I promise I will try birdwatching in Croatia the very next day. Although we live in a part of Croatia that is considered as one of the best places for birdwatching (Neretva River Delta), we still haven’t tried this activity. But as I researched this topic, I found out that it can be quite a meditative experience so I plan to pack binoculars and all other necessary equipment and head toward one of the bird observation points that are located in the vicinity.
If you are into birdwatching, Croatia just might be the perfect country for you. It has diverse habitats and a rich variety of bird species. Croatia also has wetlands, coastal areas, mountains, and forests, all of which are habitats for a different species of birds. We found out that Croatia attracts birdwatchers from around the world. And so we decided to try birdwatching and to do a bit of the research and write this guide with all you need to know about birdwatching in Croatia.
Why Choose Croatia for Birdwatching? We love birds and even have a bird feeder on the fig in front of our house, but we have never actively observed them. In the introduction, we mentioned that Croatia is a paradise for birdwatching, so let us present you with a few reasons why it is so:
Diverse Habitats: The Landscapes of Croatia range from Adriatic wetlands and karst lakes to dense forests and mountainous regions. Different landscapes attract different bird species.Migratory Pathway: Croatia lies along the Adriatic Flyway that is a major route for migrating birds between Europe and Africa.Protected Areas: Many of Croatia’s best birdwatching spots are within national parks and nature reserves, which ensures a great habitat for birds.Variety of Species: With over 400 bird species recorded in Croatia, many of these considered rare and endangered species, Croatia is a must-visit destination for bird enthusiasts.
Best Birdwatching Locations in Croatia I already see myself standing at the Neretva River Delta, early in the morning while the fog still engulfs the whole valley. You can’t hear anything but the quiet bird sounds and it feels so serene. And then I spot the first group of birds on the shallow sandbars Neretva is famous for and it feels like I’m with them and there is nothing else in the world.
Anyways, here are just some of the best and most chosen locations for birdwatching in Croatia.
1. Kopački Rit Nature Park (Eastern Croatia)
Habitat: One of Europe’s largest wetlands. Kopački Rit is located at the confluence of the Drava and Danube rivers.Birds to See: White-tailed eagle, black stork, purple heron, and great egret.Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are the migration seasons and the best periods for birdwatching.Activities: Additionally, you can enjoy guided boat tours and walking trails through the wetlands.
2. Vrana Lake Nature Park (Dalmatia)
Habitat: Vransko jezero (Vrana Lake) is the largest natural lake in Croatia, surrounded by reed beds and wetlands.Birds to See: Pygmy cormorant, glossy ibis, and many different species of ducks and herons.Facilities: Birdwatching towers and informative trails are present at Vrana Lake.Tip: Bring a telescope or binoculars for the best viewing experience.
3. Neretva Delta (Southern Dalmatia) This is the place very close to us and we spend a lot of time here. It’s considered to be one of the richest areas in Europe when it comes to bird species and more than 300 different species are observed here. There is a beautiful observation point too. Additionally, we spend a lot of time on nearby Baćina Lakes where we guided our Baćina Lakes kayaking tour and there is also a nice bird observation point through which you can enjoy this unique landscape in southern Croatia.
Habitat: Coastal wetland and river delta that attract a wide variety of birds.Birds to See: Dalmatian pelican, spoonbill, and numerous waders and shorebirds.Best For: Spotting migratory birds and large flocks in winter.
4. Učka Nature Park (Istria and Kvarner)
Habitat: Mountainous terrain located in Istria, the largest peninsula in Croatia, with forested areas and meadows.Birds to See: Griffon vulture, golden eagle, and rock thrush.Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer, when mountain species are most active.
5. Lonjsko Polje Nature Park (Central Croatia)
Habitat: Floodplains along the Sava River, perfect for spotting wetland species.Birds to See: White storks, spoonbills, and black kites.Unique Feature: Traditional wooden stork nests on village rooftops.
What Bird Species Can You Spot in Croatia? There is a wide variety of different birds you can spot across the territory of Croatia, and here are some of the most popular species:
Resident Birds: White-tailed eagle, griffon vulture, black woodpecker.Migratory Birds: European bee-eater, hoopoe, and various warblers.Waterbirds: Dalmatian pelican, purple heron, pygmy cormorant.Raptors: Golden eagle, short-toed eagle, and peregrine falcon.
Best Time for Birdwatching in Croatia You can observe bird wildlife at any period of the year, but spring and autumn are the best seasons because of the bird migrations. Here’s what to expect out of each season when it comes to birdwatching in Croatia:
Spring (March to May): Migratory birds return and mating season begins.Summer (June to August): Great period for mountain birdwatching, particularly in Učka and Velebit mountains.Autumn (September to November): Excellent for witnessing large migrations, especially in wetlands such as Lonjsko Polje and Kopački Rit.Winter (December to February): Waterfowl and raptors are more prominent, with quieter birdwatching spots.
Tips for a Successful Birdwatching Trip in Croatia If you have stumbled upon this article, you probably know a lot about birdwatching and the recommended equipment. If that’s not the case, here are a few tips to make your birdwatching experience in Croatia even more memorable:
Bring the Right Gear: The Usual equipment for birdwatching is binoculars, spotting scope, and a good camera in case you want to capture some photos.Dress Appropriately: Wearing comfortable clothing in natural colors to blend into the surroundings is recommended.Stay Quiet and Patient: Birds are easily startled so remain still and observe from a distance.Hire a Local Guide: There are many birdwatching clubs and associations in Croatia and their members can offer insider knowledge and help spot rare species. Check whether any birdwatching tours are available in your area.Check Local Regulations: Some protected areas may require permits or you’ll need to join guided tours in order to observe birds at these areas.
Combine Birdwatching with Other Activities Birdwatching is a great activity to combine with some others that will help you to explore some hidden places and potentially spot some additional bird species. For example, Neretva River Delta, where we come from, is full of canals and there are traditional boat tours through some of them. Joining these can be a good combination of birdwatching and exploring this unique landscape in Croatia.
Nature Walks and Hiking: Many birdwatching spots in Croatia are within parks with beautiful hiking trails that offer great hiking experiences in Croatia.Photography Tours: Many birdwatchers are also photographers. Through photography you have the chance to capture stunning birdlife and landscapes of Croatia.Boat Tours: Tours such as these are great for exploring wetlands like Kopački Rit and the Neretva Delta.
Before You Venture birdwatching in Croatia Birdwatching sounds fun, I have to admit that. As promised in the beginning of this article, we’ll head to one of the bird observation points in our vicinity, prepare binoculars and our cameras and try to capture some stunning images to publish in this article. Who knows, maybe we’ll discover a new love and start birdwatching in Croatia more often. Either way, if you are interested in this activity in Croatia, we hope this article was of use to you and you have found at least one useful information.
Enjoy birdwatching and your stay in Croatia!
