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
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
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.