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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Wonderful early spring birding in the south of France
Prices from £2195 pp
Duration: 8 Days
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Relaxed spring birding in the west Mediterranean Sea
Prices from £2095 pp
Duration: 8 Days
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Mull, Iona and the Treshnish Isles
- 14 May - 18 May 2024
Eagles, Puffins, Otters and more as we explore Mull, Iona, Staffa and Lunga.
Prices from £1745 pp
Duration: 5 Days
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Birding the Highlands in May
- 18 May - 25 May 2024Special Offer
A fantastic week of birding across the Highlands, from the Cairngorm mountains to both coasts
Prices from £1695 pp
Duration: 8 Days
- 18 May - 25 May 2024
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Wildlife of Argyll and Inner Hebridean islands
- 08 Jun - 15 Jun 2024
An exciting new tour for all natural history enthusiasts!
Prices from £2245 pp
Duration: 8 Days
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Sought-after Scottish specialities in the Highlands and on the west coast.
Prices from £1695 pp
Duration: 8 Days
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Eagles, Divers and Dotterel including Mull
- 13 Jul - 20 Jul 2024
Britain's best birding in summer, from the Cairngorm plateau to the Isle of Mull
Prices from £1695 pp
Duration: 8 Days
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Highland Migration by land and sea
- 24 Aug - 31 Aug 2024Special Offer
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
- 24 Aug - 31 Aug 2024
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Autumn Migration in the Highlands
- 31 Aug - 07 Sep 2024Special Offer
Southbound migration and Scottish specialities at an exciting time of year.
Prices from £1595 pp
Duration: 8 Days
- 31 Aug - 07 Sep 2024
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Highlands and Skye in Autumn
- 28 Sep - 05 Oct 2024Special Offer
A superb celebration of Autumn across the Highlands, featuring two nights on the stunning Isle of Skye!
Prices from £1795 pp
Duration: 8 Days
- 28 Sep - 05 Oct 2024
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Prime time for these special birds and plenty more besides.
Prices from £1595 pp
Duration: 8 Days
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A winter wildfowl spectacular on the Solway Coast of Dumfries and Galloway!
Prices from £1495 pp
Duration: 6 Days