A tale of nature, wildlife and birding from Cheshire, North Wales and across the globe....

A tale of nature, wildlife and birding from Cheshire, North Wales and across the globe....

Trip Reports

MOROCCO (ATLAS MOUNTAINS) - 24th February - 2nd March 2019

 
Our trip to Morocco involved exploring Oukaimeden in the Atlas Mountains and Marrakech, before moving on to Agadir and the surrounding areas (Souss Massa, Oued Sous, Oued Massa & Sidi Wassay) for the latter part of the trip, with specific targets such as African Crimson-winged Finch, Northern Bald Ibis, Moussier's Redstart, Black-crowned Tchagra, Levaillant's Woodpecker and Brown-throated Martin. 11 lifers and 99 species in total were seen during our 7 days in Morocco, covering the 24th February - 2nd March 2019.

Morocco - Sunday 24th February 2019 (Day 1 - Marrakech & Oukaïmeden)

Morocco - Monday 25th February 2019 (Day 2 - Igunane, Oukaïmeden & Ourika)

Morocco - Tuesday 26th February 2019 (Day 3 - Oukaïmeden & Marrakech)

Morocco - Wednesday 27th February 2019 (Day 4 - Oued Massa, Sidi Wassay & Souss Massa)

Morocco - Thursday 28th February 2019 (Day 5 - Souss Massa, Oued Massa & Sidi Wassay)

Morocco - Friday 1st March 2019 (Day 6 - Taroudant & Paradise Valley)

Morocco - Saturday 2nd March 2019 (Day 7 - Oued Sous & Paradise Valley)

Morocco Trip Report (24th February - 2nd March) - Species List and Locations

Morocco


NETHERLANDS - 12th -13th January 2019

Our short break to the Netherlands consisted of a weekend trip to the Wageningen area to see the overwintering Nutcracker, whilst also exploring the parks and fields around Amsterdam to catch up on those species currently residing in Category C. Our specific targets were the Alexandrine Parakeets and Bar-headed Geese, while a bit more planning could have seen us score with Middle Spotted Woodpecker. 3 lifers in total were seen during our 2 day stay, covering the 12th - 13th January 2019.
 

Netherlands - Saturday 12th January - Sunday 13th January 2019 (Wageningen & Amsterdam)

Netherlands


MICHIGAN, AMERICA - 25th May - 2nd June 2018

Our trip to Michigan in America involved exploring the Lower Peninsula of the state for the majority of our stay, with a brief two day trip up to the Upper Peninsula for specific targets. We also headed across the border in to Ohio on two occasions. We had a number of specific targets on our trip including the highly range restricted Kirtland's Warbler, Evening Grosbeak, Golden-winged Warbler, Veery and a number of sparrows, grouse and flycatchers. 37 lifers and 136 species in total were seen during our 9 days in America covering the 25th May - 2nd June 2018.


Michigan - Friday 25th May 2018 (Day 1 - Magee Marsh & Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge)

Michigan - Saturday 26th May 2018 (Day 2 - Haughton Boardwalk, Michelson Landing & Grayling Forest)

Michigan - Sunday 27th May 2018 (Day 3 - Grayling Forest and Hartwick Pines SP)

Michigan - Monday 28th May 2018 (Day 4 - Grayling Forest, Shumsky Road & Brown Road Dam)

Michigan - Tuesday 29th May 2018 (Day 5 - Pellston, Hulbert Bog & Forest Roads)

Michigan - Wednesday 30th May 2018 (Day 6 - Pickford, Munuscong Potholes & Rudyard)

Michigan - Thursday 31st May 2018 (Day 7 - Sharonville SGA & Nan Weston Preserve)

Michigan - Friday 1st June 2018 (Day 8 - Oak Openings Preserve)

Michigan - Saturday 2nd June 2018 (Day 9 - Lake Lansing Park North)

Michigan Trip Report (25th May - 2nd June) - Species List and Locations

Michigan Trip Report (25th May - 2nd June) - Photo Gallery

Michigan

CYPRUS - 3rd - 7th April 2018

Our trip to Cyprus involved exploring the western part of the island near Paphos for the majority of our stay as well as day trips over to the east and the Troodos mountains, with specific targets such as Cyprus Warbler, Cyprus Pied Wheatear, Ruppell’s Warbler, Black Francolin, Spur-winged Lapwing, Cyprus Scops Owl, Chukar and Armenian Gull. 11 lifers and 86 species in total (as well as 3 endemic subspecies) were seen during our 5 days in Cyprus, covering the 3rd April – 7th April 2018.

Cyprus - Tuesday 3rd April 2018 (Day 1 - Akrotiri Peninsular & Mavrokolympos Dam)

Cyprus - Wednesday 4th April 2018 (Day 2 - Anarita Park, Asprokremmos Dam, Mandria & Paphos Sewage Works)

Cyprus - Thursday 5th April 2018 (Day 3 - Cape Greco & Oroklini)

Cyprus - Friday 6th April 2018 (Day 4 - Paphos Headland & Mavrokolympos Dam)

Cyprus - Saturday 7th April 2018 (Day 5 - Troodos Mountains)

Cyprus Trip Report (3rd - 7th April) - Species List and Locations

Cyprus


TENERIFE - 17th – 22nd April 2017

Our trip to Tenerife involved travelling around both the northern and southern sections of the island, incorporating a range of habitats including Mount Teide, Mirador de La Grimona, Barranco de Ruiz, Charco del Viento and Punta de Teno with specific targets of Tenerife Blue Chaffinch, both Laurel and Bolle’s Pigeons, Atlantic Canary, Barbary Falcon, Plain Swift, Barolo Shearwater and Canary Islands Chiffchaff.  7 lifers and 34 species in total were seen during our 5 days in Tenerife (with us missing out on just the Barolo Shearwaters), covering the 17th April – 22nd April 2017.

Tenerife - Tuesday 18th April 2017 (Day 1 - Las Lajas and Mount Teide)

Tenerife - Wednesday 19th April 2017 (Day 2 - Mirador de La Grimona and Punta de Teno)

Tenerife - Thursday 20th April 2017 (Day 3 - Barranco de Ruiz and Charco del Viento)

Tenerife - Friday 21st - Saturday 22nd April 2017 (Day 4 & 5 - Costa Adeje and Golf Las Americas)

Tenerife Trip Report (17th - 22nd April) - Species List and Locations

Tenerife


MALLORCA - 19th - 21st February 2017

Our trip to Mallorca involved exploring the Northern half of the island around Alcudia and Port de Pollença, incorporating Boquer Valley, Embassament de Cúber and Parc Natural de s'Albufera de Mallorca, with specific targets of Balearic Warbler, Black Vulture, Moustached Warbler and Red-knobbed Coot.  4 lifers and 70 species in total were seen during our 3 days in Mallorca, covering the 19th February – 21st February 2017.

Mallorca - Sunday 19th February 2017 (Day 1 - Boquer Valley & Embassament de Cúber)

Mallorca - Monday 20th February 2017 (Day 2 - Parc Natural de s'Albufera de Mallorca)

Mallorca - Tuesday 21st February 2017 (Day 3 - Boquer Valley)

Mallorca Trip Report (19th - 21st February) - Species List and Locations

Mallorca 


FUERTEVENTURA - 24th - 28th October 2016

Our 5 day trip to Fuerteventura involved exploring the northern part of the island, visiting several sites from our base in Corralejo with our main targets being Houbara Bustard, Fuerteventura Chat, Trumpeter Finch, African Blue Tit, Barbary Partridge, Cream-coloured Courser, Berthelot’s Pipit, Ruddy Shelduck and Laughing Dove. 10 lifers and 52 species in total were seen during our 5 days in Fuerteventura, covering the 24th October – 28th October 2016.

Fuerteventura - Monday 24th October 2016 (Day 1 - El Jarde, Vega de Río Palmas & Betancuria)

Fuerteventura - Tuesday 25th October 2016 (Day 2 - Mareta de Fimapaire, El Cotillo & Corralejo Dunes)

Fuerteventura - Wednesday 26th October 2016 (Day 3 - Caleta de Fuste, Barranco de la Torre & El Jarde)

Fuerteventura - Thursday 27th October 2016 (Day 4 - Embalse de los Molinos & Corralejo Dunes)

Fuerteventura Trip Report (24th - 28th October) - Species List and Locations

Fuerteventura - 24th - 28th October 2016

FLORIDA, AMERICA: 28th March - 9th April 2016

Our two week trip to Florida involved travelling in a circuit from Orlando down the east coast to Miami, then over to the Florida Keys, Key West and the Dry Tortugas. From here we headed back up the west coast to Fort Myers and St. Petersburg before travelling back over to Orlando. We timed our trip to coincide with the start of the spring migration period as well as catching the overwintering visitors, with key targets of Swallow-tailed Kite, Florida Scrub Jay, Painted Bunting, Mangrove Cuckoo, Smooth-billed Ani, Snail Kite, Black-whiskered Vireo and Scissor-tailed Flycatcher. We also targeted the Manatees at Merritt Island, which was a particular highlight. 86 lifers and 196 species in total were seen during our 13 days in Florida, covering the 28th March - 9th April 2016.

Florida - Monday 28th March 2016 (Day 1 - Orlando)

Florida - Tuesday 29th March 2016 (Day 2 - Merritt Island)

Florida - Wednesday 30th March 2016 (Day 3 - Mead Botanical Garden & Viera Wetlands)

Florida - Thursday 31st March 2016 (Day 4 - Three Lakes WMA)

Florida - Friday 1st April 2016 (Day 5 - Stormwater Treatment Area 5/6 & Miami)

Florida - Saturday 2nd April 2016  (Day 6 - Loxohatchee, Green Cay and Wakodahatchee Wetlands)

Florida - Sunday 3rd April 2016 (Day 7 - Miami, Key West & the Florida Keys)

Florida - Monday 4th April 2016 (Day 8 - The Dry Tortugas)

Florida - Tuesday 5th April 2016 (Day 9 - Homestead & Eagle Lakes)

Florida - Wednesday 6th April 2016 (Day 10 - Bunche Beach, Carlos Pointe & St. Petersburg)

Florida Trip Report (28th March - 9th April) - Species List and Locations

Florida Trip Report (28th March - 9th April) - Photo Gallery


Florida, America - 28th March - 9th April 2016

SOUTHERN PORTUGAL: 14th - 16th February 2016


Our short trip to the Algarve involved travelling along the southern tip of Portugal, covering Faro, Lagos, Aljezur, Monchique and Castro Verde with specific targets of Iberian Magpie, Great Bustard, Black-shouldered Kite, Bonelli's Eagle, Spanish Sparrow and Black-headed Weavers. We also targeted a 6th record for Portugal in the form of a Snowfinch at Ribeira de Aljezur, but unfortunately the bird had moved on before we arrived. 6 lifers and 94 species in total were seen during our 3 days in Southern Portugal, covering the 14th February 2016 -16th February 2016.

Southern Portugal - Sunday 14th February 2016 (Day 1 - Aljezur and Lagos)

Southern Portugal - Monday 15th February 2016 (Day 2 - Aljezur, Monchique and Lagos)

Southern Portugal - Tuesday 16th February 2016 (Day 3 - Castro Verde and Faro)

Southern Portugal Trip Report (14th February - 16th February) - Species List and Locations

Southern Portugal

NEW YORK, AMERICA: 21st-30th May 2015

Our trip to New York, America consisted of four main sites - Central Park, Prospect Park, Inwood Hill Park and Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, as well as a day trips up to Niagara Falls and Doodletown. Due to timing our trip with the spring migration period, American Warblers featured heavily, with particular targets of Blackburnian Warbler, Hooded Warbler, Cerulean Warbler and Black and White Warbler.  101 lifers and 123 species in total were seen during our 10 days in New York, covering the 21st May 2015 – 30th May 2015. 

New York - Thursday 21st May 2015 (Day 1 - Central Park)

New York - Friday 22nd May 2015 (Day 2 - Central Park)

New York - Saturday 23rd May 2015 (Day 3 - Prospect Park)

New York - Sunday 24th May 2015 (Day 4 - Doodletown & Plumb Beach)

New York - Monday 25th May & Tuesday 26th May 2015 (Days 5 & 6 - Prospect Park, Green-wood Cemetery & Niagara Falls)

New York - Thursday 28th May 2015 (Day 8 - Inwood Hill Park)

New York - Friday 29th May 2015 (Day 9 - Jamaica Bay)

New York - Saturday 30th May 2015 (Day 10 - Central Park)

New York Trip Report (21st-30th May) - Species List and Locations

New York Trip Report (21st-30th May) - Photo Gallery

New York City, America - 21st May - 30th May 2015

 

SOUTHERN SPAIN: 12th-17th August 2014

Our trip around Southern Spain involved travelling along the southern tip of the country, incorporating Malaga, Gibraltar, Tarifa, Jerez and Sevilla with specific targets of White-rumped Swift, Red-necked Nightjar, White-headed Duck, Marbled Teal and Lesser Flamingo. 17 lifers and 109 species in total were seen during our 6 days in Southern Spain, covering the 12th August 2014 – 17th August 2014. 

Southern Spain - Tuesday 12th August 2014 (Day 1 - Malaga to Alcaidesa)

Southern Spain - Wednesday 13th August 2014 (Day 2 - Gibraltar)

Southern Spain - Thursday 14th August 2014 (Day 3 - Tarifa and Las Mesas de Chullera)

Southern Spain - Friday 15th August 2014 (Day 4 - Alcaidesa to Jerez)

Southern Spain - Saturday 16th August 2014 (Day 5 - Laguna de Medina)

Southern Spain - Sunday 17th August 2014 (Day 6 - Sevilla to Malaga)

Southern Spain Trip Report (12th-17th August 2014) - Species List and Locations

Southern Spain - 12th August - 17th August 2014


NORTHERN SPAIN: 13th-17th April 2014

Our trip to Northern Spain consisted travelling through Barcelona, Zaragoza and up in to the high Pyranees in search of Dupont’s Lark, Sandgrouse, Black Woodpeckers and the charismatic Wallcreeper.  41 lifers and 119 species in total were seen during our 5 days in Northern Spain, covering the 13th April 2014 – 17th April 2014.

Northern Spain - Sunday 13th April 2014 (Day 1 - Barcelona to Zaragoza)

Northern Spain - Monday 14th April 2014 (Day 2 - Zaragoza to Loporzano)

Northern Spain - Tuesday 15th April 2014 (Day 3 - Valle de Hecho to Pyranees)

Northern Spain - Wednesday 16th April 2014 (Day 4 - Loporzano to Zaragoza)

Northern Spain - Thursday 17th April 2014 (Day 5 - Zaragoza to Barcelona)

Northern Spain Trip Report (13th-17th April 2014) - Species List and Locations


Northern Spain - 13th April - 17th April 2014


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