Birdwatching tours trips and holidays in Scotland, bird watching in Scotland

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Birding the wonderful Scottish Highlands in May is one of the greatest pleasures available in the UK. With summer visitors arriving in good numbers, and key speciality birds still displaying or breeding, there is so much going on; we can enjoy six tremendous days within striking distance of our Hotel here in Nethy Bridge. All the special birds of the Scottish Highlands are targetted, and this is a perfect option to make the most of this wonderful time of year. Ideal for the first time visitor or the seasoned expert, Birding the Highlands in May is an exceptional opportunity to see all the Scottish birds on your list.

* Capercaillie, Black Grouse and the other forest specialities.
* Newly arriving Dotterel joining Ptarmigan on the mountains.
* Wonderful coastal birding, including a visit to the west coast.
* Divers and Slavonian Grebe in fresh spring plumage.

Day 1 (Saturday)
Arrival, welcome, dinner and briefing. Don’t forget our courtesy collection service from Aviemore.

Day 2 (Sunday)
Our award-winning hotel is right in the middle of the best birding habitats, and a local drive should produce Black Grouse popping and cooing at the lek, followed after breakfast with a walk in the nearby Abernethy Forest. Crested Tit and Scottish (Parrot) Crossbill are found here, and during May we often see Capercaillie too. We stay local to Nethy Bridge, and take you to see Osprey, Dipper, Buzzard, Goldeneye, Red Grouse, Black-throated Diver, Redpoll, Peregrine, and Slavonian Grebe. This is a perfect relaxing introduction which will also produce some of the key specialities early in your week.

Day 3 (Monday)
Today we head across the Highlands to the west coast, where our key target is White-tailed Eagle. We have excellent chances of Golden Eagle too, and other western birds of interest are Hooded Crow, Twite, and on the sea perhaps Great Northern Diver in breeding plumage and Black Guillemot. A frequent visitor at this time is a lone White-billed Diver, and we will be paying attention to see if we can find one on your visit. A great day amongst fabulous west coast scenery.

Day 4 (Tuesday)
The Black Isle north of Inverness is a great birding location, with the added advantage of being small enough to be explored in less than a full day. Red Kite are well-established now, and usually give excellent views. At Inverness and tiny Udale Bay the last remaining Wigeon and Teal will be joined by waders including Curlew, Oystercatcher, Bar-tailed Godwit, Redshank and Ringed Plover, with perhaps Black-tailed Godwit, Turnstone, migrating Dunlin and maybe the unexpected rare wader too. Iceland and Glaucous Gulls might still be around, and we search favoured spots for Tree Sparrow, declining but still found here in a few places. For the rest of the day, we may visit favourite sites east of Inverness, to search for arriving Golden Plover, or a single American Wigeon or other rarity at favoured sheltered lochs.

Day 5 (Wednesday)
Capercaillie! We visit our exclusive private estate woodlands in our large minibus. No other vehicles are allowed here, and we enter by unlocking a secure gate to drive around. Capercaillie are not particularly frightened of slowly-moving vehicles, so whilst a group on foot in the forest might have a fleeting glimpse of a rapidly disappearing bird, we hope for more prolonged sightings for everyone. In May male birds are still the most likely, still active in the hope of finding the few remaining unmated hens. Later we seek out secluded locations with Golden Eagle, Peregrine, Merlin, Twite, Red Kite and Ring Ouzel as our targets, and we may visit a number of moorland spots on this lovely day.

Day 6 (Thursday)
We spend a most of the day on the Cairngorm plateau, with unforgettable mountain scenery all around as we search for Ptarmigan and Dotterel. Our record in May is very good, with Ptarmigan settling on territory in pairs and Dotterel just arriving from Afirca. In these early weeks Dotterel are not generally breeding, and views can be exceptional, with birds sometimes running between members of the group. This day may be earlier or later in the week as we carefully choose the best day for your comfort and safety, and of course we also take care not to disturb the birds. Look out also for Snow Bunting; brilliant birding in a very special habitat.

Day 7 (Friday)
Spring birding along the Moray coast is particularly enjoyable as newly arriving migrants complement the last few winter visitors. This day can easily include Osprey fishing, rafts of Common Eider, Goosander, Merganser, Stonechat, Common and Velvet Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Great Northern, Black and Red-throated Diver, Glaucous Gull, Iceland Gull, and lots of spring waders including Purple Sandpiper, Turnstone, Bar-tailed Godwit, Knot, Dunlin and Ringed Plover, many in bright summer plumage. Watch out also for farmland specialities including Corn Bunting, Yellowhammer and Grey Partridge, all still found on this fertile northern coastline. Sandwich, Common, Arctic and Little Tern are joined by auks, Gannet, gulls and more, a really rewarding day!

Day 8 (Saturday)
Breakfast and departure. Don’t forget our courtesy return service to Aviemore.

Expect a wide variation of weather. Blazing sunshine and heavy snow are equally likely, and you will probably experience a bit of everything. Bring warm clothing, waterproofs, and walking boots or shoes. Walking will generally be easy/moderate, although mountain walking on Ptarmigan and Dotterel day can be strenuous. See 'Easy Walking' for holidays with less walking. Telescopes will be useful, and you should bring binoculars. A camera would be useful too! You don't need flasks for hot drinks, or wellies. Biting insects are not expected.

Seven nights comfortable accommodation at The Mountview Hotel, VisitScotland rated 3 Star. All rooms are en-suite, with TV and hospitality tray. There is no single supplement, and guests are never expected to share. Single guests may be upgraded to double room accommodation at no extra charge.
Full Scottish breakfast, a substantial packed lunch, and a delicious dinner.
Six full days birdwatching.
All transport by comfortable PCV minibus. All estate access and ferry fees.
Guidance from a professional Group Leader
Checklist to record sightings and notes

What's not included in your holiday price

Enjoy an excellent wildlife holiday with mainland Scotland's only 5 star Wildlife Experience.