Spring Birding in Dalmatia

About this trip

Embark on an unforgettable birding adventure with our 8-day birding trip in April 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

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, Montagu’s Harrier, 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. The Park is also a vital nesting area for several bird species, including the Pygmy Cormorant, Grey and Purple Heron. 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.

Day 3

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. Eurasian Thick-knee and Little Owl call the Pag island home, and can be seen and heard from many rocky fields and stone walls. The island is also the best place to see the Rock Partridge, one of the most iconic birds of Croatia.

Day 4

Northern Dalmatia lagoons and saltpans provide amazing birding opportunities. We will see Kentish Plovers coming to their breeding habitats, along with Black-winged Stilts and Common Shelduck, while Common Snipes and Little Stilts can be seen feeding in the shallow waters, refuelling for the further migration north.

Day 5

Picturesque canyons and cliffs of the Zrmanja River will blow you away. Gorgeous views from observation points, with many unique birds, such as Cirl Bunting, Eastern Orphean Warbler and Sombre Tit. Many trees and bushes are teeming with birds, many migrating through the area. Wood Warbler and Eastern Subalpine Warbler hide everywhere, but with the watchfull eye of your guide, you will see them and many more. Visit southern Velebit area and observe some of the birds of proper karst habitats, such as Western Rock Nuthatch and Eastern Black-eared Wheatear. Rock cliffs represent the perfect nesting habitats for Peregrine Falcon, Eurasian Crag-Marting and Golden Eagle. With just a little bit of luck, we will observe some of the harder to see birds, such as the Ortolan Bunting.

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. Many raptor species can be found in the area, such as European Honey Buzzard, Red-footed Falcon and Short-toed Snake Eagle, as well as many passerines that fly over the area.

Day 7

In the stunning Neretva delta of Croatia, you will have the opportunity to observe a diverse range of bird species that call this unique wetland home. Our expert bird guides will lead you to the best hotspots in the area, providing valuable insights into the local birdlife and their habitats. You will have the chance to observe a variety of water birds, including the Great Egret, Little Egret, and Spoonbill. Many Pygmy Cormorants are in the area, with Zitting Cisticola singing from the tall grasses. In addition to these species, you can also observe several migratory birds that pass through the region, such as the Northern Wheatear and many waders.

Day 8

A thrilling day in the Biokovo Nature Park, which includes traveling to the highest peak, Sveti Jure, at 1762 m (5780 ft). From high mountain peaks and rock pastures, the area offers some of the most amazing views and gorgeous birds. With a little bit of luck, we will observe Yellow-billed Chough in their areal display, elusive Alpine Accentor and nimble Chamois. With this, our trip will come to an end.

What’s included

What’s NOT included