Going to be free from the 19th of March to 8th of April for a week - dates not known yet. Anywhere where people could recommend to go? Any country with a mix of nature reserves, nice landscapes and different types of wildlife. I am open to suggestions. Abroad of course.
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Where to go late March, Early April (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Himalaya
- Start date
Nutcracker
Stop Brexit!
Somewhere southward, as summer arrivals won't have got far yet - maybe Morocco or southern Spain?
Steve Arlow
Well-known member
Peak migration in Israel, country with diverse habitats from desert in the south to fishponds, wetlands and Mountains in the north. Tens of Thousands of raptors migrating through Eilat along with many north bound migrants on the move, resident breeding species and hang over wintering birds; Easy and direct 5 hour flight from the UK, excellent road infrastructure, plenty of visiting birders for information.
Second half of March into early April can be very good.
Second half of March into early April can be very good.
Hi, H. You ask very good questions...! Estonia was a weekend twitch for Steller's Eider and we also managed to see odds and ends like Three-toed Woodpecker. Finland was a twitch for Azure Tit, again with some nice extras added in. So both were late winter trips in fact rather than spring. And I'd say no, Kruger not worthwhile in 7 days and apologies, I hadn't read that criteria. Useless attempt to help! Extremadura would be the best from my list but you'd have to carefully check that you weren't too early. My dates were 22-27 April.
Hi,
Been several times in March and had a great time. Lots of Bustards and birds of prey displaying. Sandgrouse seem easier (due to shorter vegetaition?) and plenty of other stuff to keep you busy for a good weeks birding. Most migrants should be in (no White-rumped Swift and one or two others). Plus weather is usually pretty good, it can get very very hot in May!
Cheers
Nick
Welsh Peregrine
Well-known member
Ghana could be a good trip, but better for 10 days or 14.
albatross02
Well-known member
Near is Cyprus, where is high migration time.
Far is Thailand like Kaeng Krachan east of Bangkok.
Not far is Laem Pak Bia and Pak Tale, which is very good for waders.
Also around Chiang Mai is interesting e.g. Doi Ithanon, Doi Luang Chiang Dao, Doi Akhang or Thaton ricefiled.
Far is Thailand like Kaeng Krachan east of Bangkok.
Not far is Laem Pak Bia and Pak Tale, which is very good for waders.
Also around Chiang Mai is interesting e.g. Doi Ithanon, Doi Luang Chiang Dao, Doi Akhang or Thaton ricefiled.
Steve Lister
Senior Birder, ex County Recorder, Garden Moths.
I would go with Cyprus too. A very varied island scenery-wise and always capable of turning up a few surprise birds. Not many birders around so great for finding your own birds - my best finds there include Hooded Wheatear and Caspian Plover.
Steve
Steve
Steve Lister
Senior Birder, ex County Recorder, Garden Moths.
Are you talking sub-Saharan Africa or including north Africa too?
If the latter Morocco is good at that time of year and you could do a great trip for £1500.
Apart from Gambia Africa-proper is pretty expensive.
Steve
If the latter Morocco is good at that time of year and you could do a great trip for £1500.
Apart from Gambia Africa-proper is pretty expensive.
Steve
Wildfowl, cranes et al will be in, probably in good numbers, but even for these late March could backfire - a particularly cold spring can leave the northern Baltics and Finland still frozen.
Unless travelling for a specific species in mind, the Baltics and Finland are far better from late April/early May.
Suspect if you could get a cheapish flight then South Africa might be doable for around £1500 for 7-10 days e.g. Kruger or Kwa Zulu Natal. It's a bit of a long way to go for a short trip, but the birding should be good and it's a decent value destination that you can easily do independently.
I have been to North Africa but never Sub-Saharan Africa. Gambia and Ghana sound interesting. I do not know too much about either country. Maybe need 2 weeks for South Africa in the future at some point - when I have more money and the time.
Not keen on doing Europe as could do one of those states in the summer.
Not keen on doing Europe as could do one of those states in the summer.
I’m off to northern Senegal late March early April this year. I spent a lot of time trying to work out if it would work seasonally and just about concluded it would. We have 12 days but I reckon you could see a lot in 7 and it’s not too far. Strikes me as ‘Western Sahara with extras’. Incidentally, there’s a brand new international airport on the eastern side of Dakar. The old one was on the west side of the capital, so getting into the field should be a few hours less driving overall than it used to be.
occasional
Well-known member
The Gambia was very enjoyable many years ago; some people enjoy southern Morocco which is not difficult in a hire car.
North coast of Morocco might also be interesting. This place is apparently open
http://www.jbelmoussalodge.com/
North coast of Morocco might also be interesting. This place is apparently open
http://www.jbelmoussalodge.com/
