Long Tailed Ducks  (not often seen in the UK in Summer plumage)

The West Coast 

The stunning Bay at Poolewe.

Today we head over to the glorious West Coast of Scotland and some of the most beautiful scenery on mainland UK. Birding en-route we will be searching for Slavonian Grebes in full breeding plumage (viewed safely from public hides and viewing area’s) and Ospreys on their nest.

Black Throated Diver

Arriving on the West Coast we expect to see Red, Black and Great Northern Divers all in Stunning Breeding Plumage and very often close to shore, Red Breasted Mergansers and Goosanders loaf about on the water giving great comparisons.  One coffee stop is a great location to spend in the company of Arctic and Common Terns at their colony, and using our fantastic Swarovski Scopes (we now have two for our victims to use) it is a brilliant location to get to grips with the subtle ID differences of these problematic birds. We should also expect to see breeding Ringed Plovers as they scurry along the sandy beach. 

This area regularly turns up both White Tailed and Golden Eagle so always keep your eyes scanning the skies! And not forgetting 2019 when this splendid drake Blue Winged Teal decided to have an extended holiday at Aultbea, who knows he may make a return appearance  and in 2022 as we sat having a coffee a full plumaged Red Necked Grebe was seen offshore.

Not forgetting the small stuff either! Here we stand a great chance of Twite, Northern Wheatear, Whinchat and Stonechat. Plus this is an excellent spot to see Otters playing around just off-shore!  So all in all a great day out.

Pick up 0800 – Drop off 1700

A magnificent Golden Eagle, one of todays target birds.

The Red Grouse – will it achieve “endemic” status in the UK?

Next it is off to a beautiful classic Scottish Loch, complete with ruined castle, in search of Black Throated and Red Throated Divers, sadly these stunning birds are under immense pressure through unintentional disturbance from watersports enthusiasts, fishermen and of course the renowned Scottish weather but hopefully successive breeding seasons may secure this bird as a regular, here is hoping. (The birds will be safely viewed from public roads and viewing points)

Slavonian Grebe, viewed from the hotels very own bird hide.

Calling in at the hotels very own superb hide we will check for the arrival of another specialty, that being the beautiful, colourful and charismatic Slavonian Grebe, before heading up to the high car parks on Cairngorm in search of the newly arrived Mountain Blackbird – The Ring Ouzel.

Male Ring Ouzel  – April 2022

We finish the day in a what has to be one of the most beautiful valleys in Scotland, and it is here we will search for two of the “Big Ones” they are White Tailed and Golden Eagles.  This area is probably the most productive sites in this part of Scotland to see these iconic birds, and the reason they are here?  Herds of Red Deer roam the hillside, Britain largest land mammal is very common as its it smaller relative the Roe Deer, we may even stumble across the secretive Sika deer, Mountain Hare, Brown Hare, Feral Goats and Red squirrel are also often encountered.

A majestic Red Deer Stag

Great Birds, great Scenery and fantastic experiences it really is a day not to be missed.

Pick up 0800 – Drop off 1700