Southern Britain: Birds and History: Aug 03—14, 2010

Hever Castle — Photo: Peter Roberts

A delightful, relaxed, and easy mix of varied birding and world-class historical sites in the best area of Britain for both. Combines migration hot spots with splendid castles, a day in France, and a very flexible and adaptable program.

A heady, daily mix of birding at prime nature reserves and migration hot spots, plus visits exploring Britain's magnificent history from the Romans to World War II, this tour is based the entire time at a comfortable hotel in the typically English countryside of Kent—the "Garden of England." We give equal time to both interests, but aim at great flexibility to fit individual preferences. Much of Britain's essential history is found in southeast England, and this short tour gives an unrivaled overview of the thousands of years of history that makes Britain "Great." The seat of government and church has been based for centuries in London and Canterbury. Invasions both successful and failed, from Roman, Saxon, Norman, and Napoleonic to World War II, were centered here.

Kent is the richest area for birding in Britain, where many European species reach their northern limits. Its geographical position makes the area a focal point for impressive migrations in spring and fall, and attractive for off-course vagrants. Our leader knows the area and the birds intimately, and we aim to show you everything there is to see! We'll visit excellent nature reserves with large, comfortable blinds and bird-banding stations to see birds in the hand for privileged close-up views. The birding hotline and personal contacts will tell us of rarities, late migrants, or big migrations.

The history is simply overwhelming! We can only skim the surface of the complex past. There are countless castles, fortifications, churches, stately homes, and museums to choose from—everything from ancient Roman towns to fascinating industrial archaeology. There are vivid links with every era from the Stone Age to the present. Different themes beckon to be discovered: Chaucer's medieval Britain; British Naval Glories; King Henry VIII; Invasions and Conquests; Dickens and Darwin; the sites of London; and a mixed birding/cultural visit to France.

This is a unique and exciting European tour ideal for birders with non-birding partners, friends or family, consistently offering a good list of birds and an intense insight into the complexities of British history.

A one-center tour in excellent accommodations with good food; perfect for couples with non-birding partners; weather variable.