Islay and Jura
NEW FOR 2012! Four nights on Islay in Autumn
Islay is a beautiful island, with soft rolling scenery and a wonderful variety of birdlife. We explore the large goose flocks of the fields and RSPB Loch Gruinart, and expect to see many thousand Barnacle and Greenland White-fronted Goose. The sight (and the noise) is absolutely unforgettable. We might also find Brent (pale-bellied), Greylag, Pink-footed and perhaps wild Canada Goose, but our real effort will go into rarity hunting! Snow Goose, Red-breasted Goose, Richardson’s Canada Goose (‘Cackling Goose’ in America) and Green-winged Teal were all seen in the last few years. Our mobile-hide minibus will be invaluable here!
Britain’s most northerly Chough population breeds on Islay, and we should see these birds floating on the breeze at very close quarters. There are many ducks here, including a large overwintering raft of Scaup, and we should see Shoveler, Pintail, Teal, Wigeon, Mallard, Shelduck, Tufted Duck and perhaps Garganey. We search the waters below for all three diver species, Black Guillemot and other auks, and perhaps rare winter visitors such as Glaucous Gull and Iceland Gull. The duck concentrations may receive an unwelcome visit from a Hen Harrier, and we will watch out for the island’s local Golden Eagle, which often passes between two high spots we will visit. Other raptors found on Islay include Peregrine, Merlin, Buzzard, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk.
Wader species of interest may include Whimbrel as well as Golden Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Turnstone, Sanderling and Purple Sandpiper.
We watch the weather, tide table and ferry timings, and select a day to visit Jura. Much more rugged and inhospitable than Islay, Jura is well worth a visit for the scenery alone, and is rightly renowned for its large population of Red Deer. We also hunt for Otter along the coastline.
Finally we use local knowledge to turn up any rarities which may be around – anything can happen on the Scottish islands!
We stay in comfortable en-suite accommodation.
Itinerary
Day 1 (Saturday)
Depart Nethybridge for Islay via the Kennacraig ferry. From the decks, we should see Black Guillemot, Eider, Fulmar and gulls. Islay is a beautiful island, with soft rolling scenery and a wonderful variety of birdlife. This holiday will give you the best birding available on the island, with particular emphasis on the huge goose flocks. We will begin to see geese almost immediately, with Greylag and the first Barnacle Goose showing as we drive. A few remaining dark-bellied Brent Goose can be expected, and waders may include Purple Sandpiper, Turnstone and Sanderling. We stay throughout in comfortable en-suite guest house accommodation.
Day 2 (Sunday) - Day 5 (Wednesday)
We will explore the large flocks of the fields and RSPB Loch Gruinart, and expect to see many thousand Barnacle and Greenland White-fronted Goose. The sight (and the noise) of these flocks is a must to experience – absolutely unforgettable! We might also find Brent (pale-bellied), Greylag, Pink-footed and perhaps wild Canada Goose, but our real effort will go into rarity hunting! Snow Goose, Red-breasted Goose, Richardson’s Canada Goose (‘Cackling Goose’ in America) and Green-winged Teal were all seen in the last few years. Our mobile-hide minibus will be invaluable here as we scour the flocks!
Field Notes : Climate on Islay is usually milder than on islands further west, though you can still expect a wide variation in weather conditions. Sunshine, snow, rain and cold winds are all possible, and you will probably experience a bit of everything. Biting insects not expected. Please bring walking boots or shoes, weatherproof clothing and a small rucksack.
What's included in your Islay holiday price
- Four nights comfortable en-suite guest house accommodation on Islay. Guests are never expected to share. Full details with your joining pack. Rooms are en-suite.
- Full Scottish breakfast and dinner from Saturday evening till Tuesday morning, packed lunch Saturday - Tuesday.
- All transfers by comfortable minibus and Calmac ferries. Drivers can leave vehicles safely parked at The Mountview Hotel.
- Guidance from a professional Group Leader.
- Courtesy bus service to transport in Aviemore.
What's not included in your Islay holiday price
- Insurance, drinks and other items of a personal nature.
- Extra night in Nethybridge area on Weds. B&B can be arranged for you if requested at time of holiday booking at a price of £45 per person.
View more birdwatching holidays in Scotland
Photos of 'Dark' morph Snow Goose and Chough by kind permission of Jeremy Hastings, Islay.
Please note: all itineraries are given as a guide only. Actual holiday content may vary according to the judgement of your guide, and elements beyond our control (eg weather).
