Southern Nature Tours

Winter Waders

Wigeon, (Mareca penelope)- Southrn Nature Wildlife Tours

Winter Waders

This four-day tour explores the premier birding spots of the New Forest and the Dorset coast. We keep the itinerary flexible to make the most of the weather and the best sightings, but a typical trip includes:

  • The New Forest & Heathlands: We’ll explore spots like Acres Down and Higher Hyde. In winter, these are fantastic for Hawfinch, Crossbill, and Firecrest. We’ll also keep an eye out for Goshawks, Woodpeckers, and Marsh Tits among the ancient trees.

  • The Coastal Marshes: A visit to Keyhaven and Pennington Marshes offers a vast array of overwintering wildfowl and waders. It’s a reliable spot for Brent Geese, Pintails, and hunting Marsh Harriers or Peregrine Falcons.

  • Poole Harbour & RSPB Arne: We take a winter boat safari through the Harbour—one of the best ways to spot the ‘Big Five’ raptors, including White-tailed Eagles, Hen Harriers, and Spoonbills. We’ll follow this with an afternoon at the famous RSPB Arne to see huge numbers of Avocets and Wigeon.

  • Ancient Woodland & Heath: Our final morning is spent at Thorncombe Woods and Hardy’s Cottage, walking through ancient beech and oak woods for Siskins and Bramblings, and spotting Dartmoor ponies and Linnets on the heath.

We start with a relaxed introduction on day one and finish with a final group lunch and a look back at the week’s highlights before heading home.