embraced tourism so birdwatchers have discovered that its pristine mountain forests and valleys harbour the region’s most exciting birdlife. Among some 670 species recorded are such gems as the satyr tragopan, chestnut-breasted partridge and beautiful nuthatch, with a few – including the imperial heron and black-necked crane – in danger of global extinction. The country’s valleys also provide a major thoroughfare through the Himalayas for migrants, including cuckoos, bee-eaters and flycatchers.
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BHUTAN As this bijou Himalayan kingdom has slowly
SELL IT: Blue Poppy Tours’ 15-day birdwatching tour of Bhutan includes accommodation, a birding guide and all transport except international flights. From £2,450pp (in a group of four).
bluepoppybhutan.com
tail plumes through the humid air of a Monteverde cloud forest; iridescent hummingbirds flit between blooms on the slopes of a smoking volcano; herons, ibis and egrets line the labyrinth of Tortuguero’s waterways. Costa Rica’s fabulous birdlife, along with a prolific biodiversity, makes it unarguably Central America’s top wildlife destination. And with an impressive selection of parks, plus some 850 bird species to tick off, one visit is never enough. SELL IT: Journey Latin America’s 12-day ‘Wild Coast and Cloud Forest’ guided tour features many of Costa Rica’s bird- watching hotspots, including Corcovado, Arenal, San Ramon and Monteverde. From £2,849, including flights, accommodation and most meals.
journeylatinamerica.co.uk
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spotted pardalote – just one of 12 species unique to Tasmania, where dense temperate forests and offshore islands harbour a fauna and flora quite distinct from
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TASMANIA Few birds boast a better name than the forty-
COSTA RICA A resplendent quetzal trails improbable emerald
mainland Australia. Visitors can tick off all 12 endemics in a day or two on Bruny island, off Tassie’s southeast coast, head south to the wilds of Melaleuca in search of the critically endangered orange-bellied parrot or enjoy the dusk promenade of little penguins and short-tailed shearwaters on Bonnet Island. Other highlights range from majestic wedge-tailed eagles to diminutive emu-wrens. SELL IT: Tasmanian Odyssey’s 10-night birding holiday in Tasmania takes in Narawntapau National Park, the Central Highlands, Mountain Valley Wilderness and a three-night expert guided tour of Bruny Island. Prices from £2,400, excluding flights.
tasmanianodyssey.com
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