The Bridges of Ross is located on the north side of the Loop Head peninsula. It is low lying and seabirds pass very close to the shore during autumn migration. When sitting at the sea-watching point one faces northwards, so the light and sun is always at your back. Seabirds can fly just over your head! This makes for really exciting viewing and allows the observer superb views of all passing seabirds.

During late summer and early autumn the passage of Great, Cory's, Balearic, Sooty and Manx Shearwater can be excellent. All four skuas, Great, Arctic, Pomarine and Long-tailed are regular at this time of year. Storm Petrels can be seen and also Wilson's Storm Petrels, with mid-August being the best time of year for passage. Sabine's Gulls also appear at this time. Other wildlife, regularly seen off the Bridges are Whales, Dolphins and Sunfish.

In autumn, the best seawatching conditions are often after north-westerly gales, especially if the storm centre lies well to the north, between Scotland and Iceland, or if a fast depression moves down from Greenland and arctic Canada across the north Atlantic. Some of the rarer seabirds recorded in recent years have been ten Fea's Petrels, two Swinhoe's Petrel, one Sooty Tern and three Little Shearwaters!

This trip is primarily seawatching but if time allows, we may visit lagoons, close to Shannon Airport. American waders are regular here, including Long-billed Dowitcher, Baird’s Sandpiper and Wilson’s Phalarope.

Price includes: Half board accommodation for 3 nights
Flights from London Stansted to Shannon
Not included: Evening meals
£380 Single Supplement £30
FULLY BOOKED

With wader migration in full swing, we will visit various sites in Kent looking for these great birds. On previous wader trips we regularly manage to see over 20 species including Curlew Sandpiper, Ruff, Spotted Redshank, Green and Wood Sandpipers. Something rarer may turn up such as Pectoral Sandpiper or Red-necked Phalarope. It is a good chance to study waders at close range and learn the identification features of this tricky group of species.
Price: £30
FULLY BOOKED

Falsterbo is one of the most famous migration watchpoints in Europe and is a mere 1 hour 20 minute flight from London Stansted Airport.

Day 1
On arrival we could see Red Kite, Common Buzzard and Hooded Crow around the terminal buildings. We will head on to the Falsterbo peninsula in Southern Skane, where depending on wind conditions we are likely to visit Skanors Ljung, a large area of open heathland surrounded by trees. In good weather, thermals form and raptors such as Honey Buzzard, Common Buzzard, Red Kite, Osprey and by far the most common raptor, Sparrowhawk (day counts can exceed 1,000 birds), can come from all directions, sometimes very low, allowing fantastic views down to a few feet! In the late afternoon, we may head inland to a couple of sites that have a high incidence of Golden and White-tailed Eagles, whilst Common Crane, Red-backed Shrike and flycatchers also occur in the area.

Day 2
After an early breakfast, we will head to the end of the Falsterbo headland to Nabben, a large sand dune complex with rough grass and bushes surrounding a golf course. There are tidal pools on the edges of the dunes that are good for wildfowl and waders passing between Sweden and Denmark. There is also a large lighthouse (Falsterbo Fyr) that is used as a bird observatory and ringing station. This area is a magnet for small birds as it is the last major cover before they depart Sweden. Yellow Wagtails, Wheatears, Whinchats and Redstarts can be seen on the golf course. Anything can occur here including Nutcracker, Black Woodpecker or Bluethroat, whilst overhead the air is alive with Tree Pipits and hirundines. Hopefully, weather conditions will make it another good raptor day and we will catch up with hundreds of migrant Sparrowhawks and Honey Buzzards at Nabben, then a visit to the heath will be necessary to see what else is moving through. A stop for coffee and cakes at a local bakery is essential before moving back along the coast and inland, searching for more raptors including Goshawk, with the chance of finding some roosting White-tailed Eagles or maybe a Caspian Tern, before our evening flight home.



Price includes: Bed & Breakfast accommodation for 1 night
Flights from London Stansted to Copenhagen
Not included: Evening meals and lunches
£270 Single Supplement £20
FULLY BOOKED (6th - 7th September)

FULLY BOOKED (13th - 14th September)

The weather is the key for birding at this time of year - depending on conditions it will determine the species seen. We will be hoping for winds from the north for seabirds such as Arctic, Great, Pomarine or Long-tailed Skuas, along with a supporting cast of Gannets and maybe a shearwater or petrel. If winds are easterly then anything is possible! Among the commoner migrants such as Wheatear, Whinchat, Yellow Wagtail and Redstart, something rarer may turn up with Red-breasted Flycatcher, Red-backed Shrike or Bluethroat likely at this time of year.
Price: £30
FULLY BOOKED

The Norfolk and Suffolk coast in mid-autumn is a great place to catch up with some easterly species and early wintering birds such as Shorelark, Snow Bunting and Pink-footed Goose. We will watch the weather forecasts very carefully and hope for easterly winds. A huge variety of migrants are possible, from Great Grey Shrike, Radde’s, Dusky, Yellow-browed and Barred Warblers, through to Pectoral Sandpiper, Sabine’s Gull or Leach’s Petrel. We will visit sites such as Holkham, Titchwell, Minsmere, Lowestoft, Landguard Point or Cley, which may hopefully turn up a rarity or two. We will have up to the minute information ensuring we make the most of the day.
Price: £30
FULLY BOOKED (11th October)
FULLY BOOKED (26th October)

The flooded marshes and fields that make up the RSPB reserve at Pulborough are home to thousands of wildfowl, such as Wigeon, Teal and Shoveler, which in turn attracts numerous raptors including Sparrowhawk, Merlin, Peregrine and Hen Harrier. The woodland bordering the reserve holds all 3 Woodpeckers and Nuthatch. The reserve also has an excellent centre, not to mention a fantastic tea room!
Price: £30
FULLY BOOKED

The Isle of Sheppey is the destination for this day of winter birding. We will explore the island for waders and wildfowl such as Bewick’s Swan, Brent & White-fronted Geese, Ruff and Golden Plover. Snow Bunting, Shorelark and Twite can occur on the shingle beaches. We will finish up at the Harty Ferry raptor watchpoint, where Marsh and Hen Harriers, Merlin, Peregrine, Barn Owl, Short-eared Owl and Rough-legged Buzzard (probably the best site for these in the UK) occur. Sometimes there can be so many birds you don’t know where to look!
Price: £30
FULLY BOOKED

The River Yare in Norfolk hosts a significant wintering flock of Taiga Bean Geese, as well as a large number of winter ducks and other waterfowl. Peregrines are regular on the marshes, along with Hen and Marsh Harriers and Water Pipits are usually present on the flooded fields. We will also be visiting Strumpshaw Fen, the nearby RSPB reserve, which is home to wintering Bittern, Kingfisher and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. An early Xmas treat!
Price: £30
FULLY BOOKED

We start the year in style with this trip to Norfolk. The area around Cley and Salthouse are home to some exciting wintering species, including Lapland and Snow Bunting and Shorelark, not to mention the common Marsh Harrier. The sea in winter can include flocks of Common Scoter including some Velvet Scoter, along with Red-throated Diver, Razorbill and Guillemot. We will drive along the coast and finish the day at Holkham, where the sight of up to 60,000 Pink-footed Geese coming into roost is not to be missed. On previous trips we have also found Black Brant, Ross’s and Snow Geese in the area. Raptors are in good supply and could include Merlin, Peregrine and Barn Owl.
Price: £40
PLACES AVAILABLE

Southern Kent is a great winter venue and would not be complete without a visit to Dungeness. The area around the nuclear power station attracts numerous gulls including Mediterranean, Yellow-legged or possibly the scarcer Glaucous Gull. The sea can also yield Gannet, Razorbill and Guillemot and Divers. We will visit the RSPB reserve and its numerous hides. A winter speciality here are Smew as numbers can easily reach double figures, along with Red-necked, Slavonian and Black-necked Grebes. There is usually a wintering Bittern present and Long-tailed Duck or Scoter are not unusual. We will take a walk around the Dungeness Bird Observatory’s trapping area, where sometimes Firecrest, Black Redstart and Chiffchaff winter. If time permits we will drive along the coast towards an area of gravel pits where we have seen Great Northern Diver, Little Stint and Tundra Bean Geese in the past.
Price: £40
PLACES AVAILABLE

A return to the bird rich area of North Norfolk. The area around Cley and Salthouse are home to some exciting wintering species, including Lapland and Snow Bunting and Shorelark, not to mention the common Marsh Harrier. The sea in winter can include flocks of Common Scoter including some Velvet along with Red-throated Diver, Razorbill and Guillemot. We will drive along the coast and finish the day at Holkham, where the sight of up to 60,000 Pink-footed Geese coming into roost is not to be missed. On previous trips we have also found Black Brant, Ross’s and Snow Geese in the area. Raptors are in good supply and could include Merlin, Peregrine and Barn Owl.
Price: £40
PLACES AVAILABLE

A trip to Northwest Norfolk to find some of the winter specialities. Up to 60,000 Pink-footed Geese, along with smaller numbers of White-fronted and Barnacle Geese occur on the coast, with the saltings and dunes holding passerines such as Snow Bunting, Twite and Shorelark amongst the commoner Skylark. With luck Lapland Bunting is also a possibility. We will visit the RSPB reserve at Titchwell where the sea can produce Great Northern, Black and Red-throated Divers, Slavonian Grebe, Common and Velvet Scoter, Eider and Red-breasted Merganser. The area around the centre is a great place to see Lesser Redpoll, Woodcock, Tree Sparrow and Brambling. The freshmarsh holds good numbers of waders and wildfowl and could include Spotted Redshank, Black Brant or maybe something rarer.
Price: £40
PLACES AVAILABLE

The Suffolk coast is a great place to spend a winter day birding. We will visit sites such as North Warren, Southwold, Sizewell and Minsmere. The grazing marshes at North Warren support nationally important numbers of White-fronted Geese and this is one of the few regular wintering sites for Tundra Bean Geese in the UK. Southwold is great place to see wintering Water Pipits along with the many gulls around the harbour which could include Caspian Gull. The reserve at Minsmere needs no introduction and if the weather is good Woodlarks could be singing over the heath. The coast sees large numbers of Red-throated Diver wintering and Scoter and Gannet are not unusual at this time of year. The small breeding colony of Kittiwakes at Sizewell should be back for the summer and other species could include Black Redstart, Glaucous Gulls or maybe a wintering Skua.
Price: £40
1 PLACE AVAILABLE

The Camargue is one of the most famous wetlands in Europe and home to some fantastic birds. The main focus of this tour is Wallcreeper. Small numbers of this beautiful bird winter at Les Baux, a village perched high on limestone cliffs. Alpine Accentors also winter here and can be very tame, sometimes feeding at your feet allowing great photographic opportunities. Blue Rock Thrush and Black Redstart also occur on the cliffs and surrounding areas, as well as Bonelli’s Eagle and Eagle Owl. The Camargue itself is teeming with wildfowl at this time of year, which in turn attracts good numbers of raptors. In recent years Long-legged Buzzard and Lesser and Greater-spotted Eagles have wintered amongst the many Marsh Harriers and Common Buzzards. Cetti’s Warblers and small numbers of Penduline Tit over-winter and Cattle, Little and Great White Egret occur, often in good numbers on the marshes along with the famous black bulls and white horses that the Camargue is famous for. The wetlands are superb for seeing Greater Flamingo, flocks sometimes reaching several thousand. Kentish Plover, Kingfisher and Black-necked Grebe can be high in numbers during the winter. We will also visit Le Crau, an area of stony desert that holds flocks of Little Bustard and Pin-tailed Sandgrouse. Southern Grey Shrike and Rock Bunting perched on the scattered patches of scrub can be a delightful sight, whilst the area is also excellent for Richard’s Pipit, as small numbers winter here. Our comfortable hotel, which is well known locally for its’ cuisine, is ideally situated for all birding sites within the Camargue and has Tree Sparrow and Black Redstart around the buildings.

Tour includes: Flights from London Stansted to Montpellier
Full board accommodation for 3 nights
Price: £435 Single Supplement £20
PLACES AVAILABLE

Extremadura in southwest Spain has to be one of the most famous birding areas in Europe. It is a fantastic place to observe some of the scarcest birds in the region. The open steppes are home to both Little and Great Bustards which are in flocks at this time of year and could be displaying. The area is also superb for Black-bellied and Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, Stone Curlew, Calandra and other species of Lark. Late winter/early spring is also a great time to see the scarce Black-shouldered Kite, which may be seen across cereal fields in the open dehesa. A visit to the Monfrague National Park is an absolute must. This area is well known in birding circles for species such as Griffon, Black and Egyptian Vultures, which drift past, often at eye level along with Black Stork and Chough. One of the most spectacular species here and a main target for our trip is the Spanish Imperial Eagle. This rare bird can be seen within the park, along with Bonelli’s and Golden Eagles. There is also a good chance of Eagle Owl as it commonly breeds on the rock faces and with luck we shall see the nest. Alpine Swift, Rock Bunting, Black Wheatear and Blue Rock Thrush are also present on and around the crags. We will also visit an area of lagoons, which are home to Purple Swamphen, Savi’s Warbler, Little Bittern, Purple Heron and Penduline Tit. Our accommodation is a restored stately home situated in the heart of the mountains, not far from the walled mediaeval town of Trujillo, home to its’ colony of Lesser Kestrels, Pallid Swifts and White Storks. Within the garden of our hotel it is possible to see a good selection of birds including Azure-winged Magpie, Hoopoe, Red-rumped Swallow and Great-spotted Cuckoo, a species that is easier to see in early spring. With the grassland and Cork Oak woods awash with the colour of wildflowers and the cacophony of birdsong it is easy to see why this is a popular destination for birders.

Tour includes: Flights from London Luton to Madrid
Full board accommodation for 3 nights
Price: £590 Single Supplement £50
PLACES AVAILABLE

Situated on the south coast of Sussex, this is a great spot for those early migrants such as Wheatear, Sand Martin, Swallow or maybe something rarer such as Great Spotted Cuckoo. The harbour itself has some superb habitats comprising of around 600 hectares of saltmarsh, lagoons, shingle beaches and copses. Wildfowl and Waders will still be present in good numbers and we will search for Mediterranean Gull which is a speciality here. Sidlesham Ferry Pool can be home to some migrant waders such as Greenshank and Whimbrel or Little Ringed Plover. In the bay itself Slavonian Grebes winter in small numbers. A walk will take us along the southern shore towards the sea. This is a great place to spend a day in early spring.
Price: £45
1 PLACE AVAILABLE

One of our main targets for this early spring trip will be displaying Goshawk. These elusive birds are easier to see at this time of year, before they disappear into the vast woodland of Thetford Forest. The other target for this trip is Stone Curlew. These odd looking birds return to their breeding grounds after spending the winter in Africa. Other species that we will look for include Woodlark, Siskin, Redpoll and Brambling as well as the possibility of Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Firecrest and Hawfinch.
Price: £40
PLACES AVAILABLE

With magnificent scenery and some fantastic birds, the Pyrenees in April is a great place to visit. The mountains around Huesca hold the mighty Lammergeier, Egyptian and Griffon Vultures not to mention Black Wheatear, Subalpine Warblers and Blue Rock Thrush. We will visit a ski area where Alpine Chough and breeding Water Pipits occur. Rock Sparrows will still be in flocks and Citril Finches, Rock and Cirl Buntings are also present. The open steppes around Zaragoza are home to larks including Calandra, Thekla, and Lesser Short-toed, with the possibility of Dupont’s Lark. Other species include Great and Little Bustards and Black-bellied and Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, Black and Red Kite, Red-billed Chough, Serin, Eagle Owl and Short-toed Eagle. We will also search for Orphean, Western Bonelli’s Warblers and Wryneck.
We will stay at the famous Boletas Birdwatching Centre, where good food, comfortable accommodation and even serenading Scops Owl are guaranteed to make us happy.

Tour includes: Flights from London Stansted to Zaragoza
Full board accommodation for 3 nights
Price: £490 Single Supplement £40
April 17th- 20th - FULLY BOOKED
April 24th – 27th – FULLY BOOKED

Portland Bill on the south coast of Dorset is well known for the number of migrating birds that occur during the spring. Scarcities such as Hoopoe, Woodchat Shrike, Serin or Red-rumped Swallow may turn up, along with a supporting cast of Whinchat, Spotted Flycatcher, Willow Warbler, Redstart and large numbers of Wheatears. Seabirds will be nesting on the cliffs, including Puffins and we hope our visit coincides with the passage of Pomarine Skuas that move through the English Channel at this time of year. Fingers crossed for southeasterly winds! Raptors such as Osprey, Montagu’s and Marsh Harrier are recorded every year. We will spend the night in Weymouth where, after breakfast on the Sunday we may re-visit Portland for a spot of early morning seawatching and also find some good birding sites nearby including Radipole Lake and Lodmoor RSPB reserves.

Tour includes:
Bed & Breakfast accommodation for 1 night
Not included: Evening meal and lunches
Price: £125 Single Supplement £30
PLACES AVAILABLE

It’s a day that we could expect to see over 100 species. This RSPB reserve has so many great habitats that we can be sure of a good day. In the reedbeds we can expect Marsh Harrier, Bittern and Bearded Tit, Sedge, Cetti’s and Reed Warblers. In the woodland we could expect warblers, woodpeckers and Marsh Tit and on the scrape, goodies such as Mediterranean Gull and Sandwich Tern and waders including Avocets, Godwits plus much more. The heathland can hold Dartford Warbler, Tree Pipit, Woodlark and Hobby and at this time of year anything is possible. Just don’t forget your notebook!
Price: £35
FULLY BOOKED

The Camargue is one of the most famous wetlands in Europe and home to some fantastic birds. Our spring visit to the Camargue is to see the many species that breed in this vast area. These wetlands are home to many waterbirds, including Night Heron, Little Bittern, Purple and Squacco Heron, not to mention the more common Little and Great White Egret. One highlight on this tour is the number of Greater Flamingo’s, which by now will be breeding on a large lake. The colony can number up to 25,000 birds, a rare spectacle. The marshes are alive with Whiskered, Black and Gull-billed Terns and the scarcer Collared Pratincole, which may be found in the surrounding fields. The reedbeds are home to warblers including Great Reed, Cetti’s and Fan-tailed and the scarcer Moustached Warbler. Black Kite, Common Buzzard and Marsh Harrier are common whilst amongst these raptors we will be searching for Short-toed and Booted Eagle. We will be visiting Le Crau, an area of stony desert that is home to Little Bustard and Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, this is now the only place in France that this species occurs. Roller, Montagu’s Harrier, Lesser Kestrel, Tawny Pipit and Stone Curlew also occur here. We will also make an excursion north to Les Alpilles – a range of limestone mountain that is home to Bonelli’s Eagle, Blue Rock Thrush, Eagle Owl, Alpine Swift and Crag Martin, whilst on the scrub covered slopes, Sardinian, Dartford and Subalpine Warblers can be seen.
Our comfortable hotel, which is well known locally for it’s cuisine, is ideally situated for all birding sites within the Camargue and has Tree Sparrows and Black Redstart nesting nearby.

Tour includes: Flights from London Stansted to Montpellier
Full board accommodation for 3 nights
Price: £485 Single Supplement £20
PLACES AVAILABLE

The RSPB reserve at Strumpshaw Fen near Norwich is the destination for this trip and our main target is Swallowtail butterfly. We visit at a time when this beautiful butterfly should be on the wing (weather dependent!) Birds include Cetti’s Warbler, Kingfisher, Marsh Harrier, Bearded Tit and maybe Bittern. Dragonflies could include Norfolk Hawker and Banded Demoiselle. We will take a walk through the wildflower meadow with its array of flowers including Orchids such as Southern Marsh.
Price: £40
PLACES AVAILABLE

The Parc Naturel Regional La Brenne in mid-France is a superb place to visit in June. The breeding season is in full swing and we will search the area for the specialities of the region. The Parc Naturel consists of a fantastic array of habitats, heathland, wet meadow, reedbed, scrub, woodland and many etang’s (lakes). There are over 1000 of these lakes, home to some exciting wildlife. This is no doubt the best site in France for breeding Whiskered Tern, which are there in large numbers and the heronries are alive with Purple, Grey and Night Heron, Little Bittern, and both Little and Cattle Egrets. Some of the quieter lakes have nesting Black-necked Grebe. The reedbeds are alive with the song of warblers, including Savi’s, Grasshopper and Great Reed Warbler. Over 300 birds species have been recorded within the park boundary. We will also take an excursion to a Bee-eater nesting colony. The multi-coloured birds feeding in front of us will be a sight to be remembered. From our hotel we are well placed to visit all key birding sites. The skies are home to a good selection of raptors including Osprey, Honey Buzzard, Short-toed Eagle, Montagu’s Harrier and Black Kite, whilst the scrub and woodland hold Western Bonelli’s, Melodious and Fan-tailed Warbler, Golden Oriole, Red-backed Shrike, Serin, Cirl Bunting and Black and Middle Spotted Woodpeckers. It’s not just the birds that we’ll be looking at on this tour. La Brenne has 36 species of orchid including the ‘Brenne Orchid’, this being the only site for it in Europe. Dragonflies include Dainty White-faced Darter and Two-spotted Dragonfly, whilst butterflies include several species of fritillary, also Black-veined White and many more. Amphibians, reptiles and mammals must not be forgotten, as Coypu and Wild Boar occur in the region and the wetlands are alive with Tree Frogs and European Pond Terrapins. With a good variety of wildlife to be seen we are sure to have a great time, not to mention great food and wine.

Tour includes:
Flights from London Stansted to Poitiers
Full board accommodation for 3 nights
Price: £460 Single Supplement £50
PLACES AVAILABLE

A trip with a difference! We will spend the whole day in the Minsmere/Sizewell area with the added bonus of seeing Nightjars on the nearby heaths in the evening. At Sizewell, we hope to see nesting Kittiwakes, along with Black Redstart, before heading a short distance north to the RSPB reserve at Minsmere. With a diversity of habitats such as heaths, woodland, reedbed and freshwater marsh, we can expect a good number of species. Bitterns are easier to see at this time of year, as they make frequent feeding flights over the reedbed and there is normally a good selection of terns and gulls present on the scrapes, which may include Mediterranean and Little Gulls, with a good chance of Roseate Tern. After a good day’s birding we will head off the reserve for an evening meal in a local pub before returning for the last few hours of daylight! As we are near the ‘longest day’ we will explore the woodland rides and heath, for Woodcock, Dartford Warbler, Tree Pipit and Woodlark, before it gets dark! Red Deer frequent the reserve at dusk and we may see and hear Stone Curlew before we see the star of show – The Nightjar! Good numbers of this fine migrant are present on the heath. Apart from the birds, it is a good time to see Norfolk Hawker Dragonfly and at dusk we will be able to see Glow Worms on the pathways.
Price: £35
Not included: Evening meal
PLACES AVAILABLE

Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire covers an area in the region of 13,000 hectares of ‘unimproved’ chalk grassland which is home to a number of scarce and rare bird populations. Species such as Quail, Montagu’s Harrier, Stone Curlew, Grasshopper Warbler and Whinchat breed here, but the real star of the show is the Great Bustard. The last Great Bustard in the UK was shot in 1840 in Wiltshire. In 2004, 17 Great Bustards were imported from Russia followed by 32 the following year and just nine in 2006 and in 2007, a female laid 2 eggs although sadly they were infertile. We will have a guided tour of the release site and learn about the work of the Great Bustard Group as well as fitting in some great birding!
Price: £50
Includes admission to release site
PLACES AVAILABLE

Rockingham Forest in Northamptonshire is a great place to visit for its population of Red Kites and Common Buzzards. The woods are also home to a population of Purple Emperor butterflies along with White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary and both White-letter and Purple Hairstreaks. Nearby Rutland Water is the destination for the afternoon where we will look for the nesting Ospreys. The adults bringing fish to feed the unfledged young in the nest will be a great sight. At the Egleton Nature Reserve the water levels should be ideal for returning waders such as Green Sandpiper and Spotted Redshank. The reserve is famous for its population of Tree Sparrows and these can normally be seen on the feeders outside the centre. There is plenty to keep us occupied as the reserve has over 16 hides to choose from.
Price: £45
PLACES AVAILABLE

The New Forest in Hampshire is the destination for this trip, looking for the many species of dragonfly and butterfly that occur in this wildlife-rich area. The wet pools and streams that are dotted all over the heaths are home to rare dragonflies such as Southern Damselfly and Small Red Damselfly, along with Red-eyed Damselfly and Golden-ringed Dragonfly. The heaths are home to Silver-studded Blue and Grayling butterflies, as well as Dartford Warbler and Hobby. If time allows we will visit a site where Honey Buzzard may be seen.
Price: £45
PLACES AVAILABLE

With wader migration underway, we visit various sites in Norfolk looking for the many species that migrate south through the UK. Over 20 species of wader are possible on this trip including Curlew Sandpiper and Little Stint, amongst the commoner Dunlin and hopefully something rarer such as Temminck's Stint, Red-necked Phalarope or even a Broad-billed Sandpiper! It is a good chance to study waders at close range and to learn the identification features of this tricky group of species. Other birds that will hopefully be seen include Marsh Harrier and warblers with the possibility of an early Pied Flycatcher or Redstart.
Price: £40
FULLY BOOKED

Falsterbo is one of the most famous migration watchpoints in Europe and is a mere 1 hour 30 minute flight from London Stansted Airport. We will head for the Falsterbo peninsula in Southern Skane, where depending on wind conditions we are likely to visit Skanors Ljung, a large area of open heathland surrounded by trees. In good weather, thermals form and raptors such as Honey Buzzard, Common Buzzard, Red Kite, Osprey and by far the most common raptor, Sparrowhawk (counts can exceed 1,000 birds) are seen daily. In the late afternoon, we may head inland to a couple of sites that have a high incidence of Golden and White-tailed Eagles, whilst Common Crane, Red-backed Shrike and flycatchers also occur in the area. A visit will be made to the end of the Falsterbo headland to Nabben, a large sand dune complex with rough grass and bushes surrounding a golf course. There are tidal pools on the edges of the dunes that are good for wildfowl and waders passing between Sweden and Denmark. This area is a magnet for small birds as it is the last major cover before they leave Sweden. Yellow Wagtails, Wheatears, Whinchats and Redstarts can be seen on the golf course. Anything can occur here including Nutcracker, Black Woodpecker or Bluethroat, whilst overhead the air is alive with Tree Pipits and hirundines. A stop for coffee and cakes at a local bakery is essential before moving back along the coast and inland, searching for more raptors including Goshawk, with the chance of finding some roosting White-tailed Eagles or maybe a Caspian Tern. Previous highlights include Short-toed Eagle, Lesser-spotted Eagle and White-tailed Eagles all in the air together!

Tour includes: Flights from London Stansted to Copenhagen
Bed and Breakfast accommodation for 1 night
Not included: Lunches and Evening meals
Price: £290 Single Supplement £20
Saturday 5th – Sunday 6th September - PLACES AVAILABLE
Saturday 12th – Sunday 13th September – PLACES AVAILABLE

We take a trip with a difference and explore some of the best sites and hotspots within our home county for this autumn trip. With the latest up to date information we may visit sites such as the RSPB reserves at Rainham or Old Hall Marshes. The migrant spot of Walton-on-the-Naze could be our destination or reservoirs such as Hanningfield or Abberton where a rarity such as Red-necked Phalarope or Buff-breasted Sandpiper may occur.
Price: £35
FULLY BOOKED

The weather is the key to this trip - depending on conditions it will determine the species seen. If winds are from the north then we will head for the coast in search of seabirds such as Arctic, Great, Pomarine or Long-tailed Skuas along with a supporting cast of Gannets and maybe a shearwater or petrel. If winds are easterly then anything is possible! Among the commoner migrants such as Wheatear and Redstart something rarer may turn up with Red-breasted Flycatcher, Red-backed Shrike or Yellow-browed Warbler likely at this time of year. We will have up to the minute information ensuring we make the most of the day.
Price: £40
FULLY BOOKED

The Isles of Scilly in October are a mecca for birdwatchers and birds alike. At this time of year, almost anything can appear from all points of the compass. It is not unusual to see birds from North America alongside birds from Asia. Common species on the islands in October can include Firecrest, Black Redstart and Wheatear, but it is the rarities that keep the adrenalin going. From North America, recent visitors have included Black and White Warbler, Swainson’s and Grey-cheeked Thrushes, American Robin, Red-eyed Vireo, White-rumped Sandpiper and Rose-breasted Grosbeak. From the east, Pallas’s and Paddyfield Warblers and Olive-backed and Red-throated Pipits may appear, whilst Yellow-browed Warbler, Richard’s Pipit, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Pectoral and Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Jack Snipe, Wryneck and Red-backed Shrike are annual visitors to these beautiful islands. There is a huge variety of habitat, from sea cliffs, reedy pools, coastal moorland, sandy beaches and both deciduous and pine woodlands. It is not difficult to see why this wonderful place is so popular. There are hardly any vehicles on the islands, which makes birdwatching and walking very relaxing and enjoyable. There are also some great tea rooms that we won’t be able to resist visiting! The tropical conditions of the Scillies attract some Mediterranean insects such as the Spiny Stick Insect. Monarch Butterflies from the United States are recorded most years, whilst Common Dolphins are frequently seen and also the occasional whale, offshore. Our superb accommodation is on the largest of the islands, St. Marys and just a five-minute walk from the quay. From here the inter-island launches take birders to the other inhabited islands, Bryer, St. Agnes, Tresco and St. Martins. The views from the accommodation are superb and after a good days’ birding the home-cooked food will be most welcome. After our evening meals we will take a short walk into town to take part in the nightly log-call, where birders report their sightings for the day, whilst enjoying an after meal drink. Our trip includes a short helicopter flight from Penzance, a great journey to make whilst looking down on Gannets fishing in the Atlantic. Fine food, fresh air and beautiful scenery are in store for all on this trip, the birds being merely a bonus!

Tour includes: Helicopter flight from Penzance to St. Marys
Half board accommodation for 6 nights (dinner excluded on Wednesday, when we will eat out)
Not included: Lunches and dinner on Wednesday night
Price: £750 Single Supplement £50
17th – 23rd October: FULLY BOOKED
24th – 30th October: PLACES AVAILABLE

Late autumn is a great place to catch up with some easterly species and early wintering birds such as Shorelark, Snow Bunting and Pink-footed Goose. We will watch the weather forecasts very carefully and hope for easterly winds. A huge variety of migrants are possible, from Great Grey Shrike, Radde’s, Dusky, Yellow-browed and Pallas’s Warblers, through to Pectoral Sandpiper, Sabine’s Gull or Leach’s Petrel. We will have up to the minute information ensuring we make the most of the day.
Price: £40
PLACES AVAILABLE

There cannot be many birdwatchers who have not heard of Coto Donana. This National Park and World Heritage site, situated on the south coast of Spain is a superb place for Mediterranean species. We visit the area at a time when migrants and wintering species are in good numbers, with a great possibility of seeing some of the parks scarcer residents. Our tour will seek out Donana’s specialities, like the rare Crested Coot, Marbled Duck, White-headed Duck and Spanish Imperial Eagle, of which up to 10 pairs nest in the park. The common Azure-winged Magpie frequents the Umbrella Pine woods, with species such as Hoopoe, Southern Grey Shrike, Crested Tit and Sardinian Warbler. In the sandy areas, Lesser Short-toed, Crested, Calandra and Thekla Larks occur. The coastal habitat is a varied one, from scrub, Umbrella Pine forest, cork oak woods, coastal saltmarsh or ‘marismas’, sand dunes and lakes. There are numerous visitor centres and hides in the area that we shall be visiting. Our hotel is situated in the wonderful town of El Rocio, a town with similarities to the ‘wild west’, with sandy roads and more horses than cars. The hotel itself overlooks an area of marshland that is home to Purple Gallinule, Spoonbill, Glossy Ibis and Black Kite and of course Greater Flamingo. It is possible to see over 50 species before breakfast!

Tour includes: Flights from London Stansted to Seville
Full board accommodation for 3 nights
Price: £560 Single Supplement £50
PLACES AVAILABLE

The Isle of Sheppey is the destination for this day of winter birding. We will explore the island for waders and wildfowl such as Bewick’s Swan, Brent & White-fronted Geese, Ruff and Golden Plover. Snow Bunting, Shorelark and Twite can occur on the shingle beaches. We will finish up at the Harty Ferry raptor watchpoint, where Marsh and Hen Harriers, Merlin, Peregrine, Barn Owl, Short-eared Owl and Rough-legged Buzzard (probably the best site for these in the UK) occur. Sometimes there can be so many birds you don’t know where to look!
Price: £40
PLACES AVAILABLE

The Suffolk coast is a great place to spend a winter day birding. We will visit sites such as North Warren, Southwold, Sizewell and Minsmere. The grazing marshes at North Warren support nationally important numbers of White-fronted Geese and this is one of the few regular wintering sites for Tundra Bean Geese in the UK. Southwold is great place to see wintering Water Pipits along with the many gulls around the harbour which could include Caspian Gull. The coast sees large numbers of Red-throated Diver wintering and Scoter and Gannet are not unusual at this time of year. There should be a few Kittiwakes at Sizewell and other species could include Black Redstart, Glaucous Gulls or maybe a wintering Skua. There is a chance that we might find a wintering Great Grey Shrike or something scarcer.
Price: £40
PLACES AVAILABLE

The Broads area of Norfolk holds virtually the entire UK population of Common Cranes and with plenty of raptors to see on this winter trip, it should be a good day! We will visit the Lowestoft area looking for Purple Sandpiper, along with Eider and Shag, whilst checking the docks for the possibility of a rare gull; Ross’s, Little and Glaucous have all appeared in recent years. The afternoon will be spent at Hickling Broad, where the sight of up to 40 Marsh Harriers and Common Cranes coming into roost in the reedbeds is one not to be missed! Hen Harrier, Merlin, Sparrowhawk and Barn Owl are regular, whilst Pink-footed Geese, Whooper Swan and Woodcock may be seen, along with Chinese Water Deer.
Price: £40
PLACES AVAILABLE