Birdwatching
Latvia is among one of the world’s three most important bird migration paths, and during migration seasons in spring and autumn, tens of thousands birds can be seen at one place. Latvia’s flat terrain and a climate in which precipitation exceeds evaporation means that particularly along the seashore, there are wetlands that are appropriate for water birds – shallow lagoons and high swamps. Places like broad-leaved forest is ideal habitat for nesting Black Storks. Old pine forest growth is favoured by Black Grouse with Owls living at their edges. While different woodpecker species thrive in wet forests. Important biotops for many birds are unspoiled flood-lands essential for Great Snipe, Corncrake, Lapwing and Curlews. During migration time these territories become alive with activities of thousands of birds and provide great atmosphere for birdwatchers. Latvia also offers artificially made fish breeding ponds which are great places to spot not only different types of ducks and waders but also predators like Sea Eagle, Marsh Harrier and others.
Bird-watching routes for independent travel
If you prefer touring the country on your own and visit some of the most beautiful nature areas in the national parks, check the below route descriptions with the best bird watching sites.
| Birds at the Ķemeri National Park | Latvia, Ķemeri NP | 1 day |
| Birds at the Slītere National Park | Latvia, Slītere NP | 1 day (~4 h) |
Birdwatching in Lithuania and South Kurzeme Coast
The Baltic Sea coastline is an excellent place for unforgettable experiences for both nature watchers and ornithology enthusiasts, revealing bird diversity throughout the year. The most observations can be made in spring and autumn when birds migrate and stop along the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea to feed and regain strength during long flights. In summer, birds can be seen in their nesting habitats, while the mild climate allows some bird species to remain observable during winter.
Nature along the Baltic Sea coast is incredibly diverse – featuring wide beaches, tall sandy clay cliffs, forests, bogs, lakes, and rivers, providing favourable living conditions for various bird species.
In Lithuania, 388 bird species have been observed so far, while in Latvia, 377 bird species have been recorded, of which approximately 220 species nest locally.
Significant research is conducted at the Ventes Ragas Ornithological Station in Lithuania and at the Pape Ornithological Station in Latvia, which is the field research base of the Institute of Biology of the University of Latvia. These stations catch, band, and study birds, recording and investigating their migrations. Bat research is also conducted in Pape.
With financial support from the Interreg VI-A Latvia–Lithuania Programme, project No. LL-00022 “Bird-watching network along the Baltic coast” (BIRDIE), a route has been created linking 18 birdwatching sites in Latvia and Lithuania. It includes Pāvilosta, Ziemupe, Liepāja, Pape, Cape Vente, the Curonian Spit and other popular birdwatching sites along the Baltic coast.
