[Hyrax]

Hi all,

I have a honeymoon to plan for mid August, unfortunately we only have 6 days so I don't plant to travel for more than a few hours which limits us to mainland Europe (travelling from Glasgow) - budget, for once, is not so much of an issue due to very generous parents.

We'd love to go somewhere rich in bird life, that we can absorb fairly passively (ie. not dedicated expeditions just gentle walks from wherever we're based), preferably coastal for some snorkelling as well.

So, with all your collective knowledge, is there anywhere you can reccomend? I could think of dozens of ideal locations in Britain, but, suddenly having the opportunity to travel further afield I've come to realise I can't name one birding hot spot in France or Spain or.... well anywhere!

All suggestions would be much appreciated,
Many thanks

[DavidinParis]

I could give you some hot-spots in France but the problem is timing. The French coast will be teeming with holidaymakers in mid-August. All the large French cities virtually shut down at the end of July and there's a major evacuation to the coast, where they will be joined by Dutch, Belgians, Germans and others doing the same. The north coast birding is not likley to be too different from the south coast of the UK in August, although inland you could pick up things like Black Woodpecker, Crested Tit and a few others that would be scarce in the UK.

The Med coast would, of course, be provide you with a greater variety of species but again you will have a few million tourists with you.

I'm not that familiar with Spain but possibly the south-west might be OK, at least on the Atlantic side. Obviously there will still be plenty of tourists around but there might be a few spots that will provide good birds without too much bother from tourists. The same might go for the north coast, close to the Pyrenees. Hopefully those who know these areas will come up with some better-informed suggestions.

Good luck.

DiP

[Stephen C]

Barcelona, Spain. Catalonia has the highest number of breeding species in Iberia, so perfect for the summer. Snorkelling from BCN, Sitges, etc. Lots to do in Barcelona. You haver 2 nearby wetland reserves at LLobregat. You can stay outside city in countryside if you want. Red-necked Nightjars, etc.

Sorry for brevity but short on time. See www.catalanbirdtours.com for birds (all sites in Catalonia). Happy to recommend spots, e.g. in Pyrenees for your visits.

Congratulations by the way.

[Barred Wobbler]

I'd go with Catalonia too. I missed out on my spring trip there this year because of accommodation problems and went to Almeria instead - great in a different kind of way, but I reckon it's a place to be avoided in the heat of August.

We are feeling the drag of Spain again already and just last night we were discussing the possibility of a trip back in July and north east Catalonia, flying EZ into Barcelona seems to be winning the destination race at the moment. I've not been to that specific area yet and I'm keen to give it a try. My previous visits have been centred on the Ebro Delta and the steppes with forays into the Catalonia and Aragon Pyrenees and I love it.

[chowchilla]

Thirded with Catalonia. I lived in Barcelona for a short time and despite not being a city person I found it to be an exciting, vibrant city and as others have mentioned, there are accessible sites close by for birding.

EDIT: I've just spotted a thread by Allen Moore on his trip to Barcelona; well worth reading!

[crs]

Why not try Danube Delta? About two hors flight to Bucharest capital of Romania. Then a three hors journey by car to Tulcea the gate to Danube Delta. If intersted can provide direct contact with specialized guide, stay on floating hotel, guide for bird watching and photography etc. Have to discuss directly prices and program with organiser.

Cristian

[Cheshire Birder]

Depends on when your going i think, as this could key to your decision. For me, i'll suggest - ibiza. Went in late sept (the end of the summer season) to San Antonio Bay. Quite a lot of birds still on the move, plus resident species such as Eleonora's Falcon & opportunity to go on boat trips (inc snorkling). Still warm & the added advantage of a bit of night life if you so desire.

[Allen S. Moore]

Originally Posted by chowchilla

Thirded with Catalonia. I lived in Barcelona for a short time and despite not being a city person I found it to be an exciting, vibrant city and as others have mentioned, there are accessible sites close by for birding.

EDIT: I've just spotted a thread by Allen Moore on his trip to Barcelona; well worth reading!

Yeah! Barcelona has so much. I'm biased, mind, as a month ago I was enjoying my 11th visit. On my way back to the Isle of Man I visited University friends in England. One reminded me that I'm not really a city person, either, "What's with Barcelona, Allen?" Well, (in no particular order) I like the history, architecture, museums, food, drink, bilingualism (Catalan and Castilian), friendly people, the parks and birdlife, not just pigeons and monk parakeets! More over, it is a good city to get out of, too, with some great areas scenically and ornithologically within 2 hours by bus or train. If you don't mind driving on the right, hiring a car might be an idea. Just watch the scams, both in Barcelona and on the roads. That said, I'm sure that Barcelona is no worse for robberies than other big cities in Europe or elsewhere.

Congratulations, too.

Allen

[Marmot]

Never been there but a suggestion.

Venice [romantic for the Honeymoon] and or the Po Delta, Italy.

Plenty of birds in the Po Delta. We have a member of Birdforum "foxsparrow" - Mennotti Passerella who is a guide around this area and he is really knowledgeable and speaks good english. We met him at the Birdfair a few years back.

Here is a link to give you an idea of it
http://www.birdingitaly.net/guideeng.htm

You could do your own version of something like this
http://www.heatherlea.co.uk/birdwatc...seas/italy.htm

[Firetail]

I'd recommend southern Iberian Penninsula as the timing would be great for autumn migration. If you stop on the Atlantic side you can get-in your snorkelling and also pop across to Morocco for the day (Tarifa - Tanger), bit of romance there! Much better than Barcelona for the time of year in my opinion. Also the area is quiet depending on where you choose to stay and lots of areas for taking gentle (and lonely) walks.

Congratulations and wherever you go I hope you have a great time.

Derek

[Stephen C]

Originally Posted by Barred Wobbler

we were discussing the possibility of a trip back in July and north east Catalonia...

If you're still planning a trip in July take a look here for some suggestions as to where you possibly haven't been yet.

www.catalanbirdtours.com

Happy to help you out with more details if I can, just email me.

all the best

[Barred Wobbler]

We've reluctantly decided to give July a miss Stephen. My wife's been hard at it trying to find accommodation around Girona/Figueres and so far she's not been able to find anything that meets her (rather exacting, it must be said) standards.

Everything that looks good and sensibly priced is booked up. The trip would have been a bit of an afterthought anyway and we should have got our fingers out and booked it earlier, but we'll get there eventually.

The next journey is back down to the Straits in September for the migration. We've been doing it since 2001 and it's getting to be a habit - but one that I enjoy.

[Stephen C]

No worries. Those holiday-makers do force the prices up, don't they? I think I have a couple of accommodation contacts for the area so let me know when you start thinking about thinking about starting to get around to booking!

Enjoy Tarifa.

[Barred Wobbler]

We've booked in plenty of time for the September trip - it's been in the bag since March, so digs are sorted there. A terrace for my wife and handy for some shops for the days when she doesn't feel like coming out and doing a bit of bird-spotting, a telly and good cooking facilities so we can take it easy in the evenings.

Going a bit earlier this year so we should still be in the honey buzzard main passage - we normally just pick up a few stragglers amongst the short-toed eagles and storks.

This is a small part of a flock over Tarifa beach last year.

[Hyrax]

Originally Posted by Barred Wobbler

The next journey is back down to the Straits in September for the migration. We've been doing it since 2001 and it's getting to be a habit - but one that I enjoy.

Would you reccomend the straits in mid-August for bird migration? It's somewhere we thought of on the basis of the whale migration, although we'd only catch the very beginning. Otherwise I thought the area might be too touristy, especially in August, but I'd be happy to hear otherwise

[Hyrax]

Oh and thank you everyone for your responses they have been most helpful, we're looking at Catalonia or Mallorca (until the Gibraltar straits were thrown back into the mix that is).

[stevieb]

Hi

Southern Spain is certainly worthwhile in August
I went Aug 2007, staying in Estepona and connected with a good few goodies like Eagle-Owl, Black Wheatear, Rufous tailed Scrub-Robin et al.

Check out my report. It may give you some idea as to what and where.

Spain 2007.doc

[Stephen C]

Originally Posted by Hyrax

Would you reccomend the straits in mid-August for bird migration?

Certainly good movement of raptors through during this period but, as far as I can remember - and I used to count them and storks for the spanish ornithological society - it's mainly Honey-Buzzard, Black Kite and Short-toed Eagle. Better later for a greater variety of species.

All the best