Join us as Marco Valerian takes us Birding in Italy.
Italy, beyond the clichés, is a natural north-south bridge between Europe and Africa and is home to 550+ bird species (migrants and breeders). Over 20% of the national territory is protected land, including renowned reserves and sanctuaries, offering one of the widest varieties of habitats and wildlife in the European Union. This diversity stems from unique geological and climatic conditions and centuries of human presence that have shaped the landscape in harmony with nature. Nowhere else in Europe do cultural and natural heritage blend so seamlessly: historic cities such as Rome, Venice, and Florence rise within spectacular landscapes—cypress-covered Tuscan hills, the Alps and Dolomites, crystalline northern lakes, and a rugged Mediterranean coastline dotted with ancient villages. These environments, home to some of Europe’s rarest species, provide a lifetime’s worth of birding opportunities and an unforgettable experience for any nature traveler.
Marco Valtriani is head biologist, ornithologist, and birding guide of S-Cape Partners, Italy’s foremost adventure travel company. For more than fifteen years he has led birdwatching tours and conservation-focused programs throughout in Italy for well-known North American birding travel groups. He has devoted his career to bird conservation and environmental education and leads birdwatching itineraries with passion and understanding of Italian ecosystems and their avian biodiversity.