Birdwatching in Latvia – What and Where to Spot

Latvia, the small Baltic country between Estonia and Lithuania is a paradise of birds and nature watchers. It has a rich biodiversity, untouched natural sceneries and geographical location at the East Atlantic Flyway which makes it one of the best kept secrets to bird lovers in Europe. Latvia is a bird watcher paradise with more than 340 species of birds and you can be guaranteed of a spectacular birdwatching experience whether you are targeting rare migratory birds, forest birds, or wetland birds. 

 Being a nature lover in the UAE means that you can easily find an opportunity to visit the untouched nature reserves in Latvia. As ecotourism is gaining popularity, Latvia visa application in Dubai has become an easy and well guided one with the help of the Best Travel Agency in Dubai. You need not be an amateur birdwatcher to enjoy the natural landscapes of Latvia and have a relaxing time in the wild. 

 Why Latvia is Birdwatching Paradise 

The diverse topography (dense forests, coastal beaches, bogs, rivers, and lakes) in Latvia provides a wide range of habitat to the bird species. The nation is located on a key migratory pathway, thereby spring and fall are the best seasons to watch the birds. These periods are the times when tens of thousands of birds fly along the way to their breeding areas and wintering. Latvia serves as the crucial stop-over point. 

 The thing that is remarkable about Latvia is that it is committed towards conservation. It has almost 20 percent of territory which is under protection with four national parks and hundreds of nature reserves. In this way, you are able to view birds in their natural undisturbed habitats. Most of the protected areas have observatory towers and marked paths making your bird watching experience more enjoyable. 

 Best Birds to Encounter in Latvia 

White Stork ( Ciconia ciconia ) 

One of the most symbolic Latvian birds is the white stork. This bird is easily identified because of its long red legs and beak and they nest in the countryside where they can be frequently spotted on chimneys or old trees. The white stork is one of the densest in Latvia. 

 Greater Spotted Eagle (Clanga clanga) 

The greater spotted eagle is a globally threatened species that breeds in the wetland forests and in the bogs in Latvia. These stately birds can be found in the eastern and southeastern Latvia and the Teiči Nature Reserve in particular. 

 Common Crane ( Grus grus ) 

Cranes are migratory birds that are renowned by their graceful flight and their loud calls, passing through Latvia in huge numbers during spring and autumn. Search them around the wetlands of Lubāns or in Lake Pape region. 

 Eurasian Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium passerinum) 

The pygmy owl is the tiniest owl across Europe and it favours old-growth forests. Untouched forests of Latvia are a wonderful opportunity to observe this rare bird, especially in Gauja National Park. 

 Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius) 

The black woodpecker is a conspicuous bird with a red-crowned and noisy bird found in the dense coniferous forests of Latvia. They can be fairly readily heard, in spring courtship. 

 Great Locations to Watch Birds in Latvia 

1. Kemeri national park 

Kemeri National Park is a patchwork of lakes, forests and bogs situated right west of Riga. It is also a birdwatching destination of Latvia. Thousands of ducks, geese, cranes and waders arrive in spring and autumn migrations. The park has boardwalks made of wood and a birdwatching tower in the Great Kemeri Bog. 

 2. Lake Lubans Wetland Complex 

The biggest lake in Latvia and the adjoining wetlands are a hotspot of water birds and raptors. Common birds species here include bittern, whooper swan and marsh harrier. There are also rich populations of frogs and insects, which are food to many birds. 

 3. Pape Nature Reserve 

This reserve is a must visit in the region of southwestern Latvia where the Baltic Sea is nearby to witness the migration process of birds. The reserve is situated in one of the most important migration routes in Europe and over 50,000 birds are seen daily in the peak migration seasons. Pape also has bird-ringing station and observatory towers. 

 4. Teici Nature Reserve 

It is among the biggest undisturbed raised bogs in Europe; a huge area of bog land in eastern Latvia. It has such rare species as the great grey owl, red-breasted flycatcher, and spotted eagle. Visitors are limited and there are guided tours to the area that people might want to visit. 

 5. Gauja National Park 

It is the oldest and largest national park in Latvia that has a diversity of habitats that includes cliffs, forests as well as river valleys. It is perfect in identifying forest birds such as woodpeckers, owls, and finches. The park also has numerous cultural and historical sites, and therefore nature and heritage lovers will enjoy a visit to the park. 

 Best time to go Birdwatching in Latvia 

Spring (April to May): The most appropriate time to observe migration and breeding. Storks, cranes and lots of songbirds will be seen on their way to nesting grounds. 

 Autumn (August to October): A good season to watch huge flocks of migrating southbound birds. The coast is also very active. 

 Winter (December-February): There are fewer species in action, but one can observe such species as the great grey owl, nutcracker, and some woodpeckers. 

 Summer (June to August): Best time to go into the forest to watch birds and watch young fledglings. Most of the birds are in their nesting places and can be observed longer. 

 Birdwatching tips in Latvia 

Bring Binoculars and field guide: Binoculars and a European bird field guide will really help. 

Take a look at Observation Towers: Latvia has well-preserved birdwatching towers in most of the national parks and reserves. 

Wear Layers: The weather of Latvia is not always predictable, particularly in the vicinity of wetlands and bogs. 

Wildlife and Regulations: Treat wildlife with respect and obey the regulations, remain quiet, and do not go into nesting areas. 

Use a Local Guide: It is good to hire a local guide to hire professional birdwatching guides in Latvia through the Best Travel Agency in Dubai. 

 Conclusion 

Birdwatching in Latvia is an overwhelming experience that makes you associate with nature at its best. You may be fascinated with the sound of a crane or the slight rustling of owls in an old forest, but Latvia has something special to everyone in birdwatching. Latvia is an ornithological paradise in Europe with well preserved habitats and a rich history of ecotourism. 

 It is not difficult to organize a trip to Latvia. To make the process of Latvia visa application smooth, you can do it online with the assistance of the Best Travel Agency in Dubai. Therefore, take your binoculars, prepare your camera and be ready to discover the wonderful birdlife in Latvia. Having received proper guidance and being adventurous, Latvia may become your next memorable birdwatching experience.