Breaks to make you feel chirpy
WE’RE used to retro trends having a resurgence, but birdwatching?
The sedate hobby is set to soar to new heights of cool this year, thanks to celebs such as Blur’s Damon Albarn and presenter Alex Zane confessing their fondness for it.
Not convinced? LA’s uber-trendy Ace Hotel is hosting regular “Birds and Booze” events, and there’s talk of a first Bird Festival in London this spring, supported by David Lindo, aka “The Urban Birder”.
Don’t wing it if you’re keen to get involved, however – grab a pair of binoculars and take flight on one of these brilliant UK twitchers’ holidays… NATURETREK Earmarked as the UK’s leading wildlife tour specialists, few organise birdwatching trips better than Naturetrek. Directed by an ornithologist, a three-day break in Gloucestershire’s Forest of Dean promises to be as informative as it is fun.
Taking place in March or May, trekkers can expect to spy anything from flocks of siskin and redpoll to hawfinch, as well as
XXXXXX xxxxxx declining species such as the lesser
Xxxx spotted woodpecker. Alternatively, hotfoot it to the Somerset Levels, where your holiday will coincide with both the breeding season and spring migration.
Highlights include summer-plumage passage waders, a riot of birdsong (including 10 species of warbler), and breeding garganey, bittern and marsh harrier. (www.naturetrek.co.uk) ISLAND ADVENTURES If you’re after a knowledgeable tour guide, you’ll struggle to find anyone more dedicated than David Rosair, a professional ornithologist with more than 25 years’ experience via his familyowned company, Island Ventures.
Pick from a vast selection of UK locations, including the Outer Hebrides and Skye, the Highlands, Dorset and the unique Isles of Scilly – a hub of wildlife and a must in spring or autumn. In May, look out for migrant birds such as the great northern diver, whimbrel and more, while in September, raise your binoculars to spot raptors, waders, pipits and wagtails. (www.islandventures.co.uk) NORFOLK BIRDING With its diverse habitat, Norfolk has plenty to offer both the novice and avid twitcher. Think first-class nature reserves on the Broads; a coastline rich with fresh, salt marsh and reed beds; and more feathered varieties than you can jot down in your journal. And the fun continues all year round with Chris Mills’ Norfolk Birding Tours. An expert in photographing wildlife, Mills’ events are suitable for all. Expect to see anything from common barn owls and hunting kingfishers, to Norfolk specialities such as the marsh harrier, bittern and stone curlews. (www.norfolkbirding.com AIGAS Awarded Best Nature Based Experience by Visit Scotland, Aigas Field Centre is Scotland’s internationally acclaimed centre for nature study. Focusing on the natural heritage of the Highlands, the wild estate – which plays host to the BBC’s Autumnwatch and Winterwatch programmes – with its fresh water lochs and woodlands, offers a tantalising backdrop for birders all year round, and a schedule of special events from April until the end of October. Catch a glimpse of the spring migrants – the wheatear, ring ouzel and swallow, plus rarities such as the white-billed diver and famous red grouse; listen to the dawn chorus sung by chats, pipits and tits; watch golden eagles on their nest; and embark on a trip to Handa Island to marvel at puffins and skuas. (www.aigas.co.uk) ORIOLE BIRDING Run by dynamic duo Neil Donaghy and Ashley Saunders, Oriole’s tours operate in a relaxed, fun atmosphere. And as well as offering eagle-eyed birders the chance to travel to far-flung destinations, the operators offer a great package of UK-based holidays too – with specialities in Norfolk and south Wales.
The latter, an often overlooked birder setting, offers a series of annual trips, including Birdsong, Summer Wildlife, Autumn Migration and Winter Wildfowl, during which you can expect to see approximately 110 species, such as swallows and birds of prey. (www. oriolebirding.com)