Wallcreepers, Black-winged Kites & Woodpeckers in France

Typical Itinerary

1. Day 1: Fly to Bordeaux, visit Le Teich Reserve & drive to Lalinde

   Fly from London to Bordeaux where we meet our guide. We spend time birding at the famous Le Teich Nature Reserve, for herons, egrets, spoonbill, ducks, waders and various passerine migrants. We then transfer to our riverside hotel in Lalinde.

   Accommodation: Les Magnolias, 4-nights

2. Day 2: Wintering mountain birds & raptors amongst the cliffs & chateaux

   Riverside cliffs harbour wintering wallcreeper, which can sometimes be seen at close range. Peregrines, ravens and crag martins should also be about whilst alpine accentor and eagle owl may be present. We'll also keep an eye out for common cranes and red kites.

3. Day 3: Woodpecker day in the forests

   The Dordogne is rich in woodpeckers. We’ll visit a variety of key forest areas, searching for black, middle spotted and lesser spotted woodpeckers amongst other woodland birds, including hawfinch, crested tit and firecrest.

4. Day 4: Birdwatching at the Plateau de Faux

   We spend today on the Plateau de Faux searching for resident arable farmland birds, including corn bunting, crested lark, rock sparrow, black-winged kite and hen harrier. We’ll also be looking out for early spring migrants like hoopoe and stone curlew.

5. Day 5: Drive to Bordeaux, visit Bruges Marshes Reserve & fly back to the UK

   We travel to Bordeaux and then spend time birding at Bruges Marsh, searching for white stork, kingfisher, ducks, waders and various passerine migrants. Afterwards we transfer to Bordeaux airport in time to catch our return flights to the UK.