The world’s best destinations for bird watching

For avian aficionados, nothing compares to the thrill that comes with catching a glimpse of a sought after bird. Except for, maybe, that buzz from putting your out-of-office on and going on holiday. With this in mind, we’ve combined the two experiences and collected best destinations for bird-watching.

Bharatpur, India

Known as one of the world’s best bird watching destinations, Keoladeo Ghana National Park is home to more than 370 recorded bird species. And it’s the migratory birds that truly thrive in this 29 km² man-man wetland. Ducks, geese, waders, raptors, flycatchers and many more all make regular appearances.

Hotel Sonar Haveli is situated just across the road from Keoladeo Ghana National Park, meaning you can easily walk to and from the numerous birdwatching locations.

Río Lagartos, Mexico

Río Lagartos means “alligator river”, but the area is also home to the Mexico’s largest flock of flamingos. During the month of April, thousands of flamingos nest in the areas coastal inlet making it the most popular time to visit. If you can’t make it in April don’t worry, 395 other species of birds have been spotted in the area, year-round.

Located in the heart of Río Lagartos just a short distance from the water, Hotel Tabasco Río is perfectly situated to explore the village as well as see the local flamingo population.

Borgarfjordur Eystri, Iceland

Borgarfjordur Eystri is a fjord known for its large colonies of Atlantic puffins which are easily observed from wooden viewing platforms between April and September. Bird watchers can also expect to see a range of duck species, moorland birds, geese, loons, swans, as well as great skuas and more.

When you’re not watching the mountainside for Atlantic puffins, Blabjorg Guesthouse offers infra-red sauna, outdoor wooden hot tub, whirlpool and steam sauna for guests to enjoy.

Walvis Bay, Namibia

During the summer months, up to 150,000 shore birds can be seen at Walvis Bay’s sheltered and shallow waters. Expect to see everything from flamingos to great white pelicans, ruddy turnstones, kelp gulls, and more. A great way to see these shore birds up close is by renting a kayak and doing some birdwatching from the water.

Only a two-minute walk from the beach, Flamingo Villas Boutique Hotel is the perfect spot for birdwatchers who want to be close to the action.

Titchwell, United Kingdom

Owned and managed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Titchwell Marsh is bustling with birds, year-round. During the autumn and winter months, you can expect to see up to 20 different species of wading birds as well a a large selection ducks and geese. During the spring and summer, there are nesting bearded tits, low-flying marsh harriers, and avocets, gulls, and terns hang around the lagoons.

Once a Victorian farmhouse, Titchwell Manor has been transformed into luxurious boutique accommodation, just down the road from the Titchwell Marsh.

El Rocio, Spain

Doñana National Park is consideredto be the largest nature reserve in Europe and it was founded in 1969 when the World Wildlife Fund partnered with the Spanish government to purchase a section of the marshes. Today, the park is considered a UNESCO Heritage Site and covers an expansive 543 km², which is home to a staggering 500,000 birds. A birdwatcher with a keen eye will be able to spot species of water birds, wintering ducks, wetland species, African and Mediterranean birds, and more.

Situated inside Doñana National Park, Parador de Mazagón, offers sprawling garden, an on-site swimming pool, sauna, and hot tub.