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WILDWOWL WEEKEND
21st - 22nd March 2009
On this short break we'll visit two areas in search of some of the UK's greatest wildlife shows. Firstly we'll visit various sites just across the border in Dumfries and Galloway, before heading south to Morecambe Bay.
Day 1
We'll have to make an early start, departing from the midlands at 5.00am in order to reach our first destination shortly after first light. Here we should be able to observe the beautiful Black Grouse at a traditional lek. We'll then continue northwards across the border to Dumfries and Galloway, 
where one of the UK's greatest wildlife spectacles awaits us. The whole of the Slavbard population of Barnacle Geese some 25,000 birds winter along this coast, forming huge flocks which can be seen feeding from the roads.
The area is also home to a large population of Pink-footed Geese and smaller numbers of Greenland White-fronted Goose and Greylag Goose. In addition to the geese we'll look for Whooper Swan, Pintail, Wigeon, Teal and Shoveler. Raptors are also well represented with Hen Harrier, Red Kite, Peregrine, Merlin and Short-eared Owl all hunting over the marshes and surrounding farmland.
Overnight near Carlisle
Day 2
After breakfast we'll set off for Morecambe Bay where we'll visit various sites in search of more wintering wildfowl and waders. Morecambe bay has an internationally important population of wintering waterfowl with up to 8000 Pink-footed Geese, 5800 Shelduck, 2600 Pintail, 30,000 Knot, 60,000 Dunlin and 12,500 Curlew.
Perhaps the highlight here will be our visit to Leighton Moss RSPB, the largest reedbed in northwest England and home to breeding Bittern, Bearded Tit, Avocet and Marsh Harrier. Bittern should be heard booming from the reedbed and with luck we may manage to spot one of these elusive birds. Teal, Shoveler and Gadwall congregate in large numbers on the pools, and Water Rail can sometimes be seen out on the edge of the reeds. Flocks of Wigeon and Greylag Geese graze the saltmarsh at the Allen and Eric Morecambe pools, and are regularly disturbed by wintering Peregrine and Merlin.
After a full days birding we'll make a start on our drive back to the midlands, stopping off on route for a meal.
COST
£125 pp based on two people sharing a twin en-suite bedroom
£20 single room supplement
It may be possible for people travelling alone to share a room with other group members
THIS INCLUDES
- All ground transport
- One night accommodation with breakfast
- Evening Meal on day 1
- Packed lunches
- Use of the leaders services
NOT INCLUDED
- Insurance
- Reserve entrance fees
- Evening meal on day 2
- Drinks & items of a personal nature.
DEPOSIT
£50 per person, payable upon booking. Remainder to be paid 10 weeks prior to departure.
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