Outer Hebrides Spring Birders Tour
This cracking holiday is now upgraded to ‘Birders’ Tour’ status because of the tremendous birding available here in spring. We stay for six nights on the Outer Hebrides to enjoy the very best, including Corncrake, both eagles, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl, four Skuas, waders in summer colours, Otter and perhaps Red-necked Phalarope, on the islands of South Uist, Benbecula, and North Uist. We also target any rarities on the southern Hebrides during our visit, and these can be special – Snowy Owl are almost regular, Buff-breasted Sandpiper, American Wigeon and Dotterel have been seen in the last year or two, and we have the option to visit Barra if rarities are there – a great six days!
We cross the famous Skye Bridge, travelling across the island to Uig. Birding as we cross The Little Minch to Lochmaddy might include skuas; Manx Shearwater are usually seen, and Fulmar, Gannet, Black Guillemot and other auks are expected.
Everyone who has ever joined this holiday (and we have been running at least two departures for about twelve years) has seen Corncrake. Corn Bunting, Ringed Plover, Meadow Pipit and Skylark make the machair of North Uist a special habitat - full of song! Summer plumaged Great Northern Diver are likely, as are ‘real’ Rock Dove and Raven. Arctic Skua breed, Great Skua are usually seen, and in rough weather we frequently see the passage of hundreds of Pomarine and Long-tailed Skua - an unforgettable experience! Mountainous parts hold both Golden and White-tailed Eagle, and we often watch Otters playing on the coastline whilst an adult Sea Eagle circles above against a stunning mountain backdrop. Rare and delicate Red-necked Phalarope are usually present in small numbers, and other summer-plumaged waders should include good numbers of Whimbrel, both godwits, many Dunlin and Sanderling, and Dotterel if we are lucky. Hen Harrier and Short-eared Owl are present, and recent clients have seen Gyr Falcon, Snowy Owl, Arctic Redpoll and American Wigeon. A feast of birds! We stay in comfortable en-suite hotel accommodation.
Itinerary
Day 1 (Saturday)
Depart Nethybridge and cross the famous Skye Bridge, travelling across the island to the ferry point at Uig. We may not have much time for birding en-route, though we may see Corncrake before we board the ferry! Birdwatching as we cross The Little Minch to Lochmaddy, then transfer to our comfortable hotel. Great, Arctic, Pomarine and Long-tailed Skua are worth watching for, Manx Shearwater are usually seen, and Fulmar, Gannet, Black Guillemot and other auks can be (nearly!) guaranteed.
Day 2 (Sunday) - Day 7 (Friday)
Heatherlea have never failed to find Corncrake on this holiday, and you are birding in the right place at the best time to see these beautiful birds. Lots of Corn Bunting, Ringed Plover, Meadow Pipit and Skylark make the machair of North Uist a special habitat - full of song! Summer plumaged Great Northern Diver are likely, as are ‘real’ Rock Dove and Raven. Arctic Skua breed, Great Skua are frequently seen, and we sometimes see passage of hundreds of Pomarine and Long-tailed Skua. We know the weather conditions favoured by the birds, and this experience can be special! Mountainous parts hold both Golden and White-tailed Eagle, and we often watch Otters playing on the coastline whilst an adult Sea Eagle circles above against a stunning mountain backdrop. Rare and delicate Red-necked Phalarope are seen from mid-May, and other summer-plumaged migrants at the coast should include good numbers of Whimbrel, godwits, many Dunlin and Sanderling, and Dotterel if we are lucky. An absence of persecution means Hen Harrier and particularly Short-eared Owl are present, and rarities including Gyr Falcon, Snowy Owl, Arctic Redpoll and American Wigeon have been seen. A real feast of birds!
Our final day’s birding ends by the ferry on North Uist, and we sail back to Uig, enjoying the drive across Skye as we return to Nethybridge early evening on Friday. We may enjoy more views of both White-tailed and Golden Eagle, Arctic Skua harassing terns, and Black Guillemot on the return ferry journey.
This fabulous island experience is the perfect end to your ‘Spring into Scotland’ or ‘High Season across the Highlands’ holiday at Heatherlea, or you can join us at Uig.
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).
