Explore the Best Spots for Birding and Photography Tours in Lima, Peru
Lima, the capital city of Peru, is a bird watcher’s paradise. With its diverse ecosystems and rich avian life, Lima offers a wide range of opportunities for birding and photography enthusiasts. From the coast to the Andes, Lima is home to a wide variety of bird species that are sure to delight any bird watcher or photographer. In this article, we will explore some of the best spots for birding and photography tours in Lima.
Pantanos de Villa
The first spot that is a must-see for bird watchers and photographers in Lima is Pantanos de Villa. This wetland reserve is located on the outskirts of Lima and is home to a wide variety of bird species. Some of the most common birds that can be found here include the White-cheeked Pintail (Anas bahamensis), Gray-hooded Gull (Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus), and the Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea). This reserve is also home to several species of migratory birds, making it a great spot for photography. The reserve also offers several walking trails that allow visitors to explore the park’s different ecosystems.
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Lomas de Lachay
Lomas de Lachay are low-lying hills covered by specialized vegetation that is resistant to the dry climate, and in spring it comes back to life with the coastal moisture and turns into a forest full of life. They are located in the middle of the coastal desert of Lima, in the province of Huaura. It covers elevations from 80 meters to 580 meters above sea level in the highest areas.
The coastal Lomas have been known since ancient times and were used as rest areas, collection and hunting. After the Spanish conquest era, it was used as a hunting, grazing, and logging area. The Lachay National Reserve was established in 1977, with an area of 5,070 hectares. Currently, it is fully protected area, grazing is not allowed and it has infrastructure for tourism.
The Lomas de Lachay is home to many endemic bird species, such as the Coastal Miner (Geositta peruviana), Thick-billed Miner (Geositta crassirostris), Cactus Canastero (Pseudasthenes cactorum), Raimondi’s Yellow-Finch (Sicalis raimondii). In addition, you can see the Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle (Geranoaetus melanoleucus), Variable Hawk (Geranoaetus polyosoma), American Kestrel (Falco sparverius), Vermilion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus), Collared Warbling-finch (Poospiza hispaniolensis), House Wren (Troglodytes aedon), Oasis Hummingbirds (Rhodopis vesper), Amazilia Hummingbird (Amazilis amazilia), Andean Tinamou (Nothoprocta pentlandii), Least Seedsnipe (Thinocorus rumicivorus) among others.
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Albufera de Medio Mundo
Albufera de Medio Mundo is a wetland area that provides a habitat for a wide variety of bird species. Wetland areas like this are often important stopover points for migratory birds, making them great places for birdwatching. Common bird species that can be found in wetland areas include herons, egrets, storks, and ibises, as well as many species of waterfowl, such as ducks, geese, and swans.
Huancaya
In addition to the above-mentioned spots, Lima also offers several other great spots for bird watching and photography. Some other great spots include the Huancaya, which is home to a wide variety of bird species, including the Gray-breasted Seedsnipe (Thinocorus orbignyianus), Rusty-crowned Tit-Spinetail (Leptasthenura pileata) and American Kestrel. Ticlio bog, is also a great spot for bird watching and photography, and is home to the white-bellied Cinclodes (Cinclodes palliatus).
Overall, Lima offers a wide range of opportunities for bird watching and photography enthusiasts. From the coast to the Andes, Lima is home to a wide variety of bird species that are sure to delight any bird watcher or photographer. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced birder or photographer, Lima has something to offer. So pack your binoculars, camera, and head to Lima for an unforgettable birding and photography adventure.
Colourful Birding invites you to discover beautiful bird gardens that can be visited and that create a space of protection for many animal species. Do not hesitate to contact us if you require further information about our bird photography travels.
