|
For many nature lovers, bird tours to exotic "bucket-list" destinations like South America, Asia and Australia are high on the agenda; but for those who aren't able to venture quite so far, heading off on bird tours to discover the astounding avian life of the United Kingdom is certainly no second prize. According to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), more than three million Brits go birdwatching every year; and with an estimated 166 million nesting birds over approximately 600 species, dedicated bird tours to the most wildlife-rich habitats of the UK offer a highly satisfying experience. These are just three of the many destinations that are rewarding for birdwatchers. Devon Whatever the season, Devon is a delight for birdwatchers, but in spring, with migration in full flight, the number of species that can be seen in the diverse habitats of South Devon is simply outstanding. Across heathlands and moors, coastal headlands and around the beautiful lakes, resident and migratory species are in wonderful abundance. Among the many species that can be seen here are Nightjars, Dartford Warblers, Great Crested Grebes, Redstart, Pied Flycatcher, Dipper, Cetti's Warbler and Cirl Bunting. The Isles of Scilly Situated off the coast of Cornwall at the southernmost point of the UK, the Isles of Scilly are a renowned avian paradise, with a host of resident and migratory waders, passerines and seabirds. The islands enjoy a temperate Oceanic climate, much warmer than the rest of the UK, and the inhabited islands like St Agnes, St Martin's, Tresco and Bryher offer a wealth of wildlife and a fascinating natural history. As well as the chance of a sighting of the delicate Song Thrush, and colonies of Manx Shearwater, Shag and Storm Petrel, visitors on bird tours to the Scilly Isles can expect to see any of the 400 other species that either make the islands their permanent home or stop off on their way from Southern Europe, Siberia and North America. Depending on the season, these may include Black-necked Grebe, Brent Goose, Wryneck, Spoonbill, Eastern Yellow Wagtail, Golden Orioles, Bee-eaters, Little Crake, Blue-winged Teal, Squacco Heron and Syke's Warbler. Norfolk Situated on the northern Norfolk coast, Cley Marshes is The Norfolk Wildlife Trust's oldest nature reserve. Its model as a protected breeding sanctuary for birds, in operation since 1926, has set the benchmark for many more around the UK. As well as a resident breeding population, keen birdwatchers can enjoy sightings of a range of migrant passerines, wildfowl and waders throughout the marshes, reedbeds, lagoons and shingle beach. Species include the sought after Bearded Tit and Bittern, as well as Spotted Redshank, Avocet and Little Gull, among others. The brooding ancient habitat of Wayland Wood, in Breckland, is another excellent site for birdwatchers, with sightings of Nightingale, Stone Curlew, Tree Pipit, Crossbill, Golden Pheasant and Woodlark all possible. Explore the UK These three locations merely scratch the surface of the incredible opportunities for keen amateur birdwatchers in the UK. In Cornwall, Hampshire, Somerset, the Isle of Man, Northumberland, Suffolk, Pembrokeshire, Yorkshire and many, many other areas, the scope and beauty of the magnificent avian life is open to be experienced. Marissa Ellis-Snow is a freelance nature writer with a special interest in bird watching. As a passionate lover of birds, Marissa chooses the expert-led bird tours organised by Naturetrek, which have brought her unforgettable sightings of a wide range of wildlife in some of the most spectacular regions on Earth.
Related Articles -
Bird, tours,
|
