The Best Birding Holiday Destinations Around Europe

The best birding holiday destinations around Europe

European birding holiday. With its diverse landscapes and habitats, Europe is a haven for hundreds of different species of bird. If you’re thinking of going on a bird watching holiday abroad, Europe could be the perfect choice for you, no matter what types of birds you’re wanting to spot. Read on to find out our top spots for the best bird watching in Europe.

Spain

Extremadura in the South East of Spain is widely regarded as a must-visit spot for birdwatchers. The range of habitats, lack of human inhabitants and peaceful environment mean that birds thrive and flourish here. Many birds of prey call Extremadura home, including Bonelli’s Eagle and Griffon Vultures.

Finland

Finland is home to a wide range of birds of prey, including falcons, owls and osprey. April and May are the busiest months for birdwatching as migrant birds return North for the warmer months. Keep an eye out for Finland’s national bird, the Whooper Swan.

Norway

The beautiful fjords of Norway are home to many rare birds, such as the Pallid Swift and Water Pipits. Cruises and tours are available to help you make the most of the trip, and visit hard-to-reach areas. Just make sure to wrap up warm before heading out to spot birds!

Estonia

Estonia has a range of landscapes, from forests and bogs to coastland, making this the perfect place for any twitcher looking to spot a range of wild birds. The best time to visit to spot feathered friends is between March and June, and between September and October for the autumn migration. A whopping six species of eagle can be found in this country, as well as 8 species of woodpecker!

Madeira

Although being positioned off the coast of Africa, Madeira is actually a region of Portugal. It is home to 286 species of bird, including the Madeira Firecrest, Trocaz Pigeon and Fea’s Petrel. Head to the coastline to spot sea and wading birds, or keep an eye on the tall trees and dense fauna of the island at sunrise and dusk to spot rarer birds.

Bird watching holidays for beginners and experienced twitchers offer the opportunity to develop your skills, add more sightings to your log for the year, and explore Europe too! Make sure to log any sightings on the BirdSpotter App, and chat with other twitchers on the forum.

If you’d like to spot more birds at home, make sure you’re supporting garden birds by providing a great source of nutrition, such as our Niger seeds, during the winter months.