Birdwatching tourism, also known as ornithological tourism or avitourism, is a type of tourism focused on observing birds in their natural habitats. This practice combines interest in biodiversity with sustainable tourism, attracting amateur and professional birdwatchers, who travel to various natural destinations to identify, photograph and enjoy birds in their natural environments.

It is usually carried out in protected areas, such as nature reserves and national parks, where the diversity of species and natural ecosystems favor bird conservation. This specialized tourism not only has a recreational component, but also promotes environmental awareness and support for the conservation of bird habitats.

There are more than 10,000 species of birds scattered around the world

Their distribution seems random, but that is nothing more than a mirage, since the precarious balance of our biodiversity is based on bases calculated by Mother Nature with millimetric precision. There are places on our planet that are among the favorites of hundreds of bird species.

Each continent offers a unique biodiversity and attraction, making birdwatching a high-value activity for both birdwatchers and the conservation of natural habitats.

Bañado La Estrella, Formosa - Argentina

The continents that receive the most birdwatching tourism:

• North America: The United States and Canada are popular destinations due to their extensive network of national parks and protected areas. The United States has migratory bird routes and a wide variety of habitats, from deserts to forests and wetlands, which attract both locals and international tourists.
• South America: Countries such as Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador lead birdwatching tourism, with exclusive species and varied ecosystems, from the Andes to the Amazon. Colombia, in particular, is known for being one of the countries with the largest number of bird species in the world, making it an important point of interest for birdwatchers. Argentina is one of the most popular countries for birdwatching, as of the 10,500 species that exist in the world, more than 1,000 live in the Iberá Wetlands.
• South America: Countries such as Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador lead birdwatching tourism, with exclusive species and varied ecosystems, from the Andes to the Amazon. Colombia, in particular, is known for being one of the countries with the largest number of bird species in the world, making it an important point of interest for birdwatchers. Argentina is one of the most popular countries for birdwatching, as of the 10,500 species that exist in the world, more than 1,000 live in the Iberá Wetlands.
• Africa: With its parks and reserves such as the Kruger National Park in South Africa or the Amboseli National Park in Kenya, Africa is a favorite for birdwatchers who want to see exotic and endemic species, often in the context of safaris.
• Africa: With its parks and reserves such as the Kruger National Park in South Africa or the Amboseli National Park in Kenya, Africa is a favorite for birdwatchers who want to see exotic and endemic species, often in the context of safaris.

An experience often described as rewarding and life-changing

Many birdwatching enthusiasts report feelings of peace and connection with nature when observing birds in their natural habitat.

Here are some common emotions and experiences associated with this activity:

• Connection with nature: Being outdoors, surrounded by flora and fauna, provides a sense of calm and well-being. Birdwatchers often feel that they are in tune with the natural world, which can be therapeutic and revitalizing.
• Excitement and surprise: The anticipation of sighting a rare or beautiful species generates a level of excitement similar to that of an adventure. Birds are unpredictable, making each sighting a small victory. The discovery of a bird that has never been seen before can bring about a sense of joy and wonder.
• Patience and contemplation: Birdwatching requires patience and stillness, allowing people to enjoy the present moment. This type of active meditation can help reduce stress and anxiety, by providing a focus on observing and enjoying the details of the environment.
• Learning and curiosity: Hobbyists are often motivated to research and better understand the species they observe, which fosters a mindset of continuous learning.
• Community: Encourages the creation of communities among enthusiasts, who share their knowledge and experiences. This social connection can enrich the experience and provide a sense of belonging to a group with similar interests.

Migration of Cranes in Northern Spain

How popular is bird watching?

Many people think of bird watching as a hobby for middle-aged or retired people. However, data shows that more than half of bird watchers are under 54 years old and about 17% of the population is between the ages of 16 and 34.

Recent articles published by the New York Times claim that the bird watching community is becoming younger and more diverse. Market research by the National Audubon Society has identified 9 million people between the ages of 18 and 35 “who share that mix of interest in birds and environmental activism.”

To document bird watching tourism, a variety of items are often used to effectively observe and record findings.

• Binoculars: These are essential for observing birds from a distance. High-quality binoculars offer clear, sharp magnification, allowing you to see details that would otherwise be invisible.
• Cameras: Many birders carry cameras with long-range lenses to capture photos of the birds they encounter. Interchangeable lens digital cameras are popular, as are high-quality compact cameras.
• Sound recorders: To capture bird songs and calls, which is useful for later identification and to contribute to biodiversity studies.
• Mobile apps: These allow users to identify bird species, record sightings, and connect with other enthusiasts. The most well-known are Merlin Bird ID and eBird.

These items not only help birders enjoy their experience more, but also make it easier to document avian biodiversity and contribute to species conservation. High-resolution satellite data and images from NASA, NOAA, and USGS are compiled into cutting-edge statistical models to predict population trends and when, where, and how many species may be sighted.

As more people become interested in birdwatching, a global community is emerging that shares knowledge, experiences and is coming together to enjoy this activity that is not only relaxing, but also educational. In addition, these groups support conservation activities and foster a greater understanding of the importance of preserving our ecosystems, making them advocates for conservation and sustainability.