Bird fairs around the world

SPAIN

The Delta Birding Festival (DBF) takes place in Spain’s Ebro Delta, south of Barcelona – one of western Europe’s most important wetlands. The festival has regional exhibitors, and prestigious lecturers from around the world. Next date: 21–23 September 2018

PORTUGAL

Sagres is southern Portugal’s main crossing for migratory birds, flying towards Africa’s warm lands. The Sagres

Birdwatching Festival ( right) attracts over 2,000 visitors and is brimming with activities, including bird ringing. Next date: 4–7 October 2018 Further north is Estarreja’s ObservaRia bird fair, which offers lectures and workshops, plus outdoor activities in an area that has excellent habitats for protected species such as the purple heron – go on a boat trip around the salt marshes to see one. Next date: Spring 2019

AZORES

At the last Azores Birdwatching Arts Festival, attendees observed over 40 of the Azores’ bird species. Activities included a scientific illustration workshop and a seabirdspotting boat ride – with a focus on the cagarro. Next date: (tbc)

INDIA

Set on the shores of Man Sagar Lake during winter when migratory species are present, the Indian Bird Fair (IBF) is held in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The fair was initiated by the Tourism and Wildlife Society of India (TWSI) – which brought about a ban on hunting bustards. Next date: February 2019

USA

The American Birding Expo has been running for four years and is a showcase of must-have products – from bird baths to artwork and apps – with exhibitors flocking to the vast Greater Philadelphia Expo Center from across the globe. Next date: 21–23 September 2018

HAWAII

The Hawaii Island Festival of Birds celebrates a unique blend of birds – from native honeycreepers (found nowhere else in the world), to backyard birds from five continents. Next date: 14–17 September 2018

BELIZE

Belize is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with 600 bird species. This year marks the country’s first Birding Festival, a four-day event. Its logo features Belize’s national bird – the keel-billed toucan – alongside the cotinga and crimson-collared tanager. Next date: 25–28 October 2018

SOUTH AMERICA

The Feria de Aves de Sudamérica began in 2010 and is held in a different South American country each year. For 2018 it’s the turn of Colombia – an apt location due to the high density of birds, with over 1,900 species. Next date: 1–5 November 2018

COLOMBIA

With over 20 per cent of the world’s bird species living in this country, Colombia Birdfair is encouraging people to become a part of its bird-watcher count. The fair is held in Cali, known as the ‘city of birds’ due to its 500-plus species. Next date: 15–17 February 2019