News from the Field - March 2025
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Canaries 2025
"Despite some tricky weather conditions on Tenerife we've had a successful few days with all the target species seen well. Our day on La Gomera produced good, albeit brief, views of several Bolle's Pigeon and plenty of Cory's Shearwater on the return ferry crossing. On Tenerife itself
we enjoyed watching Laurel Pigeon perched in a tree and a little later another three! Blue Chaffinch were relatively easy to see right outside our hotel along with Canary Islands Chaffinch and Atlantic Canary.
We're now on Fuerteventura, having arrived yesterday and hit the ground running with views of Egyptian Vulture, Trumpeter Finch and Lesser Short-toed Lark. Today we're off into the plains in search of Houbara Bustard, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Cream-coloured Courser and Canary Islands Stonechat!" - Heatherlea Guide: Holly Page
Spain in Early Spring 2025
"Our trip got off to a great start with a pair of Bonelli's Eagles, our first
Bluethroats and Slender-billed Gull on our first day.
Day two was dedicated entirely to the Ebro Delta and some of the typical species such as Greater Flamingo, Western Swamphen, Bluethroat, Audouin's Gull, Caspian Tern, Kentish Plover, etc we also picked up Temminck's Stint, Marsh Sandpiper, Squacco Heron, Common Scoter and Yellow Wagtail, and we ended the day with a lovely pair of Penduline Tits.
Moving ahead of the storm and inland to Lleida on day three it was another unforgettable day's birding. Singing Moustached Warblers, Bearded Tits, a flock of 25 Red-rumped Swallows Golden Eagle, Eagle Owl, Black Wheatear, Pin-tailed Sandgrouse and Little Bustard, to name the front-liners.
On day four the sun shone to bring out the butterflies and the birds just kept rolling. Wallcreeper dust-bathing and preening, Short-toed Eagle, Golden Eagle being attacked by a pair of Bonelli's Eagles, Egyptian Vulture, Iberian Green Woodpecker, Rock Bunting and more.
We gave ourselves fully to enjoying the excellent food, wine and location of our family-run hotel in the Sierra de Guara. A pre-breakfast walk in calm and with the rising sun produced Hawfinch and singing Cirl Bunting. Later, we watched two adult Lammergeiers, one of which landed on the ground.
Then Dartford Warbler, Crested Tit, Egyptian Vulture, and Blue Rock Thrush helped to make a memorable day.
On day six we headed south to the plains to try and fill a few gaps, and succeeded! The first Lesser Kestrel and Alpine Swifts of the year flew around some spectacular inland cliffs, where we also watched a pair of Black Wheatears. Then followed great views of Stone Curlews, and brief encounters with Black-bellied and Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, Mediterranean Short-toed Larks and Golden Eagle.
Our last day of birding was a quiet one, as the overcast weather and chilly wind dictated. Nevertheless, we managed to locate three Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers, a Rock Sparrow, an Iberian Grey Shrike and two Alpine Accentors, as well as another two Bearded Vultures. A thrilling drive along a precipitous track to a unique viewpoint with Griffon Vultures constantly sailing by was a superb way to end this memorable birding tour."
- Heatherlea Guide: Steve West
Forest of Dean & The Somerset Levels, 2025
"Our tour started at the historic Speech House Hotel in the heart of the
Forest of Dean. Local specialities abounded, with fabulous views of Hawfinches, displaying Goshawks and Wild Boars. Slimbridge brought encounters with all the British swans (even Black!), Spoonbill, the famous flock of Russian White-fronted Geese that brought Peter Scott here so many years ago, plus a Spoonbill and majestic Cranes and a Little Stint - an unforgettable day!
On arrival in the Somerset Levels, with our hotel located deep in this willowy wetland, we were soon hearing Bitterns booming and Marsh Harriers displaying. Later highlights included Merlin, Black-necked Grebes, Spotted Redshank, Firecrest and rather lucky close views of a Water Rail. The Starling murmuration had us all in awe, and provided a highlight for many at the end of a bird-filled and sunny week when spring finally arrived." Heatherlea Guide: Barry Embling
North East Scotland Explorer, 2025
"Our week got off to a great start with 15 Black Grouse on our first morning plus three Golden Eagle over the hills! On the Monday we headed over to Aberdeenshire for our two-night stay and enjoyed yet more views of Golden Eagle this time carrying prey. During our time on the East we added Great White and Little Egret to our list as well as lots of Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Wigeon and Pochard. It was great to see the first Kittiwakes plus Shag and Fulmars back on the cliffs. On our return to Nethy Bridge later in the week we were treated to views of Hawfinch and a visit to Loch Oire produced Large Black-backed Gull and Kumlien's Gull. Overall a great week!" Heatherlea Guide: Aidan Branch