Bhutan Birding Tours

When is the best time to take a Bhutan birding tour?

When is Bhutan’s bird-watching season baffles many bird lovers and visitors who plan a birding tour in Bhutan. Due to the geographical differences in different parts, the weather condition varies a lot even in the same season in Bhutan. This particularity determines where and when you can find the specific bird species.

Typically, Bhutan birds can be spotted all year round. Most of the species including some rare ones like the white-bellied herons can be found during Bhutan’s best seasons from Mar. to June and Sep. to Nov at the banks of main rivers and around secluded big lakes. However, some globally endangered species like the enigmatic resident the Black-necked Crane appear in Bhutan’s winter from Dec. to Feb.

Where are the best places to spot the high-popularity Bhutan birds?

Despite that large scales of lands and mountains in Bhutan are covered with thick and untouched forests and terraced fields, but almost all the birds in Bhutan choose their favorite places to inhabit. Some like nestling at warmer places in low altitudes and play around with humans while others prefer some higher places for serenity.

Bhutan ornithologists and avid local bird watchers has made tremendous efforts on searching these birds’ flocked places. Evidence shows that almost 95% of the Bhutan birds show up in the following areas:

1. Wetlands and marshes - Phobjikha Valley & central and western parts of Bhutan
2. Subtropical and warm broadleaved forests
3. Cool broadleaved forests
4. Forests and bushes
5. Alpine scrubs

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What to pack for a Bhutan birding tour?

Equipment used for birding in Bhutan is typically at personal preference. However, for those who are new to birding, or just want to see these rare species playing around, there are a few tips on what you can use to make your birding better.

Binoculars are a must, because it is helpful when you are spotting them. If you want to catch the birds on film, then you need a 30-70x zoom lens for optimum visibility. Cameras should ideally have a removable zoom lens and should have at least a 100-400mm IS lens with built-in or detachable sun cover, to reduce the glare on the lens. Tripods are a necessity when birding since you do not want to be holding the camera all day. They give better stability to the shots and reduce camera shake to get a clearer picture.