News from the Field - Scottish Islands in Spring 2024
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News from the Field - Scottish islands in Spring 2024
Shetland in Spring for Birders
“Our trip started on a high note with great views of Risso's dolphins within a couple of hours of arriving on the island! The beginning of the week was very quiet on the migrant front, so we concentrated on the breeding birds getting fabulously close views of Puffin, Fulmar, Great Skua and Gannet. As the week has gone on, we've seen more common migrants like Blackcap, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff before, on Wednesday, finding a stunning male Red-spotted Bluethroat! The migrants have been ramping up since then with views of three Red-backed Shrike, Icterine Warbler, Green-winged Teal, Wood Sandpiper and Black-necked Grebe. We've also been really lucky with the weather - wall to wall sunshine coupled with south easterly winds! Today we’re off to Fetlar to see what else we can find!!!” Holly Page
To view all our up coming Shetland tours click here!
“We have had great fun on Mull, Iona and the Treshnish Isles this week.
We have been blessed with glorious weather, and amongst a wealth of sightings, we have seen eagles and otters (sometimes even together at the same time, and sometimes lots of them), a seabird extravaganza out in the Treshnish Isles, with Puffins galore amongst the bluebells and nesting Shags at our feet, plus a marvellous Corncrake on Iona that the whole group saw through the telescope. All this, and scenery to die for - there is a reason this area is so popular with wildlife watchers, and we don't want to leave!” - Mike Coleman
To view all our up coming Mull tours click here!
North Ronaldsay & Orkney in Spring for Birders
“I have been guiding both our North Ronaldsay tours back-to-back over the last couple of weeks and both groups have enjoyed some great Spring birding. Our first group had lovely southerly and easterly winds, making it a perfect time to be on the island. Immediately on arrival Whinchats, Redstarts and Pied Flycatchers were everywhere, with us even finding a Red-throated Pipit, Common Crane and ending our trip with a Black Kite!
The second group was treated to a week of warm weather and sunshine as we explored the islands. The continuing south easterlies helped us to locate White-billed Diver, Dotterel and Red-backed Shrikes, even seeing a stunning female in the hand on our last evening. A Risso’s Dolphin out in the bay topped off with beautiful sunshine on our final morning is an excellent end to an amazing week of Orkney birding.” Aidan Branch
To view all our up coming Orkney tours click here!