scottish specials & the 'outer limits' adventure

20 Sept - 27 Sept, 27 Sept – 4 Oct, 4 Oct– 11 Oct*, 11 Oct - 18 Oct 2008 (* easy walking options available)

PRICE £875pp, no single supplement.
Been before? Returning guests can deduct £25pp. ‘Worldbird’ guests can save another £100pp – see 'Special Offers' for details.

19 Sept - 26 Sept, 26 Sept – 3 Oct, 3 Oct– 10 Oct*, 10 Oct - 17 Oct 2008 (* easy walking options available)

PRICE £905pp, no single supplement.
Been before? Returning guests can deduct £25pp. ‘Worldbird’ guests can save another £100pp – see 'Special Offers' for details.

A real adventure where the underwatched northern Outer Limits (sorry Hebrides) are finally readily accessible with Heatherlea. Join us in the unforgettable island wildernessof Lewis, Harris and Skye, and see what rarities have blown in on the breeze. With Capercaillie, Black Grouse, Ptarmigan, Golden Eagle, Sea Eagle, Crested Tit and Scottish Crossbill around in good numbers, seabird flocks beginning to build, migration busily underway all around the coastline and the possibility of rarities on the Hebrides, this is a unique and exciting holiday.

KEY MOMENTS at our Friday round-up - which will be yours?

• Shearwaters, skuas and more as we cross ‘The Minch’ to Stornoway
• Capercaillie and Black Grouse, often on the same morning!
• Three diver and three scoter species - all in summer plumage
• Rarities on the Hebrides, perhaps waders or gulls, perhaps a repeat of the 2004 Purple Martin!

DAY 1 (Saturday)

Arrival, welcome, dinner and briefing. Don’t forget our courtesy collection service from Aviemore.

DAY 2 (Sunday)

Purple heather moors, the gold and red of a Highland autumn in the birchwoods, the first snows on the Arctic tops, the deep greens of the ancient pinewoods, this is a lovely time to visit Scotland. Mixed parties in the Caledonian pines contain good numbers of Crested Tit, and Scottish Crossbill form their own noisy flocks, often in dozens. Golden Eagle, Peregrine, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel are the main upland raptors we seek today, though White-tailed Eagle are often seen at this time. You may also hear Red Deer stags bellowing at the rut - a wonderful and unforgettable experience.

DAY 3/4 (Monday/Tuesday)

THE ‘OUTER LIMITS’ ADVENTURE A two-day visit to the northern Outer Hebrides, a fantastic place only now becoming famous for its outstanding birding and rare visitors. We explore the Isle of Lewis, spend time birding on Harris, and return across the Isle of Skye – two unforgettable days in a remote and majestic Scottish wilderness, with majestic mountain scenery and rugged coastlines. We travel to Ullapool, joining the ferry to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. The ferry is a large ship, excellent for birding. As we cross The Minch and the mountains of the Outer Hebrides loom larger we scan for migrating seabirds. Manx Shearwater, Great and Arctic Skua are likely, and possibles include Sooty and Balearic Shearwater, Storm Petrel, Leach’s Petrel and Pomarine and Long-tailed Skua. Rarities seen at this time in the past have included Cory’s and Great Shearwater. To keep us interested, we have a better than average chance of Minke Whale, Bottle-nosed Dolphin, Harbour Porpoise and Grey and Common Seal. In both ports we trawl for Glaucous and Iceland Gull, with Raven, Hooded Crow, moulting Black Guillemot and maybe some surprises too. On Lewis our activities will suit the weather and any known rarities. Expect a visit to either Tiumpan Head or the Butt of Lewis to search for seabirds, a walk in the woods in Stornoway for migrants and Hebridean Wren and Song Thrush, and a search of boggy pools and lochans on the west of Lewis where American vagrants are most likely. Golden Eagle breed here, and we hope to see the birds within a few miles of our accommodation. We also investigate the duck flocks off Harris, where Surf Scoter or King Eider might be hidden amongst the commoner species before returning home via Skye and White-tailed Eagle to The Mountview on Tuesday evening. A great birding adventure!

DAY 5 (Wednesday)

An early (but not too early!) start for Black Grouse returning to the lek. After breakfast we visit our private estate woodlands, excellent for both cock and hen Capercaillie taking autumn berries. Later we drive to the Moray Firth, to examine the concentrations of seabirds, which make this coastline such a great magnet for birders. Common and Velvet Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Great Northern, Black- and Red-throated Divers are all possible on this day, but perhaps our key target is Surf Scoter, a regular visitor arriving mid-late September. Osprey can be found fishing till mid-September.

DAY 6 (Thursday)

Ptarmigan are our target, skulking in mountain corries within walking distance of transport. The birds give good sightings once located as they rely upon camouflage more than flight whilst moulting into white winter plumage. Lingering Snow Bunting may also be seen. Redpoll, Siskin, Redwing, Fieldfare and Red Grouse are also possible on this day as we explore the delights of Strathspey.

DAY 7 (Friday)

Another great coastal experience, we go north to the Moray Coast or east to Aberdeenshire, depending upon the local birding. We may look for concentrations of waders, including Bar-tailed Godwit, Sanderling, Dunlin, Turnstone, Knot and many more, some individuals in summer plumage, or we may take a special trip for one of the rarities which make a Scottish autumn so special – recent holidays have included Mealy Redpoll, Redfooted Falcon and Rough-legged Buzzard. Amongst the passing terns, auks and Gannet we watch out for Manx and Sooty Shearwater, and we also visit favourite spots where just about anything might drop in! Thousands of Greylag and Pink-footed Goose contain small numbers of Brent, Barnacle and White-fronted, and rarities may include Bean Goose, Snow Goose and Red-breasted Goose.

DAY 8 (Saturday)

Breakfast and departure. Don’t forget our courtesy return service to Aviemore.

Field Notes

Expect a wide variation in weather conditions. Sunshine, showers and cold winds are equally likely, and you will probably experience a bit of everything. Bring waterproofs, walking boots or shoes and warm clothing. Walking will be easy/moderate, although mountain walking for Ptarmigan can be strenuous. See 'Easy Walking' 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.

What's included in your holiday price

• Six nights comfortable accommodation at The Mountview Hotel, VisitScotland rated 3 Star. All rooms are en-suite, with colour TV and hot drinks facilities.
• One night comfortable en-suite hotel accommodation on the Outer Hebrides. Full Scottish breakfast, a substantial packed lunch, and a delicious dinner. All rooms are ensuite, with colour TV and hot drinks facilities.
• Six full days birdwatching. Return ferry to Stornoway.
• All transport by comfortable PCV minibus. All estate access fees.
• Guidance from a professional Group Leader with extensive up to the minute local knowledge.

What's not included in your holiday price

• Transport to The Mountview Hotel.
• Insurance, drinks and other items of a personal nature.

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