Europe is fast becoming a hot destination for nature lovers and birdwatchers, and for good reasons. The continent boasts of a massive variety of birds, thanks to the great variety of breathtaking landscapes. There are many perfect bird watching destinations in Europe for those who want to learn more about birds and come here in search of these feathered beauties.
If you are planning a birding trip to Europe, you should be aware of the spots and sites where you will encounter iconic species and migration spectacles. Here are several of the most sought-after European destinations for bird watching.
Breeding birds in Danube Delta, Romania
The Danube Delta, where the legendary blue Danube River meets the Black Sea, is a vast wetland with colonies of egrets, pelicans, cormorants, and herons, along with vast concentrations of breeding birds. The 733 square km Danube Delta is a key stronghold for Pygmy Cormorants, Dalmatian Pelicans, Whiskered Terns, and Glossy Ibises. Thus, head for the wetlands for a special bird watching experience unique to Europe.
A great show of birds in Camargue, France
Ornithological Park Pont de Gau in Camargue is like a magnet in the birding world. The park made of marshy waterways and agricultural fields boasts of thousands of wading birds and flamingos. Watch those flamingos flock back for breeding and egret rookeries and heron come here looking for territorial mates. The landscape is ideal for the wading birds to thrive and breed here.
Migrating birds at Loophead Ireland
Loophead Lighthouse is one of the Irish landmarks where one can spot the birds that migrate from Iceland. The quiet coastline and its wetlands are just an ideal destination for birds. You can stroll around to look at those birds and watch guillemots and kittiwakes. Stay at the hotels in the area and enjoy the ideal destination for birding.
Doñana National Park in Spain
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Doñana National Park is made of marshy waterways and scrubland. Trails loop through the forest from which you can discover and observe unique species of birds flying in and out throughout the day. There are so many different kinds of birds, and you will come across hundreds of thousands of waterfowl and the largest heron rookeries. Hundreds of Bee-eaters emerge at dusk to feast on bugs. Flamingos and other wading birds come together in great numbers in the Doñana National Park.
Rare birds in Lake Myvatn, Iceland
Lake Myvatn is possibly the best place in the world for breeding ducks. The most exciting and rare birds include species like Harlequin Duck and Barrow’s Goldeneye that can be found in the River Laxa. These ducks are great rarities that breed only in Iceland. Other excellent birds include Scaup, Common Scoter, Slavonian Grebe, -necked Phalarope and Long-tailed Duck.
Hundreds of birds in Zadar Region, Croatia
Zadar is not just known for those beautiful sunsets in Europe, but it is also a magnet for birdwatchers. Lake Vrana Nature Park and the island of Pag in the Zadar area are considered the best for bird watching. Discover the natural beauties of Croatia and hundreds of bird species in this region and get ready for an unforgettable experience.
For peak bird-viewing in Skomer Island, Wales
Skomer Island is well famous for peak bird-viewing during late spring or early summer. The bird island oasis boasts of Atlantic Puffin, Kittiwakes, Petrels, Guillemots, and many more birds. The island encourages successful broods because of ample food for the young. Moreover, the island blooms with beautiful wildflowers during May and June.
Fabulous birds in Svartadalen, Sweden
Black River Valley in Svartådalen, about halfway between Stockholm and Dalarna in central Sweden, boasts of a network of local guides as well as fabulous birds. The major attractions include Ural, Tengmalm’s Pygmy Owls, Hawk Owl, and Great Grey Owl. You can also sight trickiest woodpeckers and even Three-toed and Grey-headed in those forest, lakes, and marshes. Spot breeding birds such as Common Rosefinch, Black Tern, Little Gull, Spotted Crake, Black-throated Diver, and Capercaillie.
Wonderful bird watching in Extremadura, Spain
Extremadura shares a common border with Portugal, and apart from its vestiges and monuments, it is known for offering plenty of options for bird watching. It is indeed one of the best destinations for birding in Europe, and here you can discover a number of endemic species and migrating birds as well. Enjoy a beautiful holiday in this scenic region where you can spot species like the Peregrine Falcon, the Golden Eagle, the Black Stork, and more.
Thousands of seabirds in Mykines, Faroe Islands
Mykines in the Faroes, carries a misty background and a rugged coastline and hundreds of sea birds nest on the rocky cliffs of Mykines. The nature and the weather of Mykines make it just perfect for an ideal breeding location for hundreds of bird species and thousands of seabirds. You will find the island crawling with Kittiwakes, Puffins, and Gannets, among others. Get more information on the breeding areas from a local guide.
Colorful birds in Sierra de Guara, Spain
Located in the foothills of the Central Pyrenees, Spain’s Sierra de Guara is made of fortified villages, high slopes with oak scrubs that are alive with a really tremendous and magical range of birds. You can spot Blue Rock Thrushes, Bee-eaters, Ortolan Buntings, and Subalpine Warblers as well as other colorful birds in several local villages.
Ideal bird watching in Lower Saxony – Hannover
Lower Saxony area in Germany is simply ideal for bird watching, and some of the cities like Hannover and Bremen boast of vast protected parks. One can spot widespread birds of this region as well as migratory birds in these parks. The diverse habitat makes way for a variety of flora and fauna and an abundance of lively migratory population. Some of the species you can spot here include Plovers, Terns, Grebes, Swans, Geese, and Gulls.
Birding in Dunes of Texel National Park, The Netherlands
Get ready for a special bird watching adventure on the island of Texel. You will love the mesmerizing sight of those sand dunes covered in vibrant, purple Heather plants and creating the perfect setting for birds to migrate and to breed. Bike around the area and walk on those trails through Dunes of Texel National Park to get an uninterrupted view of the incredible birdlife. Find one of the largest Spoonbill colonies in Europe here and all kinds of shorebirds.
A paradise for bird watchers in Alentejo, Portugal
Alentejo is well known as one of the most beautiful regions in Portugal that boast of unspoiled beaches and nature. It is indeed like a haven for bird watchers, and the magnificent region of Portugal boasts of some of the best sites for bird watching. Look for a tailor-made excursion to spot the majestic Spanish Imperial Eagles, the huge Griffon Vultures, and the colorful Bee-eaters. Make special trips and take different tours to see what the region has to offer.
Depending upon the species in which you are interested, there are a great number of outstanding locations in Europe for bird watching. Observing and studying them in their natural habitat is a satisfying and unique experience.
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