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We had a wonderful day out bird watching on the Somerset Levels, with a total tally of 61 bird species. Our trip was organised by Naturetrek, who in my opinion are one of the best operators when it comes to Natural History tours. Our guide - Oliver Smart was extremely knowledgeable and we all learnt lots on the day, which will be very useful on future outings. I would highly recommend this trip and Naturetrek to anyone interested in Birding and Natural History. We have travelled with Naturetrek before and they are my go to tour operator for Natural History trips. Highly professional, seamless communication and organisation. Their guides are second to none. I recommend them to all.Their website is a mine of information and easy to navigate. They deserve all the accolades they have received.
L.S. Avon, Mar 22
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The Somerset Levels (Day Trip)
Tour Code: GBR198An exciting day on the wonderful Somerset Levels in search of a whole host of special species.
£60 (land only)
Highlights
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Summary
Join local naturalists Chris Griffin or Oliver Smart for a wonderful day of wildlife on the famous Somerset Levels, including the chance to witness the magical movements, murmurations and acrobatics of up to a million roosting Starlings! The Somerset Levels spans around 650 square kilometres between the Quantock and Mendip Hills and is made up of vast reedbeds, open pasture, flooded fields and endless wet ditches and open bodies of water.
- Enjoy the aerial artistry of a million-strong Starlings as they gather at dusk prior to roosting
- Birds of prey including Marsh Harrier and Peregrine with large concentrations of wintering wildfowl & waders
- Bittern, Great White Egret, and Bearded Tit regularly seen
During the winter months the area is inundated with wildfowl and waders and we will enjoy large numbers of wintering duck including, Pintail, Wigeon, Teal and Gadwall. Marsh Harriers quarter the reedbeds and with luck, we may see Bittern which has thrived here in recent years. Great White Egrets are now a fairly common sight here alongside Little Egrets, while Cattle Egrets are also possible. We will hope to find Bearded Tit too while the alder-lined channels may hold noisy flocks of Siskin and Redpoll, as Cetti’s Warblers blast their explosive call and Water Rails squeal from reedbeds. Otter sightings are also becoming more frequent here and we will be keeping our eyes sharp for this charismatic mustelid.
As dusk falls we shall conclude the day in spectacular fashion by watching the Starlings gathering before going to roost in their favoured reedbed. If a Peregrine or Sparrowhawk is around they often cause the wonderful murmurations and with numbers in excess of one million birds being possible, it is a very special experience. The highlights of the day are sure to be many as we explore the area with leisurely walks on open, flat paths. We will make one short drive between sites and can expect to cover around 6 to 7 miles across the course of the day.
Day Trip Location
Reviews
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It was a day of bird watching in the Somerset Levels. We spent time on nature reserves with a wonderful guide who showed us things we'd never have seen alone. The day culminated in a spectacular murmuration of starlings. He was unbelievably knowledgeable and a brilliant teacher, and very generous in setting up his telescope to make sure we had the best close-ups at every turn. He was very patient with all our questions and lovely company for the day.
E.M. London, Dec 21 -
A small group of us spent a December day exploring reserves on the Somerset Levels selected by our expert guide. He had experience of working on the Levels and so was able to guide us to the right places to make the most of the rather gloomy December weather. We saw birds that I would have never found on my own and it was interesting to learn about the management of the reserves from someone who had been directly involved. The day concluded with a starling murmuration happening over and around us. The sight and sounds of thousands of starlings overhead was brilliant and a privilege to behold.
A.B. Cornwall, Dec 21 -
Day trip with wildlife guide / photographer in the reserves of the Somerset levels. Birding, dragonflies, plants, mammals. Small group of six like minded enjoying our own version of "Springwatch". Well established wildlife tour operator with incredibly high standard of professionalism and customer care. Have used these company for many trips abroad over many years. They have never let us down and always exceeded expectations. A company that really knows it's stuff!
M.L. Hampshire, Jun 21 -
Day trip to Somerset Levels with just 3 people and incredibly personable, knowledgeable guide. I was the least experienced member of the group and made to feel equally welcome. Good logistics, rendezvous point with loos, and felt totally safe with covid arrangements. This was my first day out since the start of the pandemic - I felt like I'd travelled a million miles to the RSPB reed beds and water reserve. Amazing landscape. Great guided bird sightings - and heard several rare bitterns. Our guide was impressive in his knowledge, experience, his clear passion for sharing his love of birds and nature to others. Brilliant concept to have been able to continue offering, and building on their day trip formula. Recommend highly to anyone. Thank you Chris, our guide.
L.T. Warwickshire, May 21 -
Wildlife and nature trip to the Somerset Levels concentrating on birds but also including other wildlife such as flowers, insects, reptiles and mammals. As an amateur wildlife photographer I was able to take hundreds of photos and had a wonderful time. Highly recommended wildlife and nature tour operator. Super trips and great knowledgeable tour leaders. Excellent staff and service on the phone when booking. I have another trip confirmed for this year and an overseas trip pending. 3 trips pencilled in overseas for next year. Highly recommend Naturetrek to all my friends.
B.W. Middlesex, May 21 -
Our Naturetrek day outing in the Somerset Levels was a great success. Our guide Oliver was very knowledgeable and had tremendous powers of observation, spotting things which I would never have seen on my own! He took great care to involve all the participants, ensuring that everyone had a positive experience. There was a very good range of wildlife on display and the whole day was thoroughly enjoyable.
S.C. Hertfordshire, May 21 -
One of Naturetrek's excellent day trips, the fourth I have been on. The guide, Chris Griffin, was very knowledgeable and good fun to be with and we saw 50 species of bird in the day. I know the Levels fairly well but it was very enjoyable to explore as part of a small group with and expert guide.
P.W. Hampshire, May 21 -
This was a day trip near home, and I took two friends, who had never been birdwatching, nor had they met Naturetrek, or even been to the Levels and they, and I, thought it a fantastic day out. The Naturetrek guide was, as always, really knowledgeable, keen, excited to show us ‘his’ sites and birds. His excitement was catching of course, and went a long way to make the day as superb as it was. This is a really good response to the Covid restrictions.
N.C. Somerset, Dec 20 -
We went for a day trip to the Somerset Levels. We were guided by Oliver Smart who was extremely knowledgeable and helpful and we saw and heard some very exciting birds. It culminated in a wonderful starling murmuration, and Oliver found us two very good vantage points.
E.S. Worcestershire, Dec 20 -
A very enjoyable day led by Chris Griffin. He shared his in depth knowledge of the area and wildlife. We saw so much more than had we been on our own. Chris identified all the birds many of which we would have missed without his guidance.
K.P. Berkshire, Dec 20
Dates & Prices
2024
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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Why Naturetrek?
At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
- The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
- Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
- Outstanding value and exceptional customer service
Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!
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