Where to go?

[jebir]

Hi all!

Where would you go for a birding weekend in the end of May. I have a free rountrip to any one of the major cities in Europe. It expires on May 31st so I have to make up my mind soon.

I would prefer visiting a place where I can manage without renting a car.

All the best, Jens.
(from Sweden)

[Michael Frankis]

Davs Jens,

How about Northumberland?

Excellent seabirds, including Sterna dougallii, Fratercula arctica, etc

Michael

[Edward]

What cities are considered major? I doubt Reykjavík counts, but if so then Harlequin Duck, Barrow's Goldeneye, Gyr Falcon, Great Skua, Brünnich's Guillemot, Red-necked Phalarope, Great Northern Diver and more all possible over a weekend.

Failing that I would love to visit Budapest as a birder. have been there as a non-birder and it's great but there are superb birds all around that area I'm sure.

Madrid - great birding close to Madrid. Steppe birds and raptors in abundance.

Nei, nei, glöm Budapest och Madrid, Jens, och kom hit till Island i stället. Det är jättekul här på sommaren!

E

[Tero]

A small island where they rent bicycles. ;)

[CJW]

A small island where they rent bicycles. ;)

The Isle of Man???????

[jebir]

What cities are considered major? I doubt Reykjavík counts, but if so then Harlequin Duck, Barrow's Goldeneye, Gyr Falcon, Great Skua, Brünnich's Guillemot, Red-necked Phalarope, Great Northern Diver and more all possible over a weekend.

Failing that I would love to visit Budapest as a birder. have been there as a non-birder and it's great but there are superb birds all around that area I'm sure.

Madrid - great birding close to Madrid. Steppe birds and raptors in abundance.

Nei, nei, glöm Budapest och Madrid, Jens, och kom hit till Island i stället. Det är jättekul här på sommaren!

E

Edward,

Reykavik is a major city - isn't it? It is at least one of the possible destinations I have.
With the birds that you named, it is definitely one of the top contenders.
Do you know about any website about birdwatching around Reykavik. I assume that it isn't possible to make a "Tour de Iceland" in a weekend.

(I had considered Budapest and Madrid but usually it takes a day just to get out of town when going to such large cities.)

Thanks for the tip!

Maybe I'll see you there, Jens.

[jebir]

Iceland - here I come!

Tero,

I'll try Isle of Man next time I have to get rid of some frequent flyer points.

Michael,

I will read up a bit on Northumberland before deciding. Maybe another year.

Right now, I just couldn't resist the perspective of seing a live Harlequin Duck.

Cheers, Jens.