The popularity of birdwatching has soared in recent years. It has become one of the biggest branches of ecotourism and is attracting more tourists every year. This is a reason birdwatching in Armenia has great potential.
This type of tourism is becoming increasingly popular among tourists from Europe. First, Armenia is easier to reach with more flights to Europe and the Middle East. Secondly, with 349 species in Armenia, including the migratory birds, it offers a heaven for birdwatchers.
Plan your visit during May-June or September-October for optimal birdwatching opportunities. The good news is you always can combine your birdwatching hobby with exploring Armenia’s historical sites and delicious cuisine. So, let’s see what the birdwatching regions in Armenia are.
Armash Ponds
One of the most popular spots is Armash Pond, a haven for birdwatchers seeking diverse species. First, it’s not far from Yerevan, only an hour’s drive or so. Secondly, fishponds attract numerous water birds, including grebes, cormorants, pelicans, and herons.
With its open waters, reed beds, and grassy areas, the ponds provide an ideal habitat for various bird species. It serves as a crucial rest stop for migratory birds. Visitors can spot iconic birds like the white-headed duck, white-winged Tern, and blue-cheeked bee-eater. Armash Ponds offer a unique opportunity to witness doves, storks, swans, ducks, herons, gulls, wagtails, and doves.
Arpi Lake National Park
The Arpi Lake National Park is located in the west of Shirak province on the border with Georgia and Turkey. Traveling to the park promises unforgettable experiences as it has a rich flora with around 670 plants and 255 animal species.
With over 140 bird species, it’s an exceptional place for birdwatching enthusiasts. Moreover, several of them such as the curly pelican, gray crane, black stork, and common shelduck are listed in the Red Book.
In addition, the park boasts the world’s largest colony of Armenian gulls and serves as the habitat for Dalmatian pelicans in Armenia.
Villages With Stork Nests
If you take an hour’s ride from Yerevan, you can see dozens of beautiful white storks. During nesting season, many white storks can be seen in Armenian villages in Ararat province. Surenavan is one of the famous villages where storks are building colossal nests atop homes and electric poles.
These birds journey from Europe to Africa, with Armenia serving as a crucial breeding stopover. With around 650 pairs nesting annually, the villages have become a real attraction site for eco-tourists.
Many locals embrace the storks’ presence, even installing special platforms to preserve their homes.
Birdwatching in Lori
Lori region and the Dsegh community in particular is a haven for nature enthusiasts. It’s recognized as one of Armenia’s important bird and biodiversity areas by BirdLife International. There is a remarkable diversity of species, including Griffon vultures, bearded vultures, Egyptian vultures, booted eagles, long-legged buzzards, and European honey buzzards.
There is also a center in the village that serves as a knowledge hub and offers visitors insights into local flora and fauna.
Mountainous Regions
The mountainous regions of Aragats, the areas in Syunik, and Vayots Dzor provinces, along with Dilijan National Park, provide sanctuaries for diverse bird species.
Mt. Aragats, the highest peak in Armenia, is a haven for bird enthusiasts. The subalpine and alpine zones are bustling with activity, offering glimpses of the bee-eaters, golden orioles, nightingales, rollers, hoopoes, and dozens of other species.
The Syunik highlands are home to eagles, Egyptian vultures, gulls, falcons, colorful bee-eaters, and other birds. Syunik’s landscapes, with their rugged cliffs and green pastures, are a crossroads for migratory routes. It adds an element of surprise to each birdwatching expedition.
Dilijan National Park presents a different kind of charm. This is a national park with lush forests where you can spot Caucasian woodpeckers, semi-collared and red-breasted flycatchers, hawfinch, etc.
Why To Choose Birdwatching in Armenia?
Apart from the mentioned areas, there are also other places ideal for birdwatching. So you’d better have a guided tour and professional tour agents taking care of all the details and working out the best itinerary.
With more B&Bs and small hotels in Armenia’s regions, this will be an exceptional experience for birdwatching enthusiasts. It’s a great chance to try traditional dishes and learn more about the life of small communities.
Armenia’s rich birdlife, coupled with its warm hospitality, rich cuisine, historical landmarks, and breathtaking landscapes will turn a journey into an unforgettable experience.