Latvia in Autumn

Our tour begins with a flight to Riga, from where we will head north-westwards to the migration mecca of Cape Kolka for a 2-night stay. Waders, passerines and raptors, having travelled south through Estonia, make first landfall here to rest and refuel following their crossing of the Gulf of Riga. Numerous flycatchers, warblers, pipits, wagtails and chats are all likely and, given the right weather conditions, the numbers of finches can be spectacular! Lines of seaduck, divers – including the occasional White-billed Diver – and geese track by, whilst overhead we will look out for Merlin, Hobby, Marsh Harrier and perhaps a Pallid Harrier or Red-footed Falcon. Next, we will move south to the coastal town of Liepāja for a 3-night stay, from where we will explore the surrounding forests, meadows, dunes and wetlands. The coast from here down to the ringing station at Papa is often touted as Latvia’s key autumnal migration ‘hotspot’. Birds heading south are funnelled into the narrow strips of land between the coast and Lakes Liepāja and Papa. The visible migration in the early mornings can be dramatic, with flock after flock of passerines passing overhead, together with parties of Common Cranes, raptors and other species. During the day we will search a wide range of habitats for such common migrants as chats, flycatchers and warblers, as well as a few more unusual species such as Bluethroat and Blyth’s Reed Warbler.

We will conclude with two nights spent close to Kemeri National Park, the forests of which we will explore in search of Three-toed Woodpecker, Pygmy Owl and others before we must return to Riga for our flight home, unless you should choose to extend your holiday with time in the capital.