A Highland weekend getaway with Birding Ecosse and the Grant Arms Hotel
Thursday 21 to Monday 25 October 2027
****4 Spaces available ****
The magnificent Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey
This is a very special time of year to visit the Highlands, Moray and Nairn and taking advantage of our fantastic and varied habitats this tour will concentrate on any migrants hitting our shores.
With this in mind the itinerary below is purely a guideline, so expect short notice alterations as we “chase the rarities” a very exciting couple of days are in the offing and a great way to increase your year and life list!
Thursday
Arriving on Thursday afternoon why not treat yourself to a couple of “local brews” in the hotels stunning Capercaillie bar, prior to you enjoying your evening meal in the beautiful dining room.
Friday
- The Beautiful Moray Coast
Spey Bay – Dolphins, a great way to start the day!
Starting off at the Iconic Dolphin Area at Spey Bay we will make our way West along this stunning coastline. From tidal estuaries, fresh water lochs, farmland, open sea and coastal Dunes bristling with migrant enticing bushes this is a brilliant day for turning up the unexpected!
This area of coast is a migrant friendly environment, who knows what we may turn up!
And not forgetting our bread and butter birds at this time of the year, Arctic and Great Skua are frequently seen just offshore harassing the local Kittiwakes, Common and Velvet Scoters are beginning to arrive back after their summer holidays in the far North and the Handsome Male Common Eiders are just fresh in the new plumage.
The menacing Arctic Skua – Pirates of the Skies.
Pick up 0800 – Drop off 1630
Saturday
Highland Birds
This is a “must do” trip when you visit the Highland of Scotland! The day starts off with a visit to a traditional Black Grouse Lek, and at the same time the “Go Back Go Back Go Back” calls of its Red Cousin fill the air.
The Highlight at this time of year for many people are the fantastic views we get of Crested Tit. In extreme cold they have even been known to come down and feed off your hand! It is not uncommon to have three or four individuals hopping around your feet, whilst the more common Coal Tits have no such reservations and will fight and clamour all over you to get to the seed, it is a magical experience, and no matter how many time I do this it always gives me a buzz!
Crested Tit
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 one of 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. White Mountain Hare, Brown Hare, Feral Goats and Red squirrel are also often encountered and provide lots of food for the above raptors.
Sika Deer
Great Birds, great Scenery and fantastic experiences it really is a day not to be missed.
Accessibility: No accessibility issues on this tour.
Pick up 0800 – Drop off 1630
Sunday
Portmahomack, Balintore and Nigg Bay
The Mermaid of the North
Today we head North to the migrant hotspots of Portmahomack, Balintore and Nigg Bay.
The remote location of these areas are a magnet not only to Skuas, Diver and Grebes, but also for any passerines passing through as it provides a quick fuelling station after their long flight over the North sea.
Winter plumaged Slavonian Grebe, a regular in the area.
Recent Highlights included Five individual Yellow Browed Warblers! What will 2027 reveal?
Target birds for today? Yellow Browed Warbler, Arctic Skua and Slavonian Grebe.
Accessibility: Todays tour may involve walking on uneven gravel and mud paths.
Will your visit coincide with a Waxwing year?
Pick up 0800 – Drop off 1630
*** 4 Nights Full Board, 3 Days fully guided Birding Trips all for just £880 per person***
So what is included?
4 nights Full board at the Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey.
3 Full days Birding.
Delicious packed Lunch on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Tea/Coffee morning and afternoon on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
All transport on outings
All guiding fees.
Use of binoculars if required.
Complimentary Checklist.
What’s not included:
Transport to and from the Grant Arms Hotel
Drinks at hotel
Personal insurance
Travel Insurance (Recommended)
Items of a personal nature
