Ready to take your backyard birding to the next level? Tired of seeing the same birds lighting on your feeders from day to day? Want to break out of your bird watching rut? Try a birdwatching vacation or excursion and break out of your birding comfort zone. Here are a few of the best places to watch birds around the world to find new and exciting species to add to your field journal!
Yellowstone National Park
If you’re an American and want a domestic birding trip, look no further than Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone is already one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, but birders need to add this one to their list as it is home to the elusive and hard-to-find bald eagle. With over 18 nests in the park, you’re destined to find a specimen to log into your Sibley’s or snap with your camera. Stay near bodies of water like lakes and streams for best viewing opportunities.
Costa Rica
With its rainforests and abundant wildlife, Costa Rica is a popular spot for ecotourists. Containing some of the most diverse selection of birds and wildlife anywhere in the world, Costa Rica is a must-see for the serious birder. Costa Rica is packed with nature preserves, national parks, and great wide open spaces perfect for spotting some of the hundreds of species of birds that call this place home. Birders can spot hummingbirds, parrots, quetzals, and more, for a rainbow menagerie of avian beauty. Make sure to visit the Wilson Botanical Gardens, considered the most successful birding spot with over 300 species currently recorded.
Norfolk, UK
If a northern climate is more your style, Norfolk is considered the only place to go if you are birding in the United Kingdom. Because of the incredibly diverse ecosystems, including marshes, sand dunes, lagoons, and nature preserves, Norfolk boasts a diverse collection of birds such as marsh harriers, warblers, godwits, and spot bitterns.
Kruger National Park, South Africa
Kruger National Park in South Africa boasts some of the most amazing species of birds in the world. This extraordinary park is a migratory location for over 200 different species of birds, but be sure to visit from October through March to witness this impressive avian display. During the rest of the year, you can see what is known as the Big Six: the Kori bustard, Pel’s fishing owl, southern ground hornbill, Lappet-faced vulture, the martial eagle, and the saddle-billed stork.
Colca Canyon, Peru
Longing to see one of the biggest bird species in the world? Head to Colca Canyon in Peru, where you can spot the Andean Condor. With a wingspan of up to three meters long, the Condor is sure to impress even the most experienced birder. These endangered birds make their home on the rocky cliffs, so keep your eyes peeled while hiking the canyon.
Experienced and newbie birders alike should add these places to their bucket list of birding excursions to make memories for years to come.
