[Larry Wheatland]

Thinking about cycling from Bristol to the Alps for 2 big bogey birds, Rock Partridge and Snowfinch.

Any advice on best time of year we should try this, and where to go, much appreciated. We don't know when we can fit this in, so it would be good to know the best sites for winter, spring and summer. Any sites in other alpine countries where both these birds can be found not far from each other would be useful too.

Thanks for any help,

Larry and Nicky

[rosbifs]

With the greatest respect levels of sanity have to be questioned! Great adventure but I could think of better things to see after 12 days of cycling....

[wintibird]

Snowfinch is easy in spring, late summer, autumn and winter. However, most sites can't be reached with a bicycle. A reliable place is the Schilthorn (http://www.schilthorn.ch/en/), famous from the James Bond series. In general for Snowfinch: go as high as you can. They do like mountain huts, restaurants or similar things and are often quite easy to find in winter in ski resorts. Cassonsgrat is another good place for them.

Rock Partdrige is much more difficult and most easily found in late May or early June when they are calling. I know one good place near Vals (close to Cassonsgrat), I could give you the exact location if you're interested. Generally Rock Partdriges are more difficult than some years ago and it seems that the population in Switzerland is declining, however it's unknown why.

If you know the dates of your tour and your interested in some local guidance (my fee is a beer or a soft-drink) you can pm me. I have holidays in early June and intend to go birding in the Alps.

André

[Larry Wheatland]

Many thanks Andre, I'd certainly be happy to get the beers in Hopefully we'll get it together to undertake this trip.