Travelers who enjoy spotting rare and striking bird species may want to add Kazakhstan to their list of destinations. The country’s diverse landscapes, from urban green spaces to mountain gorges, make it an unexpected draw for birdwatchers.
Beauty hidden in plain sight
Online, it is easy to find the work of local photographers who document birds often overlooked in city environments. Their images reveal a side of urban wildlife that rarely captures public attention.
The bird shown in the first image, captured by photographer Galym Baitimbetov, is one of the most endearing species found in the mountains around Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city.
It is a long-tailed tit. One commenter expressed surprise at learning that this species also lives in Kazakhstan.
In Japan, the long-tailed tit (shima enaga) has inspired an entire tourism niche centered on its limited habitat, with souvenirs and plush toys sold nationwide.
These photographs were taken in the Kimasar Gorge, a popular mountain area just outside Almaty, known for its scenery and wildlife.
