Iran Bird Watching tour

What is Birdwatching?

The word birdwatching was first emerged as the title of a book by Edmund Selous in 1901. Birdwatching was started in the beginning and the middle of twentieth century in east coast of the USA. Since 1970, about 4% of the USA population had followed birdwatching as an entertaining activity and it reached about 11% by the mid-1980s. About 10000 bird species exist around the world and just a few people have seen more than 7000 species. Some birdwatchers spend whole their lives observing diverse bird species and some have even lost their lives for this hobby. 

Iran Birdwatching Tour

Birdwatching is one of the most exciting sub-categories of nature tourism. There are different habitats in Iran which annually hosts migratory beautiful birds from around the world. As seasons change, new opportunities come for our tours. Iran birdwatching tours are held on the second half of the year which has its own characteristics. In this article, the four most popular and supreme locations to run birdwatching tours in Iran are introduced for ecotourism fans.

Meighan Wetland  

Meighan Wetland as one of the ten most important wetlands throughout the country is the last ecological ring of Arak plain watershed. From a climatic point of view, this area has moderate winters; therefore, it is the habitat for
population groups of migratory birds. These migratory birds create eye-catching views of the pristine nature for every observer by flying beautifully in small or large clusters.

This wetland is at an elevation of 1700 meters above sea level; in addition, its water sources are supplied by atmospheric precipitation, and the three rivers of Qarah Kahriz, Farahan, Shahrab and the water treatment sullage of Aarak.

Meighan Wetland is the main habitat for migratory birds passing this area in autumn while flying from Siberian cold regions to southern and African tropical regions. In spring, these birds have temporary stay in the Wetland on the way back to their homeland. 

This wetland has a high biodiversity and only in birds' species many can be named such as: Eurasian teal, Northern shoveler, Flamingo, Greylag goose, Bustard, Common shelduck, Heron, Mallard who are the guests of this habitat. 

Common Carne is among important and particular species under international protection which Meighan Wetland hosts the temporary migration of this precious species, annually in the beginning of cold seasons.

EshqAbad Wetland

EshqAbad Wetland is situated 25 kilometers away from the center of Ray County and 2 kilometers away from a village with the same name in Varamin road in Qaleh Now district, Ray County, Tehran province. This four-sided and seasonal wetland is 700 meters in length and it is located at an altitude of 960 meters above sea level. Water volume is variable during different seasons. Despite the small size of the wetland, it is a haven for native, passing and migratory birds. 

This wetland is among excellent centers for birdwatching at the margins of Tehran. So far, 151 bird species have been observed in this wetland in which 15 species are game birds. Twelve species are duck, and 25 species are plover and sandpiper. Most of the wetland birds are from passerine such as hooded crow, magpie, rook, house sparrow, pied wagtail, laughing dove, rock dove, western marsh harrier, black kite, sandpiper, grey heron, great egret, northern lapwing, plover, Eurasian teal, egrets, barn swallow, lark, duck, common linnet, common starling, moorhen, sternidae, Eurasian sparrowhawk, Isabelline Shrike. Phragmites is the main Vegetation at margins of the wetland and the water volume changes during different seasons.

Bojaq National Park and Amir Kalayeh International Lagoon (Lotus pond)

Bojaq National Park and Amir Kalayeh International Lagoon (Lotus pond) are the habitat of enchanting birds which are considered as Iran birdwatching sites. To reach these amazing sites, we have to go to Gilan province. In order to find Lotus Pond; initially, you have to go to Amir Kalayeh Village at the distance of 36 kilometers north east of Lahijan. Afterwards, keep on your way towards Bojaq. Bojaq National Park reaches to parts of Kianshahr port and Zibakenar in the south, Oushmak river in the west, radio station of Amir Kiasar in the east, and Caspian Sea in Kiashahr region in the north.

Bojaq Wetland and Amir Kalayeh Lagoon (Lotus Pond) are the two ideal places to observe enchanting birds. Bojaq is the only National Land- Marine Park which is registered on the National List. Various birds are attracted to the wetland due to its particular ecosystem. 

Miankaleh Wetland

Although Iran is the country of four seasons, it is geographically located in a hot and arid region. Therefore, to escape from the harsh cold weather of northern regions, many migratory birds migrate to our country, annually. Miankaleh Wetland is one of the most popular destinations for migratory birds. This international wetland, which is considered as a pioneer protective plans of UNESCO, is also known as the birdwatching heaven of Iran. 

Miankaleh Wetland in Mazandaran is situated in a peninsula with the same name. This narrow peninsula reaches to Caspian Sea in the north, Gulf of Gorgan in the south, Zaghmarz Wetland in the west, and Ashuradeh Island in the east. To visit this wetland, first and foremost, you have to consider this point: Visiting Miankaleh Wetland compulsorily requires permission of Behshahr Department of Environmental protection. 

Due to diverse habitats in different regions of the wetland, most birds fly to Miankaleh Wetland in the second half of the year. The beginning of winter is the best time to visit the wetland because it hosts more bird species.