Europe 16 F O R R E S E R V A T I O N S C A L L U S O N 0845 130 6982

Vast oceans, temperate seas, dense forests, river deltas, and mountain strongholds – are all home to a rich flora and fauna. The diversity of Europe is reflected in our itineraries, and a new awareness of the preservation of nature in many European destinations has created some of the best wildlife-viewing opportunities to be had anywhere. European seas provide some of the world’s best whale and dolphin watching. Large numbers of Orcas gather for the winter Herring shoals in northern Norway, and the clear waters of the Azores provide a breeding ground for Sperm Whales although numerous other species can be seen including Fin, Blue and Orca Whales. Iceland, the land of fire and ice, is a prime location for Humpback, and Minke Whales, dolphins, puffins and other seabirds. Inland, the remote mountains of central Europe are still home to half Europe’s Brown Bear population and a third of its Wolf and Lynx populations. Further north in the icy sub-arctic regions you can experience a different and fascinating way of life alongside the native peoples and see how they co-exist with the wildlife around them on a dog-sledding or reindeer adventure. As you will see, our trips in Europe reflect the seasonal migration and habits of the animals and birds – and the best times for sightings. Highlights January • Dogs and reindeer sledding adventures begin and continue until mid-April. February • The start of wolf-tracking in Romania - March is also good although it is possible to track for much of the year. April • The whale-watching season in Iceland begins and runs until the end of October. • The best birdwatching in the Danube Delta begins and continues until the end of October. • The start of bear-watching in Bulgaria (until mid-November). May • Prime whale-watching season in the Azores begins now (it continues until the end of September). • The bear-watching season starts at the hides in Finland and Romania as the bears come out of hibernation. October • The start of the Orca watching season in northern Norway which lasts until mid-January. Climate The north Atlantic currents bring warm waters to the coastlines of northern Europe keeping the climate relatively mild and temperate year round. Further inland the continental climate means cold winters and hot summers. In the mountains and far north the snows will last until the spring, and nights can be cold even in summer months. In the Azores the climate is mild year round with sea breezes keeping the humidity down in the summer months. S E E U S O N T H E W E B AT wildlifeworldwide.com 17 Europe / Introduction Brown Bears Common Dolphins Courtesy of Mark Carwardine