James Champion
A newcomer to the Heatherlea team in 2022, James has been birding since he was a toddler. His father would show him pictures of birds (usually on Brooke Bond tea cards) and teach him the names – one of his first words was “Hutnatch” (Nuthatch slightly altered!).
Since those early years, James has been hooked on learning about birds, and his teaching and guiding jobs have taken him all over the world, allowing him to build up a life list of over 4,000 species. Coming from a long line of entomologists, James is also a great butterfly and dragonfly fan, and he regularly travels in search of these, as well as birds.
James first started guiding in 1995, and has led many groups around Scotland, not only for birding but also on walking and even whisky tours! He has also guided in Cornwall, as well as in Japan, China, and in India, where he is a frequent visitor, his grandfather having been the first person to photograph tigers in the wild, and the first to campaign for their protection.
Having lived abroad for most of the past twenty years, James is delighted to be back on home territory guiding for Heatherlea, and he is much enjoying rediscovering the wildlife highlights of Scotland. He loves showing the special birds and wildlife of the area to the guests, and his enthusiasm and teaching skills enable him to pass on his knowledge in an engaging and positive way.
We are delighted to welcome James to our team!
Follow this Guide
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Highland Wildlife in High Summer
- 19 Jul - 26 Jul 2025Special Offer
Superb wildlife watching from mountain to sea featuring birds, mammals, insects and plants
Prices from £1595 pp
Duration: 8 Days
- 19 Jul - 26 Jul 2025
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Autumn in the Highlands with 'Easy Walking'
- 16 Aug - 23 Aug 2025
A unique birding holiday especially for those who don't want to walk too far
Prices from £1595 pp
Duration: 8 Days
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Highland Migration by land and sea
- 23 Aug - 30 Aug 2025
With migration at the fore and now with TWO boat trips, we explore birding hotspots on three coastlines.
Prices from £1595 pp
Duration: 8 Days
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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
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NEW! Highlands and the Far North in Autumn
- 27 Sep - 04 Oct 2025Special Offer
Great local birding and exciting migration in Caithness and north-east Highlands.
Prices from £1695 pp
Duration: 8 Days
- 27 Sep - 04 Oct 2025
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A winter wildfowl spectacular on the Solway Coast of Dumfries and Galloway!
Prices from £1595 pp
Duration: 6 Days