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Summary: In June 2021, I embarked on a 3-week long adventure from my home in Scotland to the Northernmost point of the UK, Hermaness Point, located in the Shetland archipelago. This journey led me to cross the cairngorms, the North of Scotland, the Orkneys and the Shetlands. Despite unforgiving winds in the Orkney, I managed to reach the Northernmost point of Scotland, whilst sleeping a night north of the Northernmost house of the UK, having a wee dram with the northernmost inhabitant of the UK, and spotting 132 bird species. Nearly 3000 £ were donated to the university's Parkinson's fundraiser.
Highlights: red-necked phalarope, Atlantic puffin, crested tit, common and Scottish crossbill, Slavonian grebe 

Summary: After the success of the previous adventure, I set the challenge to cycle from home to Scotland's westernmost point, St Kilda, with a friend from Belgium, Jérôme. This journey led me to cross the Trossachs, the Isle of Arran, the Scottish peninsula, as well as the Outer Hebrides from South to North.  Unforgiving winds up to 50 mph (75 km/h)  cancelled the trip to St Kilda and slowed our progression. In total, 133 species were seen at the arrival point of the adventure, Inverness.
Highlights: golden and white-tailed eagle, hen harrier, short-eared owl, European storm petrel,  little tern, corncrake, great northern diver 

Summary: The Canary islands, lie off the coast of Morocco, and are home to multiple endemic species, or species associated with African semi-arid regions.  I set the challenge to explore them by public transportation, on foot and by boat. Fuerteventura is home to species which like desertic environments, such as the stone curlew, the black-bellied sandgrouse, the Fuerteventura stonechat or even non-migratory warblers. Tenerife on the other hand, is a volcanic island characterized by humid laurel forests and pine forests, hosting the Tenerife blue Chaffinch, the Tenerife goldcrest, the Atlantic canary, and the two endemic pigeons, the Laurel and the Bolle pigeons.
Highlights: Tenerife blue Chaffinch, Tenerife goldcrest, Atlantic canary, Laurel and Bolle pigeons, stone curlew, Fuerteventura stonechat, black-bellied sandgrouse.

Summary: Hungary boasts expansive flat plains that dominate most of the country, complemented by majestic mountains in the northern regions. Noteworthy among the nation's natural treasures are the age-old fishponds, exemplified by those in Hortobagy, which stand as pivotal nature reserves in Europe. These historic wetlands play a crucial role in providing sanctuary for breeding, migrating, and wintering birds. Undeterred by the scorching 36°C temperature, I embarked on an exploration of these unique wetland ecosystems—utilizing a combination of biking and public transport. The vast plains unraveled before me as I sought out emblematic birds indigenous to this grand expanse. Venturing into the wooded mountains in the North, my journey unfolded to the delightful encounter with no fewer than seven woodpecker species, adding an extra layer of richness to my Hungarian exploration.
Highlights: Whiskered tern, black tern, squacco heron, northern goshawk,  savi's warbler, icterine warbler, black-green-syrian-grey headed-great spotted-middle spotted woodpeckers, saker falcon, red-footed falcon, ...

Summary: Nestled away from the bustling crowds, South Florida unveils its hidden gem—the vast expanse of swamps and wetlands known collectively as the Everglades. Amidst the intricate tapestry of bald cypress, oak hammocks, mangroves, and the sun-kissed sandy beaches of the 'keys,' a myriad of habitats welcomes winter migrants, birds of humans, often playfully referred to as the "snow birders."
Highlights: black skimmer, snowy plover, red-cockaded woodpecker (almost endemic), great horned owl, barred owl,  short-tailed hawk,  sora,  sandhill crane,  willet,  wood stork,  reddish egret, snail kite, burrowing owl,  Florida scrub-jay (endemic), painted bunting.

Summary: Migration reaches its peak in mid-May as birds of prey traverse the Mediterranean into Europe, while waders congregate in the wetlands, preparing for their extensive journey back to the far North. The Donana Nature Park emerges as a critical sanctuary, hosting one of Europe's most significant wetlands. Moreover, it stands as the last bastion for the endemic Iberian Lynx, adding a layer of importance to this ecological haven.

Highlights: Booted eagle, short-toed eagle, lesser kestrel, curlew sandpiper, little stint, Caspian tern, honey buzzard, black kite, little owl, Iberian magpie (endemic), spotless starling (endemic), red-knobbed coot, purple swamphen, marbled duck, ...
Special mention for the Iberian Lynx!
  

Summary: Migration reaches its zenith in Bulgaria, particularly along the captivating Black Sea coast during September. Following an exploration of the Rila Mountains in pursuit of the elusive Hazel Grouse, my journey led me to trace the Black Sea coastline from Burgas to Varna. I diligently scoured various renowned locations along the coast, hoping to catch glimpses of migrating birds. Subsequently, the adventure unfolded with a voyage to Istanbul, a unique experience that involved crossing the boundary between Europe and Asia via a short sea hop.

Highlights: Hazel Grouse, Little Stint, Greater Flamingo, Hobby,Eurasian Nightjar, Marsh Sandpiper, Lesser Spotted eagle,  Wryneck
  

Summary: An unexpected journey led me back to Hong Kong, a place I once called home, offering a unique opportunity to rediscover the territory through the lens of bird-watching. Venturing into previously unexplored areas, I embarked on an excursion to the Philippines, delving into the diverse landscapes of Luzon and Palawan in pursuit of the endemic species that inhabit this tropical archipelago.

Highlights: Flaming sunbird, Olive-backed Flowerpecker, Red-crested Malkhoa, Rufous Coucal,  White-bellied sea eagle, Philippines fairy bluebird, Philippine Serpent Eagle, Oriental Greenfinch,  Sooty woodpecker, Philippine Falconnet, Blue-naped Parrot