. After nearly 20 trips to the area over the last 25+ years, visiting the refuge ranks tops among our family’s favorite things to do on Sanibel Island.

Kanha, Madhya Pradesh

Contributed by – Nisha and Vasu of Lemonicks

Spotted Owlet in Kanha
Spotted Owlet in Kanha

Kanha National Park, located in Madhya Pradesh in the Central Indian Highlands, is better known for its diversity in the form of wildlife and more specifically, Tigers and Leopards. However, KNP is so vast and well protected, that birds of many feathers congregate here during migration or many others have made these forests, their home.

The national park and the buffer zone occupies an area almost 2000 SqKM, which is bigger than New Delhi and Mumbai put together! Almost 300 species of birds are found here which more than 25% of the total species found in India. This in itself makes KNP an important destination for birding.

There are the common birds like egrets, storks, herons, bee-eaters, many varieties of birds of prey, several species of nocturnal birds like owls and nightjars and, also vultures. There are a few rare birds too, which you can spot if you are lucky, like various types of Paradise Flycatchers, black hooded orioles, scarlet minivet, Hornbills etc.

When we ecstatically spotted a lone cute little  fellow, the Spotted Owlet (athene brama), the guide said that although there are plenty of them in the park, it is quite difficult to spot them as they are nocturnal. That makes it rare, enough! However, we do need to be patient and follow the rules of the jungle.

Best time to visit the sanctuary is in winter, when the weather is cooler, and which is also the time for the migratory birds from Cold Northern countries. Even though Bharatpur in India is said to be one of the best bird sanctuary in the world, Kanha holds strong with its 300 species.

Now that we know that there are so many members of avifauna found at Kanha National Park, it makes sense to keep your eyes peeled for some of the rare ones which rule the sky, when you go for a safari to spot the tiger, that rules the land.

Falkland Islands / Islas Malvinas

Contributed by – Nadine Maffre of Le Long Weekend

King Penguins in Falkland Islands
King Penguins in Falkland Islands

The Falkland Islands are a bird-watching destination like no other. Here, the natural world takes precedence, and humans are vastly outnumbered visitors. Over two hundred different species of birds live in this Southern archipelago off the coast of Argentina, including, most famously, 5 different species of penguins. Gentoo, Rockhopper, Macaroni and Magellanic penguins all make an appearance around the islands, but the most popular and remarkable are the King Penguins. Standing almost a metre tall, their colony is a sight to behold – especially when the fluffy brown chicks are in attendance – and remarkably accessible from the island’s main township of Stanley.

But penguins aside, the birdlife of the Falklands is diverse and incredibly interesting for even the most amateur bird watcher. Black-brow albatross swoop into their Cliffside nests, southern giant petrel fish on the choppy waters, rock cormorants rather comically come into land on the craggy coastlines, and upland geese and the endemic steamer ducks waddle around the islands in pairs. Weddell Island, in particular, is a bird-watching hot spot with over 54 different species identified on the island (the human population is as little as 2 in the quieter months). In between bouts of birding, you’ll have plenty of other wildlife to feast your eyes on too, with seals, sea lions, dolphins, foxes, and even the odd reindeer to keep you busy!

If you are looking for best birding locations in the world, you certainly cannot skip the Falkland islands.

Ranganathittu, Karnataka

Contributed by – Ellis from Backpack Adventures 

Waterbirds at Ranganathittu bird sanctuary
Waterbirds at Ranganathittu bird sanctuary

I wasn’t much into birding untill I visited India. It was a young tourist guide in Kerala that was so passionate about the birds in his hometown area that it was hard not to get excited too. Since then I discovered that India is one of the top birding destinations in the world.

Even though Kerala got me into bird watching, my favourite birding destination in India is the Ranganathittu bird sanctuary in Karnataka. The sanctuary is actually a network of small islands in the Cauvery river basin that are used by a large variety of birds for nesting.

Come early morning in the nesting season and you will see and hear hundreds of pelicans and storks. But they are not the only birds here. There are in fact more than 170 bird species including king fishers, herons and the Brahmany kite.

The best way to see the birds is by taking a boat ride on the river in the morning hours. Besides the birds you will also see crocodiles. After that you can walk around the sanctuary to see more birds, plants, flowers and butterflies.

The sanctuary is easy to visit from the city of Mysore in Southern India. By bus it is only 30 minutes to reach the gate. From there it is a leisurely 15 minute walk to the entrance. Most likely you will already spot your first birds here.

Bocas del Toro, Panama

Contributed by – Laura of The Travelling Stomach

Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park
Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park

Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park is located in one of Panama’s most beautiful areas, Bocas del Toro. The area is an archipelago of multiple islands, of which the island of Bastimentos is one of the largest. The national park is a mecca for wildlife lovers both above and below the water, with sightings of caiman, crocodile and an array of fish common for snorkelers, whilst in the canopies above, alongside sloths and monkeys, you will find one of Central America’s (if not the world’s) best birding destinations.

A great spot to stay and explore the area from is Tranquilo Bay which is found on the island of Bastimentos. This beautiful eco resort is not only a great spot to escape everyday life from, but is set up perfectly for people who want to explore the region’s beautiful natural world, and more specifically for bird watchers! With it’s own bird watching tower set in the midst of the resort’s grounds, you can while your days amongst the canopies of the island, spotting an array of colourful feathers around you.

The wider region has over 1,000 recorded species of birds – and if you stay at Tranquilo Bay you have the chance of seeing 500 of these just from your time in the resort and out on the daily excursions. From the Great Egret to the Swallow Tailed Kite, the Lesser Nighthawk to the Blue-headed Parrot (pictured), you will be sure to spot something new to you!

Galapagos Islands

Contributed by – Nancy Williams of Checking it off the List

Blue-Footed Booby in the Galapagos Islands
Blue-Footed Booby in the Galapagos Islands

Going to the Galapagos, I knew I would see many different types of birds. I didn’t consider myself a birder or even someone who was interested in birds more than the average person. However, I was very excited to see the blue-footed booby as I read much about it when I was researching a trip to Galapagos.

I thought going in it might be difficult to see one, since they aren’t very big. However, the opportunity presented itself multiple times to spot their bright blue feet shining in the sun. The primary islands where I encountered them was Isabela and Rabida. But, when visiting the Galapagos, your timing and the schedule of visitors to islands can change.

During the trip, we encountered many different types of birds with other favorites being the flightless Cormorant, penguins, and the frigate bird. We even had the rare experience of spotting a red-footed booby! Santa Cruz has a large nesting area for frigate birds. If you visit during mating season, you may have the opportunity to see the male’s large red bulge indicating he’s ready for a mate.

If you enjoy watching birds or just seeing unique species in their environment, you will most certainly enjoy a trip around the Galapagos for some of the best birding in the world.

Danube Delta, Romania

Contributed by – Corina Preda of Another Milestone

Pelicans in Danube delta
Pelicans in Danube delta

Danube delta is the news land of Europe and it grows every year with around 40 m2. Hardly accessible, this very well preserved corner of nature is a perfect environment for wild life. It hosts the third largest biodiversity in the world and humans still live here following the nature’s laws and adapting to its requests. A boat trip is the only option you have to explore it, but a ride on these channels with rich flora and fauna will offer you an amazing experience. You can rent a boat (silent and small in order not to disturb the animals) in Tulcea (the biggest city in the area) or in one of the villages located in this water kingdom.

For amateurs of birdwatching, Danube delta is paradise on earth. Cormorants (and even the rare Black pygmy cormorant), red-breasted geese and white pelicans are just some of the birds that can be spotted here. It is enough to slide on the channels and you will hear their sharp sounds and see them in the reeds. Large groups of ducks, geese and swans will cross your path and if you are lucky you can encounter Dalmatian pelicans, the largest birds in Europe. Danube delta is home to over 330 species of birds and during winter host to migratory birds. Come with your camera prepared and you will have many surprises!

Guelph, Ontario, Canada

Contributed by – Eric from Ontario Away

Canada Goose in Guelph
Canada Goose in Guelph

If you’re looking to spot a wide array of bird species in one of the best places for bird watching, look no further than Guelph, Ontario, Canada. This small rural city located in Southwestern Ontario is known to be a green city with many parks and conservation areas.

Guelph has a unique natural geographical feature – it’s the location where two important rivers meet. As a result, there are plenty of walking paths and hiking trails that follow them through the abundance of natural green space. This makes bird spotting easy in many places around the city. You’ll likely spot a classic – the Canada Goose close to the rivers in the city centre!

That said, a top area for bird watching is The Arboretum. Owned by the local University of Guelph, this 400 acre area of trails, forests, wetlands, and gardens is known to locals as a great place to hike and spot birds. In total, over 200 species of birds have been spotted in the area – with well over 80 known to breed there.

The grounds are actually the place of ecological and conservation studies for students and university researchers. As a result, there are a number of bird boxes scattered throughout which attract species like Eastern Screech-Owls and Black-capped Chickadees.

The Arboretum trail system snakes through denser woods, making it easier to not scare some birds as you approach. Because of their colour, it’s usually easy to spot the Northern Cardinal or the beautiful Blue Jay here. Wandering The Arboretum is one of the many things to do in Guelph. Plus, it’s free for the public to enter any time of the year!

San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica

Contributed by Pubali and Indranil from Paradise Catchers

Acorn Woodpeckers in San Gerardo de Dota
Acorn Woodpeckers in San Gerardo de Dota

San Gerardo de Dota holds a special place for birding in a country that is home to numerous exotic, colorful and endemic birds. It is just 90 km away from the capital of Costa Rica, San Jose. The village of San Gerardo de Dota lies just off the Pan-American highway, stretching across 9-10 km along the bank of Rio Savegre, one of the cleanest rivers of Costa Rica.

The trails across the area, amidst the cloud forest range, provide ample opportunities of spotting 300+ species of birds. Resplendant Quetzals, Woodpeckers (Acorn and Hairy), Toucans, Tanagers and various species of Hummingbirds are few names among the commonly spotted ones.

The show-stopper of San Gerardo de Dota is definitely the majestic Resplendant Quetzal. You can spot them during the nesting months of April to June. They are known to frequent the wild avocado trees of the region. Sighting this special bird pushes San Gerardo to top ten birding destinations in Costa Rica.

There are two ways to plan your birding expeditions in San Gerardo de Dota – on your own or through guided tours. If you choose to do it on your own, try gathering some tips from your hotel on the birding trails. Also, some hotels and restaurants set up their own natural feeders. So it is a good idea to keep an eye on them. Otherwise, go for guided birding tours. You can request your hotel to arrange the tour that includes not just the village but also the nearby Los Quetzales National Park.

Costa Rica is hands down the best birdwatching country for avid birders to check off their bucketlist.

Balule Nature Reserve, South Africa

Contributed by – Niina Lehikoinen of Bizarre Globe Hopper

Balule Nature Reserve Southern red-billed hornbill
Southern red-billed hornbill in Balule Nature Reserve

Whereas Kruger National Park is a famous birding destination in South Africa, its private concession called Balule Nature Reserve remains off the beaten path. As there are no borders between Balule and Kruger, wildlife is the same, and many claim that birding in Balule is even better thanks to perennial Olifants River that pierces the private reserve.

We spotted in Balule Reserve plenty of raptors, vultures, kingfishers, bee-eaters, starlings, weavers, hornbills, and our all-time African safari favorites, lilac-breasted rollers. Some of the showstoppers for us were Southern ground hornbills and Southern red-billed hornbills. The flashy Southern ground hornbills are relatively easy to spot in Greater Kruger National Park, although they are endangered.

The birders “Big Six” bucket list for Greater Kruger includes Martial eagle, Lappet-faced vulture, Pel’s fishing owl, Kori bustard, Southern ground hornbill, and the rare Saddle-billed stork that is probably hardest to spot. Bateleurs, African fish eagles, and tawny eagles are easy to find to all around Greater Kruger, and there are altogether 58 common raptors.

The best time for birding in Balule Nature Reserve and the rest of the Greater Kruger National Park is between October and March. Game drives and walking safaris in Balule offer ample birding opportunities, but there are also sleep-over hides within the Greater Kruger National Park.

Pamukkale, Turkey

Contributed by – Nabiha Khan of Verses by a Voyager

ducks at Pamukkale
Ducks at Pamukkale

Pamukkale, the cotton castle of Turkey, is the home to beautiful ducks in the country who enjoy their day out in the artificial pools made at Pamukkale. Earlier they used to visit the place occasionally but since 2014 they are permanently dwelling there. These birds are vocal and very human-friendly, mainly due of the excessive human interaction they get because of the high number of visitors visiting Pamukkale.

These white fluffy ducks perfectly blend with the white terraces of the Pamukkale, making the view extra-ordinary. These ducks are very easy to spot as they can be found in the lakes at the foot of the terraces. Just next to the parking at the main entrance of Pamukkale, the artificial lakes are located where the ducks are found.

They are present there all year round and perhaps Pamukkale is the best location to watch a huge group of ducks together. This is mainly due to the overall white structure of the terraces and these white ducks merge beautifully in the backdrop. This area with the lakes have been turned into a small park and many families can be seen spending their warm, sunny afternoon there. The presence of these ducks has added value to this outdoor nature park at Pamukkale.

FAQs

Where is the Bird Capital of the World?

Quito in Ecuador is said to be the Bird capital of the world with a total of over 550 unique bird species. Its on my bucketlist.

What is the Best State for Bird Watching in the US?

In the US, top 3 states for birding are - California, Texas Gulf Coast and Arizone with over 250 unique species recorded in each.

What Month is best for Bird Watching?

Needless to say, it depends on the destination but in general migration season from mid-sep till mid-oct.

Is Bird Watching Good for Mental Health?

Anyone who enjoys bird watching will say YES! It is almost therapeutic while you enjoy peace and solitude in the great outdoors.

So friends, this was a list of best bird watching destinations around the world as combined by avid naturalists and travelers. How many have you been to and whats next on your bucket list? Share in comments below. 

Jo

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