Bali Bird Watching

Bali Bird Watching: A Heaven for Bird Lovers

Bali is known for its spectacular terrains and beautiful people, but it is also a great place for birdwatchers. Even when it rains, the island has a variety of ecosystems ranging from rain forests to wetlands that are home to exotic bird species. Bali provides a wonderful opportunity for bird watching, whether one is a passionate ornithologist or a general nature admirer.

Bali has many bird watching sites. Some of them are:

Best Bird Watching Places in Bali

1. Bali Barat National Park

Bali Barat National Park is probably the most cherished bird watching site in Bali. The national park is home to the critically endangered species, Bali Starling, a white bird with blue patches on its head. Over 160 different bird species inhabit the park, which boasts mangroves, savannah, and forests all providing ideal food sources and nesting places. The best chance to see the birds is in the early hours or around 4 to 6 pm during their hunting time.

2. Ubud Monkey Forest

Many Ubud’s forests are busy with birds even if it is famous for its monkeys only. Any place is a good place to sight birds and in this area, one can meet black-naped oriole and java sparrow. Walking trails in green waist areas provide great chances for pictures and relaxation as one waits for the birds to appear.

3. Bedugul Botanical Gardens

In the cooler parts of Bali, Bedugul is a fascinating spot for birds such as Flame-fronted Barbet and the Javan kingfisher bird species.

The combination of diversity of flora and the tranquil feeling of the gardens makes it a great place for bird watching.

4. Lake Beratan and the Surrounding Wetlands

The lakes surrounding Lake Beratan are filled with several waterbirds such as herons, egrets and ducks. Flowering plants such as sedges and ferns in this region also make for a good area for birdwatchers to view water bird species in their natural habitat.

Iconic Bird Species to Watch For

1. Bali Starling

The Bali Starling or also known as the Bali Mynah is a very common wild bird of Bali and is officially regarded as the national symbol of the island of Bali. The climate change fauna and flora are harboured in Bali Barat National Park. This is a bird almost all bird lovers should make an effort to see.

2. Javan Kingfisher

The Javan Kingfisher with its bright blue and chestnut feathers is certainly a beautiful sight to behold. Such birds are also mostly seen around wetlands, and forest edges, which add bursts of bright hues during bird-watching trips.

3. Oriental Pied Hornbill

For bird watchers in Bali, this large and entertaining bird is bound to be a really nice surprise as it is not necessarily easy to come across. One can typically find it in forested areas known for its loud calls and its remarkable flight.

Tips for a Successful Bird-Watching Trip

Start Early: When planning on going out bird watching, dawn or dusk is the perfect time of day as most birds are usually active during that time of the day.

Bring Binoculars and a Camera: Some good binoculars and a zoom lens would let you take in the details of Balinese birdlife. Let us remember that some of those birds are very small and will need to be viewed closely.

Wear Neutral Clothing: Birds are sensitive to bright colours, so when looking for birds, leave the flamboyant colours at home.

Hire a Local Guide: They can assist you in identifying elusive birds and explain the behaviour and locations of specific species.

Best Time for Bird Watching in Bali

Between the months of April and October, bird watching in Bali is perfect as it is the dry season. During this time of the year, everyday people would likely have a clear sky, and it would be a great opportunity to visit outdoor attractions. The best part is that migratory birds would also be found, making the bird watching experience even further interesting.

Make Bali Your Bird watching Paradise

The beauty of Bali is not only in its sea and temples. It’s the Bali birdlife that would spare a chance for those to connect with nature in a different way altogether. For the endemic Bali Starling and the striking Javan Kingfisher, each moment of bird watching in Bali causes the wonder of wanting to know more about the bird diversity of the island.

Arrange for your travel, bring along your things, and you will never want to leave the richness and the beauty of birds in Bali!