Black and Red Throated Diver Weekend
Divers are aquatic birds found in North America and northern Europe. Although similar in appearance to ducks and geese, divers are in fact completely unrelated to waterfowl. They are characterised by largely black and white plumage with grey on the head and neck in some species and a bill shaped like a spear.
The black throated diver (known in North America as the Arctic Loon) is a medium-sized member of the diver family, while the red throated diver (or red throated loon) is smaller and more widely distributed.
Duration: 3 days
Dates/Period: 04.05-06.05.07
Price: from £197/adult full board.
Accommodation: Double room mini-suites in the "Wrought Iron House" in the manor grounds.
Required: General good health.
In the company of a knowledgeable local bird guide, you will watch black and red throated divers in lake and marshland environments. Staying in unique rooms in the grounds of a 19th century manor house, this experience gives you the chance to immerse yourself in the life of the surrounding forests and have intimate encounters with one of Sweden's most fascinating bird species.
Photo: Staffan Widstrand
The classical manor is furnished in the style of the period and welcomes you with a roaring open fire. Dinner is served in the manor house overlooking the lake. After dinner, retire to the "Gentlemen's Room" and while away the evening with tales of local history. Following a good night's sleep and hearty breakfast buffet you will travel out to Knuthöjdsmossen: a nature reserve renowned for its rich bird life and one of Sweden's best breeding grounds for the red throated diver. Spring is the ideal time to see and the divers' courtship ritual. Your guide for the day is an experienced birder and a diver specialist, and will be happy to share their knowledge of the biology, history and symbolism of the diver. In the afternoon you will travel to a large lake to observe the black throated diver in its natural habitat: its eerie, spine tingling call has come to symbolise the wilderness and wild, open landscapes.
After a day deep in the wilds of Bergslagen you return to the manor where a wood-heated sauna awaits you along with a home-cooked dinner during which you can reflect on and share stories of your experiences of the sights, sounds, smells and impressions of the day.
A unique accommodation experience with access to nature's playground from the front door!
See also: Country Manor Multi-Activity Getaway | Pick and Cook Wild Mushrooms and Herbs