Birding Tourism Has Taken Off!

Lonely Planet's Best Birdwatching Experiences

Birding tourism is a rapidly-growing trend amongst travellers according to Lonely Planet, and as birds across the UK prepare to fly off on their autumn migrations, the global travel expert has revealed its best birdwatching experiences. Taken from its brand-new book release, The Joy of Birdwatching, which reveals 60 of the world's most enchanting bird species and where to see them in their natural habitats, including UK favourites: Cornish Choughs. The Bitterns of Minsmere and Swifts of Selborne.

The growing trend of 'Birding' - the finding, observing, and identifying birds for educational and enjoyment purposes - became a popular pastime during the pandemic. It is a passion that continues to flutter feathers, with over 600,000 people taking part in the RSPB's Big Garden Bird Watch earlier this year and millions tuning in to TV shows such as BBC's Springwatch and Sky's Painting Birds. Now increasing numbers of travellers are seeking to reconnect with nature and enjoy the moments of mindfulness found in watching birds go about their day.

Lonely Planet author, wildlife photographer and contributor to the Joy of Birdwatching, Bella Falk has selected her top birdwatching experiences from the book based on those she has seen and loved and those still on her bucket list:

1. Booming Bitterns of Minsmere, Suffolk. Camouflaged to match the reeds, with darts of buff, ochre and umber, this springtime guest is heard as often as seen, with the 'boom' of the Bittern providing an unmistakable bass section for Minsmere's morning chorus. When to go: Booming season runs late February until mid-May, but sightings are easier in June, when females venture out to gather food for growing chicks.

2. Penguins of Table Mountain, South Africa. Cape Floral Kingdom is home to the largest mainland penguin colony in the country. Where plant life flourishes on the hills and the clear waters of False Bay sparkle with a beach covered with waddling, hopping and scurrying African penguins.  When to go: Peak breeding season is March to May. Hit the beach in the late afternoon when the penguins return to their nests after fishing during the day.

3. Serengeti Dawn Chorus, Tanzania. Over 500 bird species can be found in East Africa's greatest birding area. Weavers flit amongst the grasses, sunbirds brighten the savannahs, ostriches' stride, guinea fowl chatter and soaring Verreaux's eagles silently scan for potential prey. When to go: Birding is good year-round, with the wetter months, particularly February and March especially rewarding.

4. Bald Eagles of Tongass National Forest, Alaska. This temperate rainforest is a truly magical place, dripping with old-growth trees, marshes and islands and where over 7000 nesting bald eagles reside - the world's largest population. Along with bears, wolves, whales and sea lions which form a critical part of the ecosystem. When to go: May to September are the warmest months; salmon runs occur around July, when eagles gather en masse on riverside tree branches to prey on the fish.

5. Keel-Billed Toucans at the Curi-Cancha Reserve, Costa Rica. The Monteverde region is home to more than six species of Toucan, including the Keel-Billed with its outsized rainbow-coloured bill, blue legs and yellow face: the epitome of a tropical bird. When to go: December to April, with the Toucan nesting season April to June.

6. Red-Crowned Cranes of Akan town, Hokkaidō, Japan. These majestic, spindly-legged birds average 1.5m in height and have a wingspan of up to 2.4m. Watch these striking cranes, with their signature crimson forehead, dance in the snow. When to go: November to early March, feeding is carried out at the Akan International Crane Centre when at peak times, about 150 red-crowned cranes will fly in.

7. Family Birdwatching in Costa Blanca, Spain. The undeveloped expanse of the Sierra de Bernia area offers peace, space and an impressive biodiversity, supporting many endemic and migrating birds including Hoopoes which can be found year-round, but are notoriously shy. When to go: - April to early June sees lots of springtime bird movement; October to November, birds make their migration back to Africa.

8. Albatrosses of the Falkland Islands. More than 70% of the world's Albatrosses return to nesting sites every September. The nutrient rich waters are a paradise for fish and the predators that feed on them. Over 220 bird species can be seen here including the black browed albatrosses, petrels, cormorants, plovers and five species of penguin. When to go: Breeding season is October to March, the warmest temperatures and longest days in are in December and January, when chicks hatch.

Lonely Planet's The Joy of Birdwatching is a beautifully designed mixture of illustration and photography, offering practical advice, expert insights, and personal stories from bird enthusiasts. Organised by region, it provides details on optimal visiting times and accessibility, making it a comprehensive guide for birdwatchers seeking both joy and adventure.

For more information on the best birdwatching experiences check out Lonely Planet's The Joy of Birdwatching, on sale now. RRP £22.99 available from shop.lonelyplanet.com/en-gb or where all good books are sold.

ENDS

Media enquiries please contact LonelyPlanet@goshpr.co.uk

• A digital copy of the book, front cover, extracts, destination images and the Lonely Planet logo are all available on request
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