Concepci贸n is a small coastal city located roughly halfway between Santiago and Puerto Montt. While it may not be an essential stop on a classic Chile itinerary, it is well worth a visit for birdwatchers looking to add a few Pacific coast specialties to their list. If you’re planning some birdwatching in the Biob铆o Region, here are some of the best birding hotspots around Concepci贸n.
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In our article about Concepci贸n and the Biob铆o Region, we explained that this destination offers excellent birdwatching opportunities but is somewhat less appealing from a sightseeing perspective. Around Puc贸n, it’s quite the opposite. Surrounded by volcanoes and lakes, the Villarrica region and the town of Puc贸n are among the must-see destinations when travelling through central Chile. Bird diversity here is not particularly outstanding, but several charming species can still be found. We therefore wanted to share with you the best birdwatching spots around Puc贸n.
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After spending more than two weeks exploring New Zealand’s South Island, we continued our birdwatching journey on the North Island. Following our crossing of Queen Charlotte Sound, we picked up our campervan and began our adventure in the country’s capital city: Wellington.
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The Otago Peninsula lies just outside the city of Dunedin on New Zealand鈥檚 South Island. It is an essential destination for nature lovers and especially birdwatchers! This 20-kilometre peninsula is home to an exceptional birdlife that is often easier to observe here than anywhere else in the country. Among its highlights are iconic species of penguins and albatrosses.
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On New Zealand鈥檚 North Island, the Firth of Thames is a particularly interesting area for observing shorebirds. It鈥檚 not a very touristy place, but if you鈥檙e into birdwatching, you should definitely stop at the Miranda Shorebird Centre! Here, you can observe a fascinating endemic species: the Wrybill (Anarhynchus frontalis). Although this plover can be seen in other parts of the country depending on the season, this is where you鈥檒l find some of the largest concentrations.
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Welcome to this birdwatching trip report dedicated to New Zealand鈥檚 South Island! Here we share our 17-day self-guided journey across this stunning mountainous island of Middle-earth. We planned an itinerary not solely focused on birding, but based on our interests, time, and budget. It allowed us to discover the breathtaking landscapes of the South Island while encountering incredible wildlife.
Although New Zealand鈥檚 birdlife is not as diverse as that of neighbouring Australia, it still hosts some remarkable species, especially pelagic ones. Through this journey, you鈥檒l discover our first encounters with albatrosses, takah膿, penguins, and many other birds of the region!
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Sepilok is mainly known among tourists for its orangutan rehabilitation centre, but it also offers another major highlight for birdwatchers: the RDC. The Rainforest Discovery Center is a network of towers, canopy walkways, and forest trails that allow visitors to explore the incredible biodiversity of this part of Borneo.
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Kota Kinabalu is the capital of the state of Sabah on the island of Borneo. If you are visiting the island, there is a good chance that you will arrive by plane in Kota Kinabalu. So why not take some time to look for a few birds in this large city and its surroundings? Although it is clearly not the best place for birdwatching, there are still a few species that can be found here and are difficult to see elsewhere.
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Today, fewer than 1,500 adult Yellow-eyed Penguins (Megadyptes antipodes) remain worldwide. On the Otago Peninsula, near Dunedin in New Zealand, a private reserve covering more than 60 hectares has been working for over 40 years to protect this threatened species: The OPERA (Otago Peninsula Eco Restoration Alliance).
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Off we go for three weeks of van road-tripping across Tasmania. Traveling independently and without a guide, our main goal is to find the island鈥檚 12 endemic bird species. We also have several other iconic birds in mind that we hope to observe along the way. Among them are the Pink Robin, a small pink-feathered gem, its close relative the Flame Robin with its striking plumage, the male Superb Fairywren in full breeding plumage (which can be seen year-round in this attire), and the Hooded Plover along the beaches. Tasmania is an Australian state renowned for its well-preserved natural environments and the abundance of its wildlife. Beyond birds, the island is home to several unique mammal species, starting with the very common Red-bellied Pademelon, Bennett鈥檚 Wallaby, the Common Wombat, the Tasmanian Devil, and the iconic Platypus.
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