Dorset - South Coast Migration Special

Tour Code: GBR63

A superb 4-day break to enjoy the exciting autumn migration on the south coast, visiting such well-positioned sites as the wonderful Portland Bird Observatory.

4 days from
£795

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Highlights

Summary

Utilising sites such as the wonderful Portland Bird Observatory, and at a time when many birds will be passing through on their way back into Europe and beyond - anything is possible! Firecrests, Black Redstarts, Ring Ouzels or perhaps a Yellow-browed Warbler or Red-breasted Flycatcher. Birding at a site such as this can be very exciting indeed. We will also visit other sites including RSPB Radipole and Lodmoor with their vast reedbeds and wetlands, staying at a superbly located hotel on the Isle of Portland.

Visit the famous Portland Bird Observatory!
Spoonbills in Poole Harbour
Look for exciting birds such as Yellow-browed Warbler & Firecrest
Moth-trap - previous species include Palpita vitrealis and Convolvulus Hawk-moth
Heathland species may comprise Dartford Warbler & Woodlark
A chance for Eurasian Otter
Led by an expert naturalist guide

The long distance migration of birds is a truly remarkable feat and certainly one of the real wonders of the natural world. During this exciting and varied new weekend break this phenomenon will be at the forefront of our minds as we explore some of Dorset’s finest nature reserves watching for migrant birds and learning about them as we go. We shall watch from headlands, join a bird ringing session, visit an observatory, cruise across Poole harbour and also open some moth traps. All this will be coupled with some superb hospitality.

We will be based for our three nights at the Heights Hotel on Portland. Meeting at the hotel in the early afternoon we shall visit a nearby site for our first exploration. We will enjoy a walk looking for migrants which may include Wheatear, Whinchat, migrant thrushes, and perhaps some birds moving over the sea before we return for a delicious dinner.

Across the nest three days we will enjoy a great range and variety of activities. At Durlston National Nature Reserve we shall join the local ringing group for a demonstration. Species caught may include warblers with Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps common, finches such as Brambling and Linnets and with birds moving anything can be found. We shall also open two moth traps here to see what we can find with this site very good for migrant moths as well as birds. A ferry across to Poole will provide us with wildfowl, waders and raptors with Spoonbill, Spotted Redshank, Brent Geese, Marsh Harrier and many more species possible.

We will also visit the wonderful Portland bird observatory and at this time many birds will be passing through on their way back into Europe and beyond. Anything is possible with Firecrests, Black Redstarts, Ring Ouzels or perhaps a Yellow-browed Warbler or Red-breasted Flycatcher. Birding at a site such as this can be very exciting indeed. We shall also visit sites including RSPB Radipole and Lodmoor with their vast reedbeds and wetlands.

DETAILED INFORMATION

Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Mortons House and St Aldhelm’s Head.

Day 2/4

Poole Harbour, Durlston Head, Portland Bill, Lodmoor RSPB

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Reviews

What a great few days!. Every day was different and interesting. Portland is unique. I loved the Fleet, and the waders and of course Brownsea Island was a treat. We saw the gorgeous Red Squirrels really well there, but for me 112 Spoonbills were a highlight, even if they were mostly in the distance. The Little Owl near Portland Bill was fabulous and seeing Tuna jumping and Gannets flying off the Bill was wonderful. Some fabulous sunsets and sunrises and seeing the Meadow Pipits and other birds flying over in the early morning was really good. And of course watching bird ringing and seeing Goldcrest and Redstart close up was a big highlight. All in all a wonderful trip. Thanks.
K.G. Merseyside, Oct 25
This was a three day break staying at an excellent and very attractive hotel in Corfe Castle. Everything was incredibly well-organised and we packed in a lot of different experiences without feeling rushed. We saw seabirds, waders, heathland birds, we watched birds being ringed and we opened a moth trap and learnt a great deal about the scores of moths in there. The knowledge of our two guides was second to none, not just about birds, but wildlife in general. There were some very experienced birdwatchers in our small, friendly, group and others, who, like me, were not so knowledgeable! It made no difference whatsoever, everyone was generous and helpful to a fault and I came away at the end of three days feeling I'd learnt a lot. I felt completely relaxed and happy being on my own - nobody was in any way excluded. The food at the hotel and on our lunch stops was great and we were lucky enough to have absolutely beautiful, warm, clear weather. Purbeck is a fabulous region of Dorset with a lot of variety, I could have happily spent a few more days there, and in fact several of our group decided to do exactly that. I shall definitely holiday with them again.
T.J. London, Oct 21
The variety along the coast of RSPB reserves found masses of different birds and wildlife. The leader was so knowledgeable that he made the trip for us. Naturetrek look after their clients in a way that exudes reassurance, especially in these strange times. Can fully see why they have been awarded the Good to Go Covid certificate and our welfare was of paramount importance to them.
M.M. Devon, Oct 20

Dates & Prices

2026

Departures Availability Cost

Tue 29th Sep – Fri 2nd Oct SPACES £795

Book Tour Show Details

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£795

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£140

2027

Departures Availability Cost

Tue 28th Sep – Fri 1st Oct SPACES £795

Book Tour Show Details

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£795

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£140

Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?

For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

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Tour Reports

Tour report - October 2020

Tour report - October 2019

Tour report - October 2018

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