Holidays > UK Holidays

Being the first landfall for birds arriving from America and the last land for birds leaving the European continent, the British Isles is well placed to receive more than the lion?s share of these scarce and rare birds. No where is this more so than the south west peninsula and the island archipelago of the Isles of Scilly.

During the holiday we will search the rugged and windswept headlands, attractive sheltered valleys, freshwater reservoirs and saline estuaries of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, at our usual relaxed, leisurely and enjoyable pace in search of these windblown birds. In doing so we are likely to see a range of species rarely encountered in the United Kingdom.

Expected Birds

Below is a list of the birds that we can reasonably expect to see at this time of year in this location.
This is intended only as a guide and we cannot guarantee that we will see every species listed, however we may also see birds which are not listed

• Red-backed Shrike
• Wryneck
• Red-eyed Vireo
• Spotted Crake
• Ring-billed Gull
• American Green-winged Teal
• American Wigeon
• Little Stint
• Curlew Sandpiper
• Golden Plover
• Pectoral Sandpiper
• Yellow-browed Warbler
• Red-breasted Flycatcher
• American Robin
• Rose-breasted Grosbeak
• Common Nighthawk

Itinerary

There will be no fixed itinerary for this holiday as our activities from day to day will be largely dictated by the weather and the birds. We visit a good bird or good birding area prior to leaving Cornwall prior the departing for the Isles of Scilly for four nights. We shall catch a helicopter to the Isles of Scilly and spend five days on the islands. Depending on birds that are present we will spend one or two days on the main island of St. Mary?s (where we shall be based) and also visit at least two of the ?off islands?. We shall then return to the mainland to return home.

Here are some of the locations we may visit during the holiday and a selection of the birds we may see.

Porthgwarra, Nanquidno, Cot and Kenidjack Valleys

These four west Cornish valleys are famous for their ability to attract rare birds and are also very under watched. In the right weather conditions these valleys can provide the diligent observer with both scarce and rare birds. Species such as Red-backed Shrike and Wryneck are annual whilst rarities such as the Red-eyed Vireo which is from North America has occurred several times. These valleys have also produced a number of extreme rarities that many British birdwatchers dream of seeing. Given the right weather conditions we shall search these valleys looking for such birds and given that they are so under watched we have a real opportunity of finding our own gem!

Marazion Marsh and Mount's Bay

Mount?s Bay is home to the famous St. Michael's Mount and situated just inland is an area of reed-bed and open water that is known as Marazion Marsh. The bay often holds small numbers of divers and sheltering seabirds after storms whilst the reed-bed is the most regular autumn site for Spotted Crake in the region.

Hayle Estuary

Situated on the north coast of the Cornwall just to the east St. Ives this estuary is the only true estuary in west Cornwall. As a result it attracts a number of species rarely seen elsewhere in west Cornwall. Amongst the hundreds of gulls often present we shall search for the regular Mediterranean and the rare Ring-billed Gull, which is annual in the area. Ducks arriving at this time of year include European Teal and Wigeon and flocks of these often attract American Green-winged Teal and American Wigeon. Passage waders are a feature of the Hayle Estuary and during our visit we may see a few lingering Little Stint or Curlew Sandpiper from the autumn.

Stitihian?s and Drift Reservoirs

These two areas of freshwater provide a haven for migrating waders and wildfowl. Flocks of Lapwing, Golden Plover and Dunlin attract scarcer species. Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Ruff and Greenshank should all be present during our visit and American Golden Plover, Pectoral Sandpiper or other American rarities put in an annual visit.

The Isles of Scilly

The islands are one of the most tranquil and beautiful places in the British Isles. Many birdwatchers visit the islands in search of rare birds during October but it is always possible to find a quiet corner on Scilly.

At this time of year species from all points of the compass are possible. A mouth-watering selection of ?eastern? species such as Yellow-browed Warbler, Richard?s Pipit and Red-breasted Flycatcher are virtually guaranteed whilst American species recorded in recent years have included Common Nighthawk, American Robin and Rose-breasted Grosbeak.

Your guide/guides travelled to Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly many times in search or rare and scarce birds. The holiday will not only concentrate on seeing and hopefully finding these rare and scarce birds. The magnificent scenery and superb walks are complimented by good food and the general ?get away from it all? feeling will all play an important role in this fabulous holiday.

Holiday date:

10-14 or 17-21 October 2011

Holiday Cost:

£549.00 (£40 discount for shared twin/double rooms)

Cost to WWT Members

£520.00

Learn more about the WWT and become a member

Helicopter Flight:

£149.00

Deposit:

£200.00

Please read our Terms & Conditions for more information about Deposit payments

Single Room Supplement:

£40.00

If you are travelling alone but willing to share we maybe able to find a roommate for you to reduce the cost.
Please see the booking form for more information

What is included in the cost of your holiday?

All ground transport to Cornwall, flights to the islands, accommodation, meals (except lunch), at least two inter-island boat crossings and the services of a guide/guides. Drinks, lunches and items of a personal nature are not included in the price. Accommodation will be in comfortable, friendly, family run guest houses on the Isles of Scilly. Breakfasts and evening meals will be served at the accommodation or for evening meals at a local restaurant, as many chefs stand down during this part of the season. Lunches are not included in the price of the holiday. Each day we will either have a picnic (well stocked supermarket and fresh pasties from the bakery) in the field stop for a relaxing lunch in one of the many cafes, pubs or tea rooms on the Isles.

What is included in the cost of your holiday?

All ground transport to Cornwall, flights to the islands, accommodation, meals (except lunch), at least two inter-island boat crossings and the services of a guide/guides. Drinks, lunches and items of a personal nature are not included in the price. Accommodation will be in comfortable, friendly, family run guest houses on the Isles of Scilly. Breakfasts and evening meals will be served at the accommodation or for evening meals at a local restaurant, as many chefs stand down during this part of the season. Lunches are not included in the price of the holiday. Each day we will either have a picnic (well stocked supermarket and fresh pasties from the bakery) in the field stop for a relaxing lunch in one of the many cafes, pubs or tea rooms on the Isles.

Other Information

The climate should be fairly mild and indeed warm and settled weather is often the case but the chance of gales or storms is possible. If forecasts are particularly bad then we may leave the islands earlier. It is rare for the helicopter to be cancelled but the boat can be kept in port when conditions are rough. We often use a taxi to ferry the group to the far end of the largest island of St Mary?s and then spend the morning or afternoon walking back through the trails or coastal path. Due to the nature of birding on these islands we may have a time-out to rest in the afternoon when the birding can be quieter, this also gives you chance to do other things on the island. There is a well stocked supermarket and shops to pick up fresh daily provisions. You can also meet on the islands if you prefer and the price of the helicopter will be taken off. A regular train service runs to Penzance and it is a short walk or bus to the ferry port or heliport.

Optional extra night in Cornwall is £85.00 per person to make the most of birds either before or after visiting Scilly.
Please bring RSPB and WWT membership cards with you

Clothing & Equipment

Dress for normal British weather. Warmer clothing like a fleece and waterproof gear are essential should it be chilly or we encounter showers. If the sun is shining then sun-block is essential as it is easy to burn near the coast and on the boat trips. Footwear with ankle support and a good grip are essential for visiting the islands. Anser guides carry Leica/Swarovski telescopes which are shared with clients. Binoculars are essential.

Environment

Mostly easy going but we will encounter sandy beaches, some steep slopes, boardwalks and steps into hides. You will need to be able to climb on and off a boat (assisted) onto the off islands.

How to Book

If you would like to reserve a place on this holiday then please fill out a booking form and send it, along with a deposit for £200.00 (cheques should be made payable to Anser UK) to the address below. If you have any questions or comments about this trip we are happy to answer them. The Terms & Conditions of booking can be found in the back of our brochure or can be sent on request.

It's easy to book your holiday with Anser birding...

By Telephone: Simply call us on the number below and we'll set up your booking

01452 741591

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