August 30 – September 8 Sat - Mon
Group Size: 7
Starting Point: Gothernburg
Based: Varberg 1 night, Falsterbo and Öland each 2 nights
Ekenäs Gård (by Nyköping)) 4 nights
Walking: Easy
Description :
This exceptional tour presents raptor migration at Falsterbo, where Honey Buzzards, Sparrowhawks and others pass over in their hundreds. Multitudes of waders are amassed at this southern tip of the country, Blue-headed Wagtails pass over grasslands in droves, while shrubberies host great numbers of small songbirds.
The spectacle of migrating Cranes is an unforgettable spectacle on Öland, an island featuring extensive limestone pavement where a worthwhile array of wild flowers still shows. White-tailed Eagles regularly appear, Red-backed Shrikes commonly perch atop thorn bushes, and views of hunting Goshawks are commonplace.
Tens-of-thousands of Bean Geese plus Barnacles and many other wildfowl crown the scene at Hjälstaviken, nearby woodland being a safe bet for Hawfinches.
At the conservation establishment of Öster Malma we see an ongoing project to re-orientate the migration of Lesser White-fronted Geese, while on and around nearby lakes we find Black-throated Divers and Ospreys. In local forests, enhanced by the developing colours of autumn, Black Woodpeckers and Nutcrackers are encountered.
Four nights at a sumptuous mansion (the cuisine is to die for! ) enable us to explore the scenic rolling-landscape of Södermanland, where after dark excursions produce sightings of Elk, Badgers and Wild Boar
Itinerary
Day 1 Sat...Morning Rendezvous London Stansted:
We fly to Gothenburg, drive directly to our base at Varberg (one-and-a-half hours) and visit Getterön wetland bird-reserve for an early taste of birdlife to come.
Days 2 & 3 Sun & Mon:
Heading to Falsterbo we arrive mid-afternoon, making an immediate visit is to the south point for a late afternoon bird-watch where waders are at the fore.
A dawn outing produces droves of Blue-headed Wagtails on the local golf course with Sparrowhawks hot on their tails, plus the first Honey Buzzards. Lunch by a heathland focuses on the continuous drift of raptors: Rough-legged Buzzard, Hen and Montagu’s Harriers, Red Kite, Osprey and Hobby add to those seen already.
Days 4 & 5 Tue & Wed:
En route to Öland we visit Lake Krankesjön, seeing Red-necked and Black-necked Grebes, Gadwall and Garganey, plus Bearded Tit, arriving at our base by Färjestad early evening.
Ottenby bird observatory is our main port of call where grebes, sea ducks and waders are seen from the point, also small passerines including rarities. In heathland we encounter Red-backed Shrikes, foraging Cranes and possibly Black Stork. White-tailed Eagle, Goshawk and Merlin join the raptor tally.
Days 6 - 9 Thu - Sun:
Our base for the next four nights is Ekenäs Gård. We stay in a wonderful mansion on an estate managed for ecological research. Local walks often produce Osprey, Black Woodpecker, Crested Tit and Common Crossbill. A Badger sett is located nearby.
At Öster-Malma we see an ongoing project to re-orientate the migration of Lesser White-fronted Geese, and look for Capercaillie and Nutcracker. Black-throated Divers are still present on lakes. Evening excursions are made along minor roads to look for Elk and Wild Boar.
At Strandstugeviken, by Skärgård archipelago, we have further chance of White-tailed Eagle. Brent Goose, Broad-billed Sandpiper and Lapland Bunting are other regulars.
A two-hour journey brings us to Hjälstaviken, where Barnacle and Lesser White-fronted Geese, Bluethroat and Red-throated Pipit are among regular autumn migrants. Hawfinches are seen in nearby woodland.
Day 10 Mon:
After exploring the environs of Ekenäs - further chance of Black Woodpecker and Hazel Hen sightings - we visit the town of Nyköping before travelling to Skavsta Airport for the late afternoon flight to London Stansted.
Cost: £1560...includes:
Evening meals Days 1-9, b&b in twin rooms en suite Days 1-5 & 10; four nights in basic twin rooms (with private facilities); all excursions.
Excludes:
Air travel, lunches days 1-5 & 10, coffee stops.
Deposit: £150
Single Room Supplement: £180
Flight cost from Stansted to Gothenburg/Skavsta to Stansted: circa £100.
See 'About Us' for statement about flights.