Alex Rhodes
Alex joined the Heatherlea team in 2019 and brings with him some sharp eyes and ears. Originally from the Southwest, he completed a BSc in Zoology at the University of Bristol. He was a licenced ringer for a period of 5 years; during which time he frequented Fair Isle Bird Observatory as a volunteer (once during a seabird-monitoring summer, and again in exciting autumn migration), volunteered at a conservation research station in the Peruvian Amazon and worked briefly at Falsterbo fågelstation in Sweden.
He has been passionate about the accessibility of birding, becoming involved in promoting birdwatching to the younger generation in conjunction with the BTO during an internship. His work has, in part, led to the availability of grants and financial assistance for youngsters to stay at accredited Bird Observatories and purchase ringing equipment. He has also spoken widely to various audiences, BBC Springwatch and on Radio 4 about these topics.
When not birding himself, he works as a qualified Mountaineering Instructor across the Highlands, North Wales and the Peak District. The Isle of Skye, especially the Black Cuillin, has a real magnetism for Alex…not least because of some memorable eagle encounters up on the ridge!
He says, “if I ever make it ‘big-time’ and get invited to interview on Desert Island Discs, I’d be asking for a moorland soundscape complete with bubbling Curlew, forlorn Golden Plover and mournful Diver calls as one of my tracks. Those haunting sounds are so evocative and remind me of the wild, remote spaces we have.”
Follow this Guide
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Get your New Year birdlist off to a great start with a week of birding across the Highlands from coast to coast!
Prices from £1495 pp
Duration: 8 Days
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Birders' Blasts in Winter!
- 05 Feb - 09 Feb 2024Special Offer
Fast paced and fun birding short breaks in the Scottish Highlands
Prices from £795 pp
Duration: 5 Days
- 05 Feb - 09 Feb 2024
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Birders' Blasts in Winter!
- 09 Feb - 13 Feb 2024Special Offer
Fast paced and fun birding short breaks in the Scottish Highlands
Prices from £795 pp
Duration: 5 Days
- 09 Feb - 13 Feb 2024
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Scotland's best winter birding in local habitats and out on the coasts
Prices from £995 pp
Duration: 8 Days
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Highlands and Skye in spring
- 13 Apr - 20 Apr 2024Special Offer
A superb week of birding across the Highlands including two nights on the stunning Isle of Skye
Prices from £1695 pp
Duration: 8 Days
- 13 Apr - 20 Apr 2024
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Islands on the Edge
- 25 May - 01 Jun 2024
A grand tour of the Inner and Outer Hebrides, from Berneray, North & South Uist, Benbecula, Eriskay, Barra and Vatersay to Tiree and Coll!
Prices from £2295 pp
Duration: 8 Days
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Brilliant summer birding across the Highlands, with an action packed TWO nights away in Orkney!
Prices from £1695 pp
Duration: 8 Days
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Ultimate Outer Hebrides
- 06 Jul - 15 Jul 2024
A thorough and complete grand tour of the Outer Hebrides: From Lewis to Harris, Berneray, North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist, Eriskay, Barra, Vatersay & Mingulay!
Prices from £2695 pp
Duration: 10 Days
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The 'Outer Limits' Adventure
- 14 Sep - 21 Sep 2024Special Offer
A real adventure! Birding the Highlands in peak migration time including a two night stay on the Outer Hebrides!
Prices from £1795 pp
Duration: 8 Days
- 14 Sep - 21 Sep 2024
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The 'Outer Limits' Adventure
- 21 Sep - 28 Sep 2024Special Offer
A real adventure! Birding the Highlands in peak migration time including a two night stay on the Outer Hebrides!
Prices from £1795 pp
Duration: 8 Days
- 21 Sep - 28 Sep 2024
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NEW! Scottish Wildlife in late Autumn
- 19 Oct - 26 Oct 2024
Highland specialities and late Autumn migrants on the East and West coast
Prices from £1195 pp
Duration: 8 Days