September 25 - October 1 Sat - Fri
Group Size: 9
Starting Point: Exeter
Based: Staverton 3 nights, Marazion 3 nights
Walking: Easy
Description :
England's south-west peninsula is the mildest region of the UK and, as such, hosts an extremely appetising range of birdlife throughout the year. Our visit to the counties of Cornwall and Devon takes place during early autumn when southbound bird migration is at its height. This is also a time when good weather may be expected.
Bird lists can become tedious but, suffice to say, we stand to encounter a noteworthy tally of top species. Of small passerines there will be a steady movement of Wheatears, Whinchats, warblers and wagtails (Yellow and White), also high numbers of hirundines, with Ring Ouzel, Firecrest and Red-backed Shrike flights at dusk being one of the spectacles we plan to watch.
Off coastal headlands seabird passage may be strong, with shearwaters, skuas, gulls and terns featuring the regular species with high likelihood of the more unusual. Among raptors Hobby, Osprey and even Montagu's Harrier are on the cards. September is also a time when Common and Bottlenose Dolphins and even Basking Sharks are seen.
Among resident birds Little Egrets numbers build, while Avocets, Black Redstarts, Dartford and Cetti's Warblers, Choughs and Cirl Buntings may virtually be taken for granted.
Curlew Sandpipir, Little Stint, Ruff, Spotted Redshank, Green and Wood Sandpipers are some of the more notable waders.
Sites targeted for visits include Dawlish Warren, Slapton Ley, Prawle Point, Hayle Estuary, Dartmoor, The Lizard and Marazion Marsh.
Our bird search embraces a wonderful blend of habitats, including heather moorland, fast-flowing hill streams, marshes, wooded valleys, hedged fields and estuaries, and features some of the finest coastal scenery that Britain has to offer.
As on all our tours we shall not disregard mammals or other wildlife, and shall contrive to stop at some sites of cultural and historic interest.
Itinerary :
Day 1 - 3 Sat: Morning rendezvous Exeter followed by three full days birdwatching Devon.
Days 4 - 6 Tue - Thu: Transfer to Cornwall for three days exploration of top bird sites.
Day 7 Fri: Return to Exeter where the tour finishes at the railway station.
Cost: £975...includes: Accommodation; all meals plus packed lunches; all travel.
Deposit: £100
Single Room Supplement: £135
