Black Forest
Owls and Woodpeckers

The coniferous, mixed and broadleaved forests of the ‛Nördliche Schwarzwald’ are the haunts of some rare species. In this upland area occur seven species of owl and six woodpeckers as well as other specialities like Capercaillie, Citril Finch, Nutcracker, Crested Tit and Dipper. The large forest areas scattered with swamps and stands of creeping Mountain Pines are protected in the most part and are of course of outstanding scenic beauty. This short trip of four days will enable us to try and locate each of these specials with the aid of local knowledge. It is the best time of year to detect these rather secretive species!
A number of other species inhabit the Rhine valley including some species more associated with the Mediterranean. It is possible to take a weeks’ extension to the normal trip to seek them out.

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Dates

1. Fri., 27. Mar. 2009 - Mon., 30. Mar. 2009
2. Fri., 03. Apr. 2009 - Mon., 06. Apr. 2009
3. Fri., 10. Apr. 2009 - Mon., 13. Apr. 2009
4. Fri., 17. Apr. 2009 - Mon., 20. Apr. 2009

Price includes

• Transfers
• Accommodation in mountain hut/hotel
• Full board (picnic lunches where appropriate)
• Birding guide (Paul Gaffon)
• Breach of warranty certificate

Number of participants

8 persons

Travel guide

Paul Gaffan
Contact Paul at: +44 (0)14 4073 0561 or +44 (0)77 0254 6527 (mobile)

Arrival

By Train
Outward journey: London Waterloo 10:43 am - Karlsruhe 6:59 pm
Return journey: Karlsruhe 8:00 am - London Waterloo 2:27 pm
Price p.p. from £170

Alterations

The programme is subject to change.

Day 1

Arrival

Flight to Baden Karlsruhe Airport and transfer to Ruhestein/Kaltenbronn deep in the Black Forest. Evening birding if time and weather permits.

Day 2

Morning: Birding for Pygmy and Tengmalm’s Owl, Nutcracker, Black, Grey-headed and Three-toed Woodpeckers. Also possible are Crested Tit, Citril Finch and Ring Ouzel.

Day 3

As yesterday but concentrating on species not seen already and with the addition of Dipper and Peregrine. In the lower altitude oak/ mixed forest stands we have further chances for Black, Middle-spotted, Lesser-spotted and Grey-headed Woodpecker as well as Eagle Owl.

Day 4

A reprise of our list will decide on our birding options for today. If we have seen all the specials then maybe we can visit one of the swampy, willow forests of the Rhine valley where we can add Bluethroat, Red-backed Shrike, Willow Tit and Wryneck. Evening transfer to Baden Karlsruhe Airport.