Fall Birding in Northern Dalmatia 2024

About this trip

Embark on an unforgettable birding adventure with our 7-day birding trip in September 2024 in Croatia. Experience the bird migration, while exploring some of the most stunning and diverse natural habitats. Visit some of the most iconic places in Croatia, accompanied by experienced bird guide who will help you identify and observe a wide variety of bird species. Travel along the breath-taking Adriatic coast, where you can witness a variety of shorebirds, ducks, and songbirds. Visit some of the best birding hotspots in the region, while we ensure your comfort with comfortable accommodations and transportation. We will provide you with all the necessary information on the bird species and their habitats, making your birding experience both educational and enjoyable.

Overview

Day 1

On the first day of your itinerary, we provide pickups from three locations: Zagreb, Split, and Zadar. These cities serve as convenient pickup points for your journey. Whether you are starting your adventure in Zagreb, the bustling capital of Croatia, or choosing to begin in the scenic coastal cities of Split or Zadar, these locations offer its unique charm and attractions, ensuring a memorable start to your journey.

Day 2

Start your day early for birdwatching at the Zrmanja River Canyon, beginning with species like the Western Rock Nuthatch, Sombre Tit. Enjoy a picnic lunch while observing birds such as the Alpine Swift and Rock Partridge, then continue exploring high cliffs and tributaries for more sightings, concluding with potential dusk encounters with species like the Eurasian Nightjar.

Day 3

Visit southern Velebit and Paklenica National Park area and observe some of the birds of proper karst habitats, such as Western Rock Nuthatch and Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush. Rock cliffs represent the perfect nesting habitats for Peregrine Falcon, Eurasian Crag-Marting and Golden Eagle.

Day 4

Pag Island is probably the best place for birding in Croatia. Being the first piece of land when flying over the Adriatic, it is the best place to witness the magnificent bird migration. Rock Partridge and Little Owl call the Pag Island home and can be seen and heard from many rocky fields and stone walls. During this time of the year, many raptors could be seen migrating through the area, such as Montagu’s Harrier, Western Marsh Harrier, and Lesser Kestrel.

Day 5

Northern Dalmatia lagoons and saltpans provide amazing birding opportunities. We will see Pygmy Cormorants resting, along with Eurasian Curlews and Common and Little Ringed Plovers, while Common Snipes and Little Stilts can be seen feeding in the shallow waters, refuelling for the further migration south.

Day 6

With many unique habitats in Krka National Park area, we will have a chance to observe several unique species. Calandra Lark and Tawny Pipits will be found in the karst fields, alongside Wood Larks. Willow Warblers migrate through the area in the dozens, while mixed flocks of Swallows and Martins fly overheard. As it’s getting closer to the end of summer, this is the last chance to see some unique European warblers, such as Eastern Subalpine and Barred Warbler, and while visiting the Krka river source, we will enjoy the beautiful landscapes, with Gray Wagtail and White-throated Dippers frolicking in the water.

Day 7

The Vransko Lake Nature Park is home to a wide range of bird species. You will have the opportunity to witness several raptor species, such as the Western Marsh Harrier, Eurasian Eagle-owl, and Short-toed Snake Eagle. The Park is a significant stopover for several migratory birds, and during spring and autumn, you can witness thousands of birds from different species passing through the Park. Cetti’s Warbler and Zitting Cisticola can be heard from the reeds and tall grasses, and depending on the water level, we can witness amazing wader migration. Apart from birdwatching, you can also enjoy the park’s natural beauty, including the stunning scenery of the Vransko Lake, the largest natural lake in Croatia, and the breath-taking view of the Kornati Islands.

What’s included

What’s NOT included