@Meshelly Saw an eclipse years ago on the English south coast. It's not only the birds that freak out. The entire thing is unreal. Even though you know what it is, what is happening, when the sun will return it still inspires awe. The most memorable thing for me was how the wind got up almost the instant that the sun vanished and how cold it got.

Long/short? If you can manage to see an eclipse - do it. Nothing compares.