Birdwatching has become a source of comfort and joy for many people during lockdown. But how can you continue this hobby while on vacation? Here are the top 10 birding destinations in Europe that you should consider for your next trip.
Birds have a special way of bringing happiness to our lives, and more and more people are realizing the beauty of birdwatching both in Ireland and abroad. Niall Hatch of BirdWatch Ireland believes that this type of tourism brings numerous benefits to local communities, particularly in developing countries. By demonstrating the economic value of wildlife habitats, birdwatching tourism becomes an environmentally efficient form of travel.
If you plan your continental trips during autumn and spring, you will have the opportunity to witness the incredible migratory birds in their prime. Spain and Portugal have set the standard for marketing birds and their habitats to visitors, but other countries like Poland are quickly catching up. However, don’t forget that there is plenty of birdwatching to be done in your own country. The best time to spot certain birds will depend on the season. For example, you can see puffins onshore in May, June, and July, while brent geese arrive by early October, and terns breed during the summer.
To start birdwatching, make sure you have a good pair of binoculars and a local field guide to help you identify and locate birds. The Merlin Bird ID app from Cornell University is also a fantastic tool for identifying birds by sight and sound.
1. Puffins on the Saltees and Skelligs: The Great Saltee island, located five kilometers off the Wexford coast, is a perfect spot to observe puffins from May to July. Skellig Michael is another iconic location to see puffins nesting in cracks and crevices. Other notable areas include Ireland’s Eye, Lambay Island, Rathlin Island, and the Cliffs of Moher.
2. Bee-eaters in Mértola, Portugal: Mértola and Castro Verde in southeast Portugal are renowned for their range of steppe birds, including the dazzling Eurasian bee-eaters. Spring and summer are the best seasons to witness these birds in action.
3. Canaries on the Canary Islands: While the Canary Islands may not offer numerous species, they provide an opportunity to see unique birds that are not found anywhere else. Keep an eye out for the Fuerteventura stonechat, the Canary Islands chiffchaff, and the Tenerife goldcrest.
4. White-tailed eagles in Ireland: These magnificent birds, once extinct in Ireland but reintroduced from Norway, can be observed near Glengarriff, Lough Derg, and the lakes near Killarney. While summer sightings offer the thrill of seeing the eagles catch fish from the sea, they are also seen in inland areas during winter.
5. Corncrakes in Poland: The Warta Mouth National Park in Poland is an excellent location to hear the call of the migrating corncrake, along with numerous other species. The wetlands in the west and the unspoilt forests in the east are popular birdwatching areas.
6. Flamingos at Lagoa de Santo André, Portugal: Lagoa de Santo André, located in Portugal’s Alentejo region, is home to a wide variety of resident birds, including large flocks of flamingos. Winter is the ideal time to visit, as there are fewer tourists and an abundance of migrant birds.
7. Griffon vultures in the Basque Country: The Basque Country offers various birdwatching locations, such as the Sierra Salvada, which provides a diverse landscape for observing different species. From griffon vultures to yellowhammers, there is something for every bird enthusiast.
8. White storks in Extremadura, Spain: The large steppe area between Cáceres and Trujillo is a great spot for observing white storks, as well as other species like the Eurasian hoopoe and cinereous vulture. There are special protection areas for birds within the municipality of Cáceres.
Remember to check local websites and organizations for more information and guidance on birdwatching in these destinations. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just starting out, these locations offer incredible opportunities to connect with nature and observe beautiful avian species. So pack your binoculars and get ready for an unforgettable birdwatching adventure in Europe!
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