As autumn gives way to winter across much of Europe, the changing of the seasons sees the skies fill with migratory birds en route to warmer climes or winter nesting sites.
At Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire, a rural retreat set in 500-acres of unspoiled British countryside that’s home to dozens of bird species, this time of year marks a particularly exciting time for birdwatchers, who can spot countless itinerant visitors stopping off to rest and fish at nearby Tundry Pond.
Eagle-eyed hotel guests can espy Great White Egret, Little Egrets and Cormorants, as well as Great Crested Grebes, Shovelers and Tufted Ducks, who put on a show of diving beneath the water in search of mussels. House Martins, Swallows and Grey Heron are regularly spotted at this time of year, as well as year-round residents including thrushes, finches and woodpecker, plus three species of owl and birds of prey such as Buzzards, Red Kites, Kestrels and Peregrine Falcons.
To assist would-be bird-spotters in their hunt for avian visitors, the hotel has partnered with Swarovski Optik to create a guided birdwatching experience, led by ornithologist John Clark. Equipped with the latest high-quality Swarovski Optik binoculars, guests will accompany Clark on an two-hour walk around the estate, looking out for the birds in their natural habitat, undisturbed by human noise thanks to the long-range binoculars.
As well as birdwatching, guests at Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire can embark on various countryside pursuits, from fishing and falconry to croquet and cycling trips, or unwind in the hotel’s spa, housed in an 18th-century stable block. From GBP £150 (US $196) for groups of up to five guests.
