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highland winter birding
The Early Birder catches the lowest price at Heatherlea. Our prices may increase as time goes by, but if you book and pay your deposit now, you get this Early Birder price. If you have ‘Been Before’, you can take a further £25 from the price shown here. There is no single supplement, and singles are never expected to share at The Mountview Hotel. Worldbird guests can save a full £100 - see 'Special Offers' for details.
This holiday is for those who want something a little bit different, a unique holiday with the very best in Scottish winter birding. You will almost certainly see the key specialities, plus we will also make an exciting expedition to four different northern coastlines, from the very far north of Scotland to the Aberdeenshire coast to find the winter rarities many birdersmay never see. Wild landscapes and solitude (you won’t see many other birders!) are combined with exceptional birding. KEY MOMENTS at our Friday round-up - which will be yours?
DAY 1 (Saturday)Arrival, welcome, dinner and briefing. Don’t forget our courtesy collection service from Aviemore. DAY 2 (Sunday)Let’s begin as we mean to continue, with fantastic birding! We visit a moorland location in our minibus to see Black Grouse popping and cooing at the lek. Next we take a safari on a private estate to search for Capercaillie. Staying inside our large minibus, we have a good chance of coming upon birds in the open, and even lekking in midmorning. ‘The Big Grouse’ show well in March, and our chances are good. In the Abernethy Forest Crested Tit are noisy, whilst Scottish/Parrot Crossbill are usually seen singly. We may surprise a Capercaillie ‘gritting’ on the tracks, and Buzzard, Treecreeper, Siskin, Hen Harrier, Sparrowhawk and even Golden Eagle are all more than possible. DAY 3/4 (Monday/Tuesday)BIRDING THE FAR NORTH! We cross the Black Isle north of Inverness (where we may see Red Kite), heading for Sutherland and Caithness - the remotest and most under-birded counties on the British mainland. We call at key sites on the journey, a fascinating part of a unique holiday. Glaucous and Iceland Gull are regular in harbours and we can reasonably expect to see both of these, perhaps also exceptional rarities such as Ringbilled, Ross’s and Ivory Gull. In secluded lochs and coastal bays, wintering Red-throated, Black-throated and Great Northern are occasionally joined by a beautiful White-billed Diver, and regular but uncommon passage migrants include Grey Phalarope and Little Auk. John O’Groats can be excellent for flocks of Twite, Snow Bunting, and perhaps many thousand migrating Fieldfare, Redwing and Starling, which we scan for that special rarity. Holidaysin the past couple of years have produced Common Crane, American Wigeon, Greenland White-fronted Goose, Snow Goose, Long-billed Dowitcher, Ring-necked Duck, Ring-billed Gull, Bonaparte’s Gull, Waxwing, Great Grey Shrike, White-billed Diver and Jack Snipe. We must stress that this is a real birding adventure, depending on our birding skills, the weather and a slice of luck. Our overnight stay in Thurso gives us the chance of a dawn search in a Caithness harbour, with views to the Orkneys across the Pentland Firth. We again call at secluded bays and harbours, returning south in time for dinner on Tuesday. Our bird list should also include a good cross-section of resident northern specialities, such as Short-eared Owl, Merlin, ’real’ Rock Dove, Raven and Hooded Crow. DAY 5 (Wednesday)Today we visit the Cairngorms with Ptarmigan in mind. The birds are mainly white in March, and our quest is almost always successful. We round-up a few more interesting birds, perhaps including Peregrine, Snow Bunting, Dipper and Goldeneye. Local fields have returning waders, and Lapwing, Curlew, Oystercatcher, Redshank and Golden Plover are splendid in fine breeding colour.
DAY 6 (Thursday)Searching out that rarity! We head to another coast today, which could be the west coast or Aberdeenshire, depending on where the birds are. Great Northern, Black and Red-throated Diver are common on the west, where there are good chances of imposing White-tailed Eagle. To the east, bustling harbours attract huge numbers of gulls, and searching through the wheeling and spiralling flocks for that rarity is an exciting birding challenge. In recent years Ross’s Gull has been seen fairly regularly amongst the ten species of gull, which could include several Glaucous and Iceland Gull. With good numbers of seabirds, waders, geese and farmland birds in the area, it should be a feast of late winter birding! DAY 7 (Friday)Back to the coast, this time in Morayshire. We will almost certainly see Common and Velvet Scoter, and Long-tailed Duck, perhaps at very close quarters. Great Northern, Black and Red-throated Diver are highly likely, and rarities are frequent at this time of year. Previous March visits have yielded Glaucous Gull, Iceland Gull, Black Duck, Green-winged Teal, American Wigeon, Surf Scoter and King Eider - a feast of seawatching! Red Grouse, Corn Bunting, flocks of grey geese and lots of spring waders perhaps including Purple Sandpiper are on the agenda too. Waxwing and Great Grey Shrike are often seen at this time of year. Expect around seventy species on this day. DAY 8 (Saturday)Breakfast and departure. Don’t forget our courtesy return service to Aviemore. Field NotesExpect a wide variation of weather. Cold winds and snow are likely. Bring warm clothing, waterproofs, and walking boots or shoes. Walking will generally be easy, although mountain walking on Ptarmigan day can be strenuous. Bring binoculars and a telescope if possible. A camera may be useful too! You don't need flasks for hot drinks or wellies. Biting insects are not expected. What's included in your holiday price
What's not included in your holiday price
Daily Updates Highland Winter Birding Sunday 12th March As predicted, we woke to a white world outside, so decided to head off to the lower ground of the Moray coast, fully aware that we might have to turn back if conditions worsened. We quickly began to amass a good number of both farm and sea bird species. At an inland loch we found a female Smew. At another location we caught up with Knot, Bar tailed Godwit, Sanderling, Dunlin and Redshank. Over sixty Purple Sandpiper were counted feeding with Turnstones in among the rocks by the sea. Red throated Diver was also seen fishing a little further out with Eider. But it was the huge rafts of Long tailed Ducks that took everybody’s breath away, accompanied by Common and Velvet Scoter and Slavonian Grebe. The highlight of the day was excellent views of Common Crossbill perched at the top of Corsican Pines in among some dunes. All the guests had great views through the scope. We saw 78 species in all. Monday 13th March No more snow fell, and we were off on our two day excursion to the north. We had a number of Red Kite sightings over the Black Isle and two Ravens turned up, also a mixed flock of Snow Buntings and Skylarks, when stopping for a flock of Pink footed Geese. Not far past Dornoch, where we had stopped for a flock of Twite, one of the guests spotted a male Merlin perched on a fence post. We all got goods views before some crows disturbed him. We eventually found just one 1st winter Iceland Gull, and Great Northern Diver was found with Black Guillemots and some really close up, “friendly” Grey Seals, who relished left over salmon filled bagettes! Tuesday 14th March After a fairly early breakfast, we continued along the northern coast towards John o’ Groats and watched more Great Northern Diver, Red throated Diver, Common Guillemot, Razorbill, Black Guillemot and more Long tailed Duck. Further on, we enjoyed a large flock of Snow Bunting that were feeding round a cattle hay feeder. As achieved last week, we caught up with American Wigeon, and as we continued south we had better luck with Iceland Gull, with the 1st winter bird being joined by a full adult. At Latheronwheel, we stopped briefly to take photographs of an archway made from two huge whale bones. Wednesday 15th March Although we were to have an easier day back in Nethy, it was to be no less challenging, as we took on the quest for the woodland specialities of Capercaillie, Crested Tit and Scottish Crossbill. During our walk in pine woods we saw no less than six cock capers all in the same roost. On returning back through Nethybridge we made a pilgrimage to the garden of the Waxwings. Some guests also got great views of Bramblings that were in the same vicinity. The first group of Cresties we came across were not so very co-operative to our calling of them, but the next one was very responsive to the delight of everyone, and the whole group had prolonged views. We rounded the day off at the Insh Marshes, where we saw both Whooper Swan and Snipe. On the way, we came across a Canada Goose among a flock of Greylag Geese. There was speculation as to whether this bird could be a sub-species of Canada Goose and photographs were taken of the bird. Thursday 16th March The Isle of Mull day dawned with glorious weather. On our way, several Black Grouse were seen in birches, with enough time to stop and study their plumage. Black Guillemot were seen at the Corran ferry. The first White tailed Eagle on Mull was only seen by half the group. A rather tense half hour was spent, hoping the bird would reappear, our patience was rewarded, and everyone got excellent views of the bird in flight. However, we need not have worried, because at our next stop, here was an immature White tailed Eagle perched on a skerry barely 250 yards away! Then two pairs of Golden Eagle were seen wheeling in the distance. We drove on with one of the buses noticing at least another pair of White tailed Eagle flying just over head. The other bus had to stop for the other to catch up. John Poyner decided to have a look around while he was waiting. To his complete amazement he realised he had parked underneath a whole flock of eagles. Between them, the guides counted up to ten eagles, more than either of them had ever seen up in the air all at the same time! One guest said she had counted eleven eagles, which would make sense, as it would appear that five of the birds were White-tailed, which eventually bunched together and were shepherded away by the Goldies, perhaps pairs guarding their territories from intruders. At lunch time, we continued to be entertained, with Golden Eagles flying above us, and two birds perched, so that guests could study the birds on the ground. At least 25 eagles were seen during the day, at least ten of which were White-tailed Eagle. Not much more of note was seen other than a close up view of a Greenshank and Golden Plover by Loch Sunart and three Woodcock sightings on the road after dusk, but nobody seemed to care anymore! It had been a gob-smackingly good day. Friday 17th March On our way to the mountain to look for Ptarmigan, we took a detour through Tulloch to see if we could have one more glimpse of Black Grouse. None were showing, but a female Hen Harrier was seen by most. A Field Vole decided to take refuge under one of the minibuses, while we were looking for Black Grouse, running from tyre to tyre as a guide and guests attempted to catch him and move him to safety. A photo of bums in the air round the minibus was taken to commemorate the occasion. We enjoyed excellent close up views of Snow Buntings. Later, we drove up onto the moors and located Red Grouse. In all 117 bird species and 10 mammals were seen for the week, and an early Peacock butterfly on Mull.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK - Some comments from our guests “Just the sheer numbers of Long tailed Duck, and the drake’s plumage.” H.K. “I have never seen an Iceland Gull before. The full adult was a fabulous bird.” D.F. “A great week and full of laughs, particularly when the guides were trying to take photos of the Canada Goose!” G.H. “I came, not just for the birds, but for the scenery as well. I much appreciated the Long tailed Ducks. I really enjoyed my holiday.” A.H. “The adult Iceland Gull I really enjoyed seeing in such close proximity. When you threw the bread you could really notice how beautiful they were and their mastery of the elements.” D.K. “The weather and colours on Mull and all those eagles in the air, and being able to watch perched birds through the scope.” J.F. “I think you guides have worked incredibly hard for us this week. Thanks to you both.” A.M. “I have never seen so many eagles in the air at one time before.” L.M. “I wanted to see “Itchy” and “Scratchy” (imm. White tailed Eagles) and I think I might have! I have never been to Scotland before, and it has been great to see so much of it.” S.P. “My highlights were the perched Golden Eagles. I never thought I would get such good views, where I could study all the details of the bird. I thought I was going to have to content myself with a picture post card of an eagle.” G.S. “I have been coming to Scotland for the past 35 years and these are first I have seen in Scotland. I will certainly be coming again.” R.C. “My highlight has been the whole week, and I have no complaints.” A.L. “I have had 13 lifers this week, but my highlight was the flock of Snow Buntings around the cattle feeder. I will certainly be coming again.” D.W. “I have never seen Iceland Gull that close before.” D.T. “Thank-you to everyone for being so helpful and understanding.” B.S. “I have only seen Waxwings once before. I went down to the river and watched Dippers and studied their behaviour for quite some time.” M.L. “Mull’s scenery was very special, and I have never seen American Wigeon before.” D.T. “I really liked the Iceland Gull and seeing the Grey Seals so close up in the harbour. The funniest highlight of the week was watching fully grown men and women on their hands and knees trying to catch a field vole that had run under the bus! Amusing incidences can be expected on Heatherlea Holidays.” P.R. Highland Winter Birding DAILY UPDATES Sun 5th March Another Heatherlea season kicked off with snow lying deep under the crisp, bright skies, and saw us head up to the Moray Firth to avoid the strath, bustling with winter sports enthusiasts and conditions not overly conducive to birding. We amassed over 70 species along the coast after stunning views of Waxwing in a Nethybridge garden, with the highlights being a close flock of Purple Sandpiper scuttling around on a rocky foreshore, rafts of the eye-catching Long-tailed Duck, Scaup, and Common and Velvet Scoter on the pristine sea, and good amounts of winter thrushes and waders exhibiting themselves in the coastal sunshine. Mon 6th March We headed ‘up north’ for a look at Caithness, and en route saw Red Kite, hundreds of Stonechat, displaced from the moors by the bad weather and taking refuge along the marine fringes, Slavonian Grebe and Red-throated Divers on the sea, and our first flock of Snow Bunting preparing themselves for their flight back to Scandinavia. The highlight though, was a good selection of Iceland Gulls in various harbours, and in various plumages, all proving to be ghostly and clean in comparison to the other gulls on show, with Grey Seals and Black Guillemots in the background. Tue 7th March A tour of the far north provided us with more sea duck, a whole sea brimming with Great Northern Divers, brief views of Peregrine and Merlin, more Stonechats, a pair of stately Whooper Swans, and a field teeming with Skylark, Snow Bunting, Linnet, Reed Bunting, Lapwing and Golden Plover in an amazing display of bird numbers. A spot of seawatching produced Fulmar, Gannet and Kittiwake all returning to their breeding grounds for the summer. With most freshwater frozen solid, we were very pleased to add Shoveler and American Wigeon to our list before returning back to Nethybridge. Wed 8th March A local day today, and a day to try and get views of the 3 Cs – Capercaillie, Crestie and Crossbill. If Roy of the Rovers were a birder, the story couldn’t have been more unbelievable, as wandering down a nearby snow-covered forest track, one of the guests saw some movement, and through the slightest gap in the trees picked out a male Caper in full view, sitting in a tree, not more than 100 yards away and offering each guest as long as they wanted to view it through a telescope. After 15 minutes, we walked back to the buses leaving the bird still perched! With most of the forest tracks being covered in snow, and impassable to our vehicles, we resorted to plan Z to find Crested Tit, which also paid off handsomely. No sooner had we called out, “Hello, Crestie!” , in reference to one of the guest’s previous visits to Heatherlea (a tactic which seemingly worked!), than down fluttered a Crestie, and alighted directly in front of the group offering some unbeatable views! To complete the set of Cs, we rounded off by having a relaxed afternoon cuppa, and strolling into another part of the forest, to be stunned when out of the birdless void came three rounds of ‘chip chip chip’, and three Common Crossbills sat atop a nearby pine tree to let us examine their bills and fine colouration. Unfortunately, we were unable to catch up with any large-billed Crossbills, but our mission was complete, and we all returned back to the roaring fire of the hotel with smiles on our faces. Thu 9th March Today saw us head out west to the Isle of Mull, which was an extremely pleasant day, despite a chilling wind blowing straight through us. The birds were on their finest behaviour, and the weather (apart from the wind) was far better than expected. On the way we had views of Black Grouse and Black Guillemot, and once on the island we had a hunting Merlin darting between grassy tussocks, and were treated to sensational views of a perched White-tailed Eagle, which took off to order, and delighted us with some aerial moves, before drifting away and out of sight. Not long after this we were watching a female Hen Harrier quartering some rough ground at close quarters when a large raptor was spotted above her – a Golden Eagle, which then became a pair of Golden Eagles, and during the day we would go on to see three more pairs in the sky together. Other highlights were a Greenland White-fronted Goose complete with neck collar, a Goosander leisurely patrolling the shoreline, another Great Northern Diver, a few dainty Greenshanks, and both Barn and Tawny Owl on the way back to the hotel, which rounded off another remarkable day. Fri 10th March Despite Bramblings again present in the hotel garden, after a few days of marginally improved weather, the week ended on a bleaker note with strong winds and icy blizzards on the higher ground. This accounted for our failure to see Ptarmigan for the first time in over a year, but we obtained incredible views of Snow Bunting on the hill, and a flock of very colourful Bullfinches, which seemed more at home in the arctic conditions than we did, before returning to a more sensible altitude and views of Goosander, Pink-footed Goose, Golden Plover, Red Grouse, and the more common forest species as we searched for the elusive chunky Crossbills. They remained elusive, but all agreed at the evening round-up that the birds, the weather and the surroundings made this an excellent trip for Highland winter birding. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK - Some comments from our guests “Capercaillie – it was my first one!” EP “The superb light which we’ve had on everything all through the week, giving us such great views of everything, but those Snow Buntings were magical!” EH “The Capercaillie, one of six new birds for me this week.” AB “Two Golden Eagles displaying on Mull, against what I believe was a blue sky!” RO “I had two firsts, the Iceland Gull and the White-fronted Goose, and those Waxwings we started off with on Sunday morning were fantastic, and so was the White-tailed Eagle in flight, I’ve never seen one flying before.” BE “Seeing the Snow Buntings like that in those conditions was special.” GD “The Waxwings and all the eagles on Mull – I can’t decide!” DB “Turning round and seeing the ghostly white Iceland Gull in the sky.” HS “The raft of 500 or so Long-tailed Ducks, I’ve never seen such numbers in one place before!” BB “Purple Sandpiper is one of my favourite birds, so to see so many was great, and probably the best views I’ve ever had of Crestie!” RS “So many really, very difficult to pick out one thing! I could go on all day!” DL “I managed to get two lifers in five minutes! One was a relief (White-tailed Eagle), the other was just a surprise (White-fronted Goose)! But, I agree with others, the Long-tailed Duck was my favourite bird, and I did like the Hen Harrier too.” JS “Loads of excellent birds, but the White-fronted Goose (was my favourite).” DR “I thought, ‘Mmm, it’s not doing much is it?’- then it suddenly jumped up and turned into a White-tailed Sea Eagle! The other thing was the millions of Snow Buntings today.” JD “Long-tailed Ducks in the raft, and the Snow Buntings as well.” BD “Velvet Scoters and Purple Sandpipers on the first day were superb, and when the White-tailed Eagle fell out of the tree, totally amazing!” RJ
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