bird watching tours scotland

• Ascension Island
• Tristan da Cunha
• Burkina Faso
• Central African Republic
• Congo Republic
• Côte d’Ivoire
• Equatorial Guinea
• Eswatini (Swaziland)
• Guinea Bissau
• North Sudan
• São Tomé & Príncipe
• Sierra Leone
• Eastern Cape
• KwaZulu Natal
• Northern Cape
• Northwest Province
• Western Cape
• South Sudan
• Western Sahara
• Afghanistan
• British Indian Ocean Territory
• Heilongjiang
• Inner Mongolia
• Andaman & Nicobar Islands
• Andhra Pradesh
• Arunachal Pradesh
• Chhattisgarh
• Himachal Pradesh
• Jammu & Kashmir
• Lakshadweep
• Madhya Pradesh
• Maharashtra
• Uttar Pradesh
• Uttarakhand
• West Bengal
• Indonesian Borneo
• Lesser Sundas
• Kuala Lumpur
• Peninsular Malaysia
• Sarawak & Sabah
• North Korea
• Philippines
• South Korea
• Timor-Leste
• Turkmenistan
• American Samoa
• Christmas Island
• Coral Sea Islands
• New South Wales
• Norfolk Island
• Northern Territory
• South Australia
• Western Australia
• Cocos Islands
• Cook Islands
• French Polynesia
• Marshall Islands
• New Caledonia
• Stewart Island
• Northern Mariana Islands
• Papua New Guinea
• Wallis & Futuna
• Netherlands Antilles
• Antigua & Barbuda
• Caribbean Netherlands
• Cayman Islands
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• Puerto Rico
• Saint Lucia
• St Vincent & Grenadines
• St. Kitts & Nevis
• Turks & Caicos
• South Ossetia
• Republic of Croatia
• Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
• Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
• Hauts-de-France
• Île-de-France
• Nouvelle-Aquitaine
• Pays-de-la-Loire
• Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
• Baden-Württemberg
• Brandenburg
• Lower Saxony
• Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
• North Rhine-Westphalia
• Rhineland Palatinate
• Saxony-Anhalt
• Schleswig-Holstein
• Liechtenstein
• Lake Skadar
• Netherlands
• Central Russia
• Eastern Siberia
• Northwest Russia
• Russian Arctic
• Russian Far East
• South Russia
• Western Siberia
• Basque Country
• Fuerteventura
• Gran Canaria
• Castilla y Leon
• Castilla-La Mancha
• Extremadura
• Switzerland
• Avon & Bristol
• Bedfordshire
• Buckinghamshire
• Cambridgeshire & Peterborough
• Gloucestershire
• Greater London
• Greater Manchester
• Herefordshire
• Hertfordshire
• Isle of Wight
• Isles of Scilly
• Leicestershire & Rutland
• Lincolnshire
• Northamptonshire
• Northumberland
• Nottinghamshire
• Oxfordshire
• Staffordshire
• Warwickshire
• West Midlands
• Worcestershire
• Yorkshire – East
• Yorkshire – North
• Yorkshire – South
• Yorkshire – West
• Isle of Man
• Angus & Dundee
• Clyde Islands
• Dumfries & Galloway
• Isle of May
• Moray & Nairn
• North-east Scotland
• Orkney Isles
• Outer Hebrides
• Perth & Kinross
• Upper Forth
• Brecknockshire
• Caernarfonshire
• Carmarthenshire
• Denbighshire
• East Glamorgan
• Meirionnydd
• Montgomeryshire
• Pembrokeshire
• Radnorshire
• Vatican City
• Vancouver Island
• New Brunswick
• Newfoundland
• Northwest Territories
• Prince Edward Island
• Saskatchewan
• Aguascalientes
• Baja California
• Baja California Sur
• Mexico City
• Quintana Roo
• San Luis Potosí
• St Pierre & Miquelon
• Connecticut
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• New Hampshire
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Rio Grande Valley
• West Virginia
• Buenos Aires City
• Buenos Aires State
• Santiago del Estero
• Tierra del Fuego
• Espírito Santo
• Federal District
• Mato Grosso
• Mato Grosso do Sul
• Minas Gerais
• Rio de Janeiro State
• Rio Grande do Norte
• Rio Grande do Sul
• Santa Catarina
• Easter Island
• Northern Ecuador
• French Guiana
• Saudi Arabia
• Farne Islands
• Birding Tour Companies
• Bird Fairs & Festivals
• Trip Report Repositories
• Weather & Tides
• Rarity Alerts
• Ornithological Journals
• Birding Magazines
• Websites with Mega-links
• Books for Birders
• Bird Book Publishers
• Software, DVDs, Recordings etc.
• Bird Writers
• Bird Art & Artists
• Digiscoping
• Photos, Photography & Photographers
• Webcams & Nestcams
• #12348 (no title)
• #11964 (no title)
• Bird Watching Books
• Bird Watching Telescopes
• Birdfeeders, Birdhouses etc
• Optics Retailers
• Optics Companies
• Outdoor Clothing for Birders
• Other Birding Equipment & Accessories
• Tripod Companies
• Banding or Ringing
• Study & Bird Behaviour
• Birders & Ornithologists
• Threatened & Extinct Species
• Conservation
• Ornithology Courses
• Identification
• Invasive Species
• Taxonomy & Bird Names
• Acanthisittidae – New Zealand Wrens
• Acanthizidae – Australasian Warblers
• Acrocephalidae – Reed & Brush Warblers Etc.
• Aegithalidae – Bush Tits
• Aegithinidae – Ioras
• Alaudidae – Larks
• Arcanatoridae – Dapple-throat & Allies
• Artamidae – Woodswallows, Butcherbirds & Currawongs
• Atrichornithidae – Scrub-birds
• Bernieridae – Malagasy Warblers
• Bombycillidae – Waxwings
• Buphagidae – Oxpeckers
• Calcariidae – Longspurs & Snow Buntings
• Callaeidae – Kokako & Saddlebacks
• Campephagidae – Cuckooshrikes, Cicadabirds, Trillers & Minivets
• Cardinalidae – Cardinals, Grosbeaks & Allies
• Certhiidae – Treecreepers
• Cettidae – Bush Warblers, Tesias & Allies
• Chaetopidae – Rockjumpers
• Chloropseidae – Leafbirds
• Cinclidae – Dippers
• Cisticolidae – Cisticolas, Prinia, Tailorbirds & Allies
• Climacteridae – Australasian Treecreepers
• Cnemophilidae – Satinbirds
• Coerebidae – Bananaquit
• Conopophagidae – Gnateaters
• Corcoracidae – Australian Mudnesters
• Corvidae – Crows, Jays, Magpies & Allies
• Cotingidae – Cotingas, Fruiteaters & Allies
• Dasyornithidae – Bristlebirds
• Dicaeidae – Flowerpeckers
• Dicruridae – Drongos
• Donacobiidae – Donacobius
• Dulidae – Palmchat
• Elachuridae – Spotted Wren-babbler
• Emberizidae – Buntings, New World Sparrows & Allies
• Erythroceridae – Yellow Flycatchers
• Estrildidae – Waxbills, Munias & Allies
• Eulacestomatidae – Ploughbill
• Eupetidae – Rail-Babbler
• Eurylaimidae – Broadbills
• Formicariidae – Antthrushes
• Fringillidae – Finches, Seedeaters, Euphonias & Allies
• Furnariidae – Ovenbirds
• Grallariidae – Antpittas
• Hirundinidae – Swallows & Martins
• Hyliotidae – Hyliotas
• Hylocitreidae – Yellow-flanked Whistler
• Hypocoliidae – Hypocolius
• Icteridae – Oropendolas, Orioles, Blackbirds & Allies
• Ifritidae – Blue-capped Ifrit
• Incertae Sedis – Uncertain Families
• Irenidae – Fairy-bluebirds
• Laniidae – Shrikes
• Leiothrichidae – Turdoides Babblers, Laughingthrushes, Barwings & Sibias
• Locustellidae – Grassbirds & Allies
• Machaerirhynchidae – Boatbills
• Macrosphenidae – Crombecs, Longbills & African Warblers
• Malaconotidae – Bushshrikes, Tchagras, Puffbacks & Boubous
• Maluridae – Australasian Wrens
• Melampittidae – Melampittas
• Melanocharitidae – Berrypeckers & Longbills
• Melanopareiidae – Crescent-chests
• Meliphagidae – Honeyeaters
• Menuridae – Lyrebirds
• Mimidae – Mockingbirds, Thrashers & Allies
• Mohoidae – O’os
• Mohouidae – Whitehead, Yellowhead & Brown Creeper
• Monarchidae – Monarchs, Paradise Flycatchers & Allies
• Motacillidae – Longclaws, Pipits & Wagtails
• Muscicapidae – Old World Flycatchers
• Nectariniidae – Sunbirds & Spiderhunters
• Neosittidae – Sitellas
• Nicatoridae – Nicators
• Notiomystidae – Stitchbird
• Oreoicidae – Australasian Bellbirds
• Oriolidae – Old World Orioles, Pitohuis & Figbirds
• Orthonychidae – Logrunners & Chowchilla
• Pachycephalidae – Whistlers & Allies
• Panuridae – Bearded Reedling
• Paradisaeidae – Birds-of-paradise
• Paramythiidae – Painted Berrypeckers
• Pardalotidae – Pardalotes
• Paridae – Tits & Chickadees
• Parulidae – New World Warblers
• Passeridae – Old World Sparrows
• Pellorneidae – Fulvettas, Ground Babblers & Allies
• Petroicidae – Australasian Robins
• Peucedramidae – Olive Warbler
• Philepittidae – Asities
• Phylloscopidae – Leaf Warblers & Allies
• Picathartidae – Rockfowl
• Pipridae – Manakins
• Pittidae – Pittas
• Pityriaseidae – Bristlehead
• Platysteiridae – Wattle-eyes & Batises
• Ploceidae – Weavers, Widowbirds & Allies
• Pnoepygidae – Wren-babblers
• Polioptilidae – Gnatcatchers
• Pomatostomidae – Australasian Babblers
• Prionopidae – Helmetshrikes
• Promeropidae – Sugarbirds
• Prunellidae – Accentors
• Psophodidae – Whipbirds, Jewel-babblers & Quail-thrushes
• Ptilogonatidae – Silky-flycatchers
• Ptilonorhynchidae – Bowerbirds & Catbirds
• Pycnonotidae – Bulbuls
• Regulidae – Goldcrests & Kinglets
• Remizidae – Penduline Tits
• Rhagologidae – Mottled Berryhunter
• Rhinocryptidae – Tapaculos
• Rhipiduridae – Fantails
• Sapayoidae -Sapayoa
• Scotocercidae – Streaked Scrub Warbler
• Sittidae – Nuthatches
• Stenostiridae – Fairy Flycatchers
• Sturnidae – Starlings, Mynas & Rhabdornis
• Sylviidae – Sylviid Babblers, Parrotbills & Fulvettas
• Tephrodornithidae – Woodshrikes & Allies
• Thamnophilidae – Antbirds
• Thraupidae – Tanagers & Allies
• Tichodromidae – Wallcreeper
• Timaliidae – Babblers
• Tityridae – Tityras, Becards & Allies
• Troglodytidae – Wrens
• Turdidae – Thrushes
• Tyrannidae – Tyrant Flycatchers
• Urocynchramidae – Przevalski’s Finch
• Vangidae – Vangas
• Viduidae – Indigobirds & Whydahs
• Vireonidae – Vireos, Greenlets & Shrike-babblers
• Zosteropidae – White-eyes, Yuhinas & Allies
• Accipitridae – Kites, Hawks & Eagles
• Aegothelidae – Owlet-nightjars
• Alcedinidae – Kingfishers
• Alcidae – Auks
• Anatidae – Swans, Geese & Ducks
• Anhimidae – Screamers
• Anhingidae – Darters
• Anseranatidae – Magpie Goose
• Apodidae – Swifts
• Apterygidae – Kiwis
• Aramidae – Limpkin
• Ardeidae – Herons, Egrets & Bitterns
• Balaenicipitidae – Shoebill
• Brachypteraciidae – Ground Rollers
• Bucconidae – Puffbirds
• Bucerotidae – Hornbills
• Bucorvidae – Ground Hornbills
• Burhinidae – Thick-knees & Stone Curlews
• Cacatuidae – Cockatoos
• Capitonidae – New World Barbets
• Caprimulgidae – Nightjars & Nighthawks
• Cariamidae – Seriemas
• Casuariidae – Cassowaries
• Cathartidae – New World Vultures
• Charadriidae – Plovers, Lapwings & Dotterels
• Chionidae – Sheathbill
• Ciconiidae – Storks
• Coliidae – Mousebirds
• Columbidae – Doves & Pigeons
• Coraciidae – Rollers
• Cracidae – Chachalacas, Curassows & Guans
• Cuculidae – Old World Cuckoos
• Diomedeidae – Albatrosses
• Dromadidae – Crab Plover
• Dromaiidae – Emu
• Eurypygidae – Sunbittern
• Falconidae – Falcons, Kestrels & Caracaras
• Fregatidae – Frigatebirds
• Galbulidae – Jacamars
• Gaviidae – Divers or Loons
• Glareolidae – Coursers & Pratincoles
• Gruidae – Cranes
• Haematopodidae – Oystercatchers
• Heliornithidae – Finfoots & Sungrebe
• Hemiprocnidae – Treeswifts
• Hydrobatidae – Northern Storm Petrels
• Ibidorhynchidae – Ibisbill
• Indicatoridae – Honeyguides
• Jacanidae – Jacanas
• Laridae – Gulls, Terns & Skimmers
• Leptosomatidae – Cuckoo Roller
• Lybiidae – African Barbets
• Megalimidae – Asian Barbets
• Megapodiidae – Megapodes
• Meropidae – Bee-eaters
• Mesitornithidae – Mesites
• Momotidae – Motmots
• Musophagidae – Turacos, Plantain-eaters & Go-away-birds
• Numididae – Guineafowl
• Nyctibiidae – Potoos
• Oceanitidae – Austral Storm Petrels
• Odontophoridae – New World Quails
• Opisthocomidae – Hoatzin
• Otididae – Bustards, Floricans & Korhaans
• Pandionidae – Ospreys
• Pedionomidae – Plains Wanderer
• Pelecanidae – Pelicans
• Pelecanoididae – Diving Petrels
• Phaethontidae – Tropicbirds
• Phalacrocoracidae – Cormorants & Shags
• Phasianidae – Pheasants, Grouse, Partridges & Allies
• Phoenicopteridae – Flamingos
• Phoeniculidae – Wood Hoopoes & Scimitarbills
• Picidae – Woodpeckers
• Pluvianellidae – Magellanic Plover
• Pluvianidae – Egyptian Plover
• Podargidae – Frogmouths
• Podicipedidae – Grebes
• Procellariidae – Petrels, Diving Petrels & Shearwaters
• Psittacidae – African & New World Parrots
• Psittaculidae – Old World Parrots
• Psophiidae – Trumpeters
• Pteroclidae – Sandgrouse
• Rallidae – Rails, Crakes, Gallinules & Coots etc.
• Ramphastidae – Aracari, Toucans & Toucanets
• Recurvirostridae – Avocets & Stilts
• Rheidae – Rheas
• Rhynochetidae – Kagu
• Rostratulidae – Painted Snipe
• Sagittariidae – Secretarybird
• Sarothruridae – Flufftails
• Scolopacidae – Woodcock, Snipe, Sandpipers & Allies
• Scopidae – Hammerkop
• Semnornithidae – Toucan Barbets
• Spheniscidae – Penguins
• Steatornithidae – Oilbird
• Stercorariidae – Skuas or Jaegers
• Strigidae – Owls
• Strigopidae – New Zealand Parrots
• Struthionidae – Ostriches
• Sulidae – Gannets & Boobies
• Thinocoridae – Seedsnipe
• Threskiornithidae – Ibises & Spoonbills
• Tinamidae – Tinamous
• Todidae – Todies
• Trochilidae – Hummingbirds
• Trogonidae – Trogons & Quetzals
• Turnicidae – Buttonquails
• Tytonidae – Barn & Grass Owls
• Upupidae – Hoopoes
• Big Days & Bird Races
• Apocryphal Birding Stories & Urban Myths
• Bird Humour
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• Fatbirder’s Birding Advice

Fatbirder’s Scotland pages are based on the SOC recording areas rather than geo-political boundaries, although, to a large extent they follow the old traditional counties or groupings of them. The new (2024) map of Scotland shows these areas, and the fatbirder pages for Scotland have been reorganised to reflect the collecting area.

Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom and covers the northern third of the island of Great Britain. It shares a border with England to the south, and is otherwise surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, with the North Sea to the east and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the south-west. In addition to the mainland, the country is made up of more than 790 islands.

Number of bird species: 539

Number of bird species:, number of endemics: 1, the scottish list.

Birds in Scotland

Birds in south-east scotland 2007-13, birdwatching in scotland, collins gem guide to scottish birds, rspb handbook of scottish birds, the crossley id guide: britain & ireland, where to watch birds in scotland.

All Birds Scotland

Where to Watch Birds Scotland

British trust for ornithology - scotland, raptor persecution scotland, scottish natural heritage, scottish ornithologists club, scottish seabird centre, scottish wildlife trust.

Abbreviations Key

Scottish Wildlife Trust Reserves

Birding ecosse, birding ecotours, black isle birding, oriole birding, speyside wildlife, travelling naturalist, 2021 [06 june] - richard thomas - central scotland, 2021 [06 june] - gordon shaw - cairngorms, 2022 [06 june] - mark warren - highlands & islands, 2022 [08 august] - holly page - highlands & islands, 2023 [08 august] - stephen grace, where to birdwatch in scotland, whittles publishing, david slater - birding ecosse blogspot, michael cook - wild scot, photographer - fergus gill - scottish nature photography, scottish nature photography awards.

Fatbirder - linking birders worldwide... Wildlife Travellers see our sister site: WAND

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• Tour report - June 2023
• Tour report - June 2022
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The Best of Scotland - A Birdwatching Tour

This varied and exciting 9-day holiday will focus on enjoying a great range of habitats, and therefore birds, across Scotland, from the magical island of Mull to the wonderfully rugged Cairngorms.

Quick Enquiry

Quick enquiry.

When thinking about a birdwatching tour to Scotland one question you may be asking yourself is “Where do I start?” or “How should I best use my time?”! We have asked ourselves these very questions and believe that this tour delivers some of the very best birdwatching on offer with the opportunity for such a great range of species. During this new 8-night tour, based in first class perfectly located rural hotels, a superb range of habitat types will be visited with a wonderful array of birds and wildlife on offer with a little culture included too. These tours have been designed to appeal to those visiting Scotland from abroad or those wishing to experience an excellent cross section of what is on offer here.

• Explore the wonderful Isle of Mull.
• Raptors, including Golden and White-tailed Eagles.
• Seabird colonies with Puffin, Razorbill & Guillemots.
• Highland specialities may include Ptarmigan & Dotterel.
• Spectacular scenery throughout.
• Mammals such as Badger, Pine Marten & Red Squirrel.

Outline Itinerary

What's included.

• Accommodation: Very comfortable hotels and lodge. Rooms all en-suite.
• Food: Just lunches at own expense

Tour Reports

Why naturetrek.

At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

• The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
• Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
• Outstanding value and exceptional customer service

Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!

We are currently experiencing some technical difficulties which we expect to be resolved by Thursday morning. If you need to contact us urgently please call us on 01962 733051 .

Best wishes, The Naturetrek Team

Birding Ecosse

All inclusive holidays, short breaks and day trips tailor made for you.

There are many  bird watching tour companies and indeed birding tour guides in the Highlands of Scotland, so why should you book a trip with Birding Ecosse?  Well what we offer is more than just a Birding Tour, we offer  life long memories. From the moment you contact us we will make sure your Highlands holiday goes as planned, with fantastic birds, stunning scenery, a friendly knowledgeable guide and interesting facts and history of the local areas you will be visiting. Your tour guide during your holiday will be Dave Slater a born and bred Scot that has been offering fully guided birding tours, tailor made for you, since 2011.

Your Guide, Dave at his favourite birding site – The Guadalhorce Reserve in Andalucía.

And no more missing the birds because you are stuck at the back of a minibus, no more waiting in line to view a bird, no more missing birds as the guide was busy speaking to someone else and definitely no sub standard food and accommodation. Here at Birding Ecosse we pride ourselves in using only the best hotels and guest houses in the area, and keeping the group size on our  bird watching trips to a Maximum of 4   ensures a very personal experience with your guide.

The Scottish Highlands are a haven for birds and birding.  From the tiny Crested Tit, the beautiful summer plumaged Slavonian Grebe to the mighty Golden and White Tailed Eagles we have it all.  Add to that the amazing wildlife in stunning scenery and experienced local birding guide then you have the recipe for a perfect bird watching holiday.  From a day’s birding to a fully organised bird watching mid week break or long weekend then don’t feel like you are part of the crowd.

Slavonian Grebe

We are proud of our flexible approach to birdwatching trips and specialise in novice birders wanting to improve their field skills or add to their species lists, however we still cater for the serious birder searching for a particular target species or to a full on twitch looking to connect with that rarity.

Birding Ecosse tours are carried out in small informal groups of people who want to bird watch in the Scottish Highlands, a limit of  four people per tour means you get the maximum time with your guide and plenty of time to use our superb “Swarovski” Scopes. At Birding Ecosse we will ensure you have ample time to enjoy the birds you see, no working to a rigid schedule.

So if you are planning a bird watching trip or a Birdwatching Holiday to the Highlands of  Scotland at any time of the year, please contact Birding Ecosse and talk through what your requirements are and take advantage of any special offers that we may have running at the time.  And don’t forget, we specialise in birds, but do see an amazing array of wildlife in all of our tours.

So do not delay, if you intend Birdwatching in the Scottish Highlands, please contact Birding Ecosse and let your holiday begin!

• Email Us [email protected]
• Tel: +44(0)1479 821248
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• Website Search Search

Please select a region by moving your cursor across the map, and click to display our full tour schedule for that region.

• Mainland Scotland
• Scottish Islands
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• Asia, Middle East & Australasia
• Arctic and Antarctic

Birdwatching holidays in Mainland Scotland

• Scottish Highlands in Early Spring
• 13 Apr - 20 Apr '24
• General Birdwatching
• Beginners Birding

Wonderful birding in Scotland as winter turns to spring

Prices from £1295 pp

Duration: 8 Days

• NEW! Spring Migration in the Highlands
• 27 Apr - 04 May '24 Special Offer
• 19 Apr - 26 Apr '25

An exciting new tour, northbound migrants taking centre stage.

Prices from £1695 pp

• Birding the Highlands in May
• 04 May - 11 May '24
• 18 May - 25 May '24
• 03 May - 10 May '25
• 17 May - 24 May '25
• Cruises and Boat Trips

A fantastic week of birding across the Highlands, from the Cairngorm mountains to both coasts

• Highlands and Corncrake
• 11 May - 18 May '24 Special Offer
• 10 May - 17 May '25
• Holiday '... for birders'

The best of the Highlands and Outer Hebrides in Spring

Prices from £1795 pp

Birding the North Coast 500

Northern wildlife on one of the world's most scenic roadtrips

Prices from £1945 pp

High Season Across the Highlands

• 25 May - 01 Jun '24 Special Offer
• 24 May - 31 May '25

A week of Scottish birding featuring a visit to the bustling seabird city of Handa Island!

• NEW! Highlands & Ailsa Craig
• 01 Jun - 08 Jun '24 Special Offer
• General Wildlife

A seabird spectacular and scarce Scottish birds including Dotterel and Nightjar - all on the same tour!

• Highland Wildlife in early summer
• 22 Jun - 29 Jun '24 Special Offer
• 21 Jun - 28 Jun '25
• 28 Jun - 05 Jul '25
• Mammal Watching

A celebration of the scarce botany, invertebrates, birds and mammals of the Highlands

Prices from £1595 pp

North West Scotland Explorer

• 22 Jun - 28 Jun '24
• 21 Jun - 27 Jun '25
• Cetacean Watching

From the mountain top to the sea, a thorough exploration of Scotland's remote north-west

Duration: 7 Days

Eagles, Divers and Dotterel including Mull

• 06 Jul - 13 Jul '24 Special Offer
• 13 Jul - 20 Jul '24
• 12 Jul - 19 Jul '25

Britain's best birding in summer, from the Cairngorm plateau to the Isle of Mull

Highland Wildlife in High Summer

• 20 Jul - 27 Jul '24 Special Offer

Superb wildlife watching from mountain to sea featuring birds, mammals, insects and plants

Highland Mammals and More!

• 19 Jul - 26 Jul '25

A dedicated tour for Scottish mammals including Beaver, Pine Marten, Otter, cetaceans and many more!

Highland Birding in Late Summer

• 03 Aug - 10 Aug '24

The best of Highland birding at the end of summer

Prices from £1495 pp

Autumn in the Highlands with 'Easy Walking'

• 10 Aug - 17 Aug '24 Special Offer
• 17 Aug - 24 Aug '24 Special Offer
• 16 Aug - 23 Aug '25
• Easy Walking

A unique birding holiday especially for those who don't want to walk too far

• Highland Migration by land and sea
• 24 Aug - 31 Aug '24 Special Offer
• 23 Aug - 30 Aug '25

With migration at the fore and now with TWO boat trips, we explore birding hotspots on three coastlines.

Highlands and Skye in Autumn

• 28 Sep - 05 Oct '24 Special Offer

A superb celebration of Autumn across the Highlands, featuring two nights on the stunning Isle of Skye!

Raptors and Grouse

• 05 Oct - 12 Oct '24

Prime time for these special birds and plenty more besides.

Highland Autumn Birding

• 12 Oct - 19 Oct '24 Special Offer
• 11 Oct - 18 Oct '25

An exciting birding adventure across the Highlands, including two nights in bird-rich Aberdeenshire!

Scottish Wildlife in late Autumn

• 19 Oct - 26 Oct '24
• 18 Oct - 25 Oct '25
• 25 Oct - 01 Nov '25

Highland specialities and late Autumn migrants on the East and West coast

Short Breaks - Scottish Birding in Autumn

• 26 Oct - 30 Oct '24
• 03 Nov - 07 Nov '24

Three days exciting autumnal birding at a busy time of year

Prices from £795 pp

Duration: 5 Days

Birders' Blasts in Autumn!

• 30 Oct - 03 Nov '24
• 07 Nov - 11 Nov '24
• 11 Nov - 15 Nov '24
• 01 Nov - 05 Nov '25
• 05 Nov - 09 Nov '25

Fast paced and fun birding short breaks in the Scottish Highlands

New Year Birdlist Booster

• 04 Jan - 11 Jan '25
• 11 Jan - 18 Jan '25

Get your New Year birdlist off to a great start with a week of birding across the Highlands from coast to coast!

Birders' Blasts in Winter!

• 18 Jan - 22 Jan '25
• 22 Jan - 26 Jan '25
• 26 Jan - 30 Jan '25

NEW! Scottish Winter Specialities

• 01 Feb - 08 Feb '25
• 08 Feb - 15 Feb '25

Scotland's best winter birding in local habitats and out on the coasts

Highland Winter Birding

• 15 Feb - 22 Feb '25
• 22 Feb - 01 Mar '25

A week of Scottish birding across the Highlands featuring a two night stay on the remote North Coast!

Highlands and the Aberdeenshire Coast

• 01 Mar - 08 Mar '25

Exciting late-Winter birding across the Highlands, with TWO nights in Aberdeenshire!

• Highland Birding in March
• 08 Mar - 15 Mar '25

Brilliant northern birding as Spring begins

Highlands & Ardnamurchan

• 15 Mar - 22 Mar '25
• 22 Mar - 29 Mar '25

Highland specialities combined with one the most wildlife rich regions of the west coast

Highlands and the West Coast

A week of birding across the Highlands featuring a night away in stunning Wester Ross

• NEW! Highlands & East Coast Birding

Birding across five regions - our only tour targeting Hawfinch, Bearded Tit and the Highland specialities!

Spring into Scotland including Mull

• 29 Mar - 05 Apr '25
• 05 Apr - 12 Apr '25

A week of Highland birding with TWO nights on the magical Isle of Mull

Highlands and Skye in spring

• 13 Apr - 20 Apr '24 Special Offer
• 20 Apr - 27 Apr '24 Special Offer
• 12 Apr - 19 Apr '25

A superb week of birding across the Highlands including two nights on the stunning Isle of Skye

Highlands & Orkney

• 15 Jun - 22 Jun '24 Special Offer
• 26 Apr - 03 May '25

Brilliant summer birding across the Highlands, with an action packed TWO nights away in Orkney!

Wildlife of Argyll and Inner Hebridean islands

• 08 Jun - 15 Jun '24
• 07 Jun - 14 Jun '25
• Wildlife and Culture

An exciting new tour for all natural history enthusiasts!

Prices from £2245 pp

The 'Outer Limits' in Summer

• 14 Jun - 21 Jun '25

A week of birding across Scotland, with TWO nights away in the Outer Hebrides

Butterflies, Dragons and Birds

• 06 Jul - 13 Jul '24
• 05 Jul - 12 Jul '25

Sought-after Scottish specialities in the Highlands and on the west coast.

Highlands and Wester Ross

• 13 Jul - 20 Jul '24 Special Offer
• 26 Jul - 02 Aug '25

High Summer wildlife by land and sea

• NEW! Highlands and the Small Isles
• 02 Aug - 09 Aug '25

Speciality local wildlife, with a little more walking than usual, as we explore the islands of Rum and Eigg.

Highlands and the Outer Hebrides

• 27 Jul - 03 Aug '24 Special Offer
• 30 Aug - 06 Sep '25

A week long summer holiday to the Highlands and the Southern Outer Hebrides

• Highland Autumn Explorer
• 07 Sep - 14 Sep '24

Speciality local birds, departing and incoming migrants and an exciting pelagic trip - a new autumn tour with something for everyone!

Prices from £1395 pp

• Autumn Migration in the Highlands
• 31 Aug - 07 Sep '24 Special Offer
• 06 Sep - 13 Sep '25

Southbound migration and Scottish specialities at an exciting time of year.

The 'Outer Limits' Adventure

• 07 Sep - 14 Sep '24 Special Offer
• 14 Sep - 21 Sep '24 Special Offer
• 21 Sep - 28 Sep '24 Special Offer
• 13 Sep - 20 Sep '25
• 20 Sep - 27 Sep '25

A real adventure! Birding the Highlands in peak migration time including a two night stay on the Outer Hebrides!

• NEW! Highlands and the far North in Autumn
• 27 Sep - 04 Oct '25

Great local birding and exciting migration in Caithness and north-east Highlands.

Solway Firth

• 02 Nov - 07 Nov '24
• 08 Nov - 13 Nov '25

A winter wildfowl spectacular on the Solway Coast of Dumfries and Galloway!

Duration: 6 Days

Hogmanay Birding Extravaganza

• 28 Dec - 04 Jan '25
• 29 Dec - 05 Jan '26

Great winter birding around the Highlands with a traditional Scottish Hogmanay

• Hogmanay Birding Festival - December/January
• New Year Birdlist Booster - January
• Short Breaks - Scottish Birding in Winter - January/February
• Highland Winter Birding - February/March
• NEW! Highlands and the Aberdeenshire Coast
• Highlands and the West Coast - March
• Spring into Scotland including Mull - April
• Highlands and Skye in Spring
• NEW! Mountview Hotel Birders' Blast
• High Season across the Highlands - May/June
• NEW! Classic Scottish Birding
• Highlands & Orkney - June
• The 'Outer Limits' in Summer - June
• Eagles, Divers & Dotterel including Mull - July
• NEW! Highlands and the West Coast in summer
• Birds and Mammals featuring the islands of Muck and Eigg
• NEW! Highland Wildlife in high summer
• NEW! Highlands and Wester Ross
• NEW! Highlands and the Uists - August
• Short Breaks - Scottish Birding in Early Autumn - August
• Birding Bites- Scottish Birding in Early Autumn
• Autumn Migration & Scottish Specials - Sept
• NEW! Twenty Scottish Specials
• NEW! Raptors and Grouse - September
• The 'Outer Limits' Adventure - Sept/Oct
• NEW! Highlands and Skye in Autumn
• NEW! Highland Autumn Birding
• The Top 20 birds and mammals - Oct/Nov
• Short Breaks - Scottish Birding in Autumn - November
• NEW! Birders Blast
• Highlands and the Isle of May
• Scottish Birders' Blast
• NEW! Autumn Migration in the Highlands - 'Easy Walking'
• BIrding the North Coast 500
• NEW! Autumn Migration in the Highlands
• Birds and Mammals (Perth)
• NEW! Scottish Specialities in Autumn
• NEW! Birding the Highlands in summer
• 'Drive Yourself' Short Break
• NEW! Perthshire and the Highlands
• Welcome Back to Scottish Birding!
• Scottish Specialties in Late Winter
• Scottish Highlands in November
• NEW! Scottish Wildlife in Late Autumn
• Birders Blast in Winter
• NEW! Highlands & Ardnamurchan
• Hogmanay Birding Extravaganza!
• NEW! Highland Summer Spectacular
• NEW! Birding in the Footsteps of the Jacobites
• NEW! Butterflies, Dragons and Birds
• Scottish Winter Specialities
• NEW! Highland Birding in Late Summer
• Asia & Australasia
• Arctic and Antarctica
• Holiday Planner
• 'for Birders' Tours

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About Heatherlea Holidays

• Tour Calendar

Contact Information

The Mountview Hotel , Nethybridge , PH25 3EB Scotland

T: +44(0)1479 821248

E: [email protected]

• Heatherlea - Birdwatching Holidays is a 5 star wildlife experience as graded by the Scottish Tourist Board. 5 star STB
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Naturalist Journeys is pleased to offer Scottish birding and nature trips. Choose from one of the Scotland tours below to learn more.

Guided Group Tours

Group travel is rewarding and fun! With more eyes you see more species. Travel Planners of Naturalist Journeys and Caligo Ventures have been creating memorable journeys for 40+ years. We offer you small-group birding and nature tours, limited to just 8-10 persons led by expert guides. Learn and explore with like-minded people, enjoy local food and culture, and immerse yourself in birding and nature.

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14 Wonderful Wildlife Tours to Book in Scotland

Scotland offers a variety of wildlife tours that will take you deep into our stunning forests and landscapes, or out to sea and along our breathtaking coastlines, for the chance to see all sorts of Scottish wildlife species. From dolphins and whales playing in the sea, and majestic birds of prey swooping overhead, to our popular Highland coos and so much more, pick your favourite Scotland animal and head out on a wildlife tour.

A wildlife watching tour ready to leave Lerwick harbour

Birding Ecosse

Based in the stunning coastal location of Moray in the Scottish Highlands, Birding Ecosse offers a great way to get outdoors and spot some of your favourite bird species. Offering an enjoyable and welcoming experience, soak up the stunning scenery, get chatting to your friendly and knowledgeable tour guide, and learn a thing or two about the history of the local area along the way too. Choose your favourite day tour; The Big Day Tour, Highland Birds, or The Moray Coast. You never know, you may spot species you never knew existed!

You’ll be picked up and dropped off at your accommodation, with all transport and guiding included, plus light refreshments throughout the day. All you need to bring is a tasty packed lunch and your sense of adventure.

Start/End Point: starting on the Moray coast and finishing in the Monadhliath mountains Season/Months: year-round – winter is from October to April and summer is May to September Location: Scottish Highlands (based in Moray) Price: from £140 Length of Tour: day trips, mid-week breaks, and long weekends

Book a tour with Birding Ecosse

Ptarmigan in winter

Highland Wildlife and Birdwatching Safaris

Located in the magnificent Cairngorms National Park, Highland Wildlife & Birdwatching Safaris is the perfect way for you and the family to explore the outdoors. They’re flexible with their tours, so choose from a 4-hour tour or full-day tour.

Have something specific in mind? They can customise a bespoke tour for you. Venture on a guided wildlife excursion with an experienced local nature watcher in a luxury 4X4 Land Rover Discovery to see a range of special birds and animals in the heart of this beautiful National Park.

The meeting point is Aviemore Train or Bus Station. Or if you are staying locally, pick up from your accommodation can be arranged. You will need to bring a packed lunch and snacks for the day.

Start/end point: Aviemore, Cairngorms National Park Season/months: open all year Location: Aviemore Price: varies on tour and number of people Length of tour: 4 hours or full-day (12 hours)

Book a tour with Highland Wildlife & Birdwatching Safaris

Great Skua on Foula

The Shetland Isles

Head north to glorious Shetland where you can spend a week hopping around the islands on a birdwatching trip. Birdlife on Shetland is rife, and a boat trip out to the Isle of Mousa means you can see hundreds of European Storm Petrels, which return ashore to their nests as darkness falls.

This will be a trip to remember with options including coastal walks on the stunning St Ninian’s Isle, a bird watching cruise to Noss National Nature Reserve, and visiting the Isle of Fetlar. Join your knowledgeable and experienced guide as you explore the remarkable archipelago of Shetland, with hundreds of fascinating sites, history, spectacular wildlife and a colourful culture to uncover along the way.

The tour also includes your accommodation, transport, meals and transfers, so all the organisation and planning is done for you!

Start/end point: Sumburgh Hotel Season/months: June Location: Mainland Shetland Price: from £1,800 Length of tour: 7 nights

Book a tour to the Shetland Isles with Shetland Wildlife

Golden Eagle in flight

Heatherlea Birdwatching Trips

The Highlands are a vast and magnificent area of Scotland, and Strathspey definitely plays up to those qualities. Located just north of Aviemore, this corner of Scotland is perfect for birdwatching. Join a minibus day or multi-day tour with Heatherlea Birdwatching and you’ll be in the capable and experienced hands of their tour guides, who will show you all the wildlife gems that make the area so special and the best locations to spot them.

Enjoy a pre-organised tour, or hire a guide to travel in your own transport to look for specific species or visit particular places.

Start/end point: all trips begin and end at The Mountview Hotel, Nethybridge Season/months: open all year Location: Strathspey Price: varies on tour Length of tour: day tours or week tours

Book a tour with Heatherlea Birdwatching

Land Wildlife

Cairngorm Reindeer Centre

Winter Wildlife in the Highlands

Journey deep into the magical Highlands for an unforgettable experience exploring Scotland’s wintery landscapes and elusive wildlife. In the chillier months a whole new realm of wildlife can be seen across Scotland, and many Scottish animals even change their entire appearance to blend into the snowy surroundings.

Venture on this 5-day escape into Caledonian pine forests and snow-capped peaks where you can explore a variety of different habitats, learning more about the wildlife and their incredible capabilities to endure the harsh winter conditions. Spot incredible species such as red deer, ptarmigan, whooper swans, free-roaming reindeer and much more!

Your trip includes accommodation, meals and travel, so all the planning is done for you. All you need to do is bring yourself and the correct clothing and equipment!

Start/end point: start and finish in Kingussie Season/months: winter Location: Cairngorms National Park Price: varies Length of tour: 5 days 

Book a Winter Wildlife trip with Wilderness Scotland

Otter cubs on Yell, Shetland

© Neil McIntyre

Inner Hebrides 'Big 5' Wildlife Cruise

Spend 4 nights onboard vessels Elizabeth-G or Emma Jane for an incredible cruise to spot the ‘Big 5’; red deer, common seals, otters, eagles (both golden and white-tailed) and harbour porpoises. Starting at Oban harbour, set off on a picturesque journey around Scotland’s west coast and island gems to spot incredible Scottish species. Aside from the amazing wildlife, the cruise is also a great way to take in the fantastic scenery, glimmering seascapes, and mesmerising sunsets.

The cruise is the perfect choice for an autumn getaway around some of Scotland’s most idyllic locations, with remote sea lochs and towering mountains. Potential stopovers at Loch a Choire on the Morvern Coast and Loch Spelve on Mull are both great places to spot otters.

As you are onboard for 4 nights, all accommodation, transport and meals are included. However there are limited vessels and space onboard, so please book in advance so you don’t miss out.

Start/end point: start and finish in Oban Season/months: autumn – September/October Location: Oban, west coast, and the Isle of Mull Price: varies Length of tour: 4 nights

Book your ‘Big 5’ Wildlife Cruise now

Red deer stag

Wild West - Deer Rut Tours

Red deer are very common in the mountains of Scotland throughout the year. On a Wild West Safari, you’ll be out looking for the UK’s largest land mammal.

Autumn is an ideal time of year to spot deer, as you’ll find them out rutting in the wild. You may be lucky enough to see a pair of stags lock antlers in a duel and hear the sound of their roars vibrating across the glen. Rut safaris are available daily throughout autumn, with the option of a trip at dawn to catch the best of the action.

Throughout the winter when the climate and terrain gets tougher, red deer often make their way further down the mountain in search of food. This can often lead them to the roadside for great photo opportunities.

You can also enjoy the half-day  Wee Safari  to spot otters and see a magnificent view of Ben Nevis on the return journey. 

Start/end point: Fort William Season/months: autumn – late September to end of October Location: Scottish Highlands Price: £195 for up to 6 passengers Length of tour: 3.5 – 4 hours

Book a Wild West Deer Rut Tour

Scottish wildcat

Wild Highland Tours

Head to the west Highlands and Ardnamurchan for some of the most spectacular scenery, mountain ranges and coastline, alongside an array of incredible wildlife to spot in their natural habitats. Venture on a guided tour with a knowledgeable wildlife expert for the best chance to see these amazing creatures up close. With its varied landscape, the Ardnamurchan Peninsula is home to a wealth of animals from pine martens, golden eagles and red deer to hen harriers, wild cats and even sea life, including dolphins, porpoises, and basking sharks.

A range of tours are on offer throughout the year, allowing you to see rare and exciting birds, animals and habitats, as well as exploring important issues that affect the conservation of these areas. You can also discover Ardnamurchan and its wildlife at a more personalised and slower pace on a 5 day holiday in spring and summer.

Start/end point: Ardnamurchan Season/months: open all year Location: Ardnamurchan Price: from £150 Length of tour: 3-hour day tour or twilight tour, or 4-hour night time tour

Book a Wild Highland Tour

A Stand Up Paddleboarding lesson by Basking Shark Scotland at Ganavan Bay, Oban

© VisitScotland / Stuart Brunton

Basking Shark Scotland

It wouldn’t be a wildlife trip to Scotland without experiencing Scottish sea life. Did you know basking sharks are the biggest fish in Scotland and the UK, and you can spot them off our coasts? Most commonly spotted on the west coast in between our stunning islands, basking sharks can be seen swimming close to our shores and coastlines in search of food. Despite their often scary appearance, basking sharks are typically harmless and only feed on plankton. So if you ever see a strange fin poking out of the water, it could be your friendly neighbourhood shark!

Venture out on a boat tour for a better chance of seeing these giant creatures up close. Experiences on offer include scuba diving, so hop onboard and let the expert marine guides show you the best of Scotland’s water wildlife.

Start/end point: check  meeting point locations for Basking Shark Scotland tours ; Dunstaffnage Marina, and Isle of Coll Season/months: April – October Location: Oban Price: from £80 Length of tour: one day, multi-day, or bespoke

Book a tour with Basking Shark Scotland

Sealife Watching Boat Trips

Join in an expedition on the west coast to experience Scottish sea life in their natural habitats with whales, dolphins and otters, seals, golden eagles, puffins and more. All of the trips on offer include the Corryvreckan Whirlpool and the Ballachuan Hazelwood (a Scottish Wildlife Trust Reserve) so you are guaranteed dramatic sea cliffs, uninhabited islands, and untouched landscapes no matter which boat trip you choose.

The tours are an ideal choice for a family day out as they’re open to all ages. You’ll be in safe and experienced hands with your skipper, who knows all the best places and times of year to spot dolphins, whales and porpoises. Keep an eye out on the island’s rugged coastline where you can often spot deer and wild goats too.

The infamous Corryvreckan Whirlpool makes for a trip to remember as your capable skipper steers you around the choppy waves of the third largest whirlpool in the world.

You can also arrange private charters and landings, if you have somewhere specific you’d like to see.

Start/end point: Seil Island Season/months: April – October Location: Oban Price: varies on tour length Length of tour: 3 – 5 hours

Book a SeaLife Watching Boat Trip

Bottlenose dolphin in the Moray Firth

Dolphin Spirit Inverness

The Moray Firth is one of the best places in Scotland to see dolphins playing in the water. Located in the north east just along from Inverness, head out on a boat trip where you can learn more about bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoises, whilst keeping a watchful eye out to spot some for yourself.

Experience a family-friendly dolphin cruise, taking in incredible sights and scenery as you travel up the Beauly Firth towards the Caledonian Canal, then head out to the Inverness Firth under the Kessock bridge and as far out as Munlochy Bay. Aside from dolphins poking their heads above the water, the Moray Firth is also home to an abundance of other wildlife including otters, seals, birdlife and more.

Remember to wrap up warm (even in summer) and waterproofs are always a good idea!

Start/end point: Inverness Marina Season/months: April – October Location: Inverness Price: from £12 Length of tour: 75 minutes, or 2 hours

Book a tour with Dolphin Spirit

Hebridean Whale Cruises

Sharks and dolphins are not the only animals you can spot off Scotland’s coasts – whales often make an appearance too! Head out on a cruise towards the Shiant Islands where you will not only encounter many species for wildlife, but you’ll be enchanted by the mesmerising scenery and landscapes that surround you. For the best chance of whale spotting, your knowledgeable captain and guide will take you out into the waters of the North Minch where there is known feeding grounds.

As one of Scotland’s recognised hotspots for whale and dolphin sightings, the North Minch boasts undersea mountains which create powerful currents on the surface that are rich in nutrients and frequently visited by whales, dolphins and many other marine species. It’s also a great location to see an abundance of exceptional seabirds.

Start/end point: Gairloch Season/months: mid-April to mid-September Location: Gairloch Price: varies Length of tour: 2.5 hours and 4 hours

Book a Hebridean Whale Cruise

Farm Buggy Tours

Located along the iconic North Coast 500 driving route, enjoy a fun, interactive and educational Farm Buggy Tour in an off-road all-terrain 4-wheel drive buggy. Get to grips with everything to do with farming, spend time with the farmer to learn all about how your food is produced, and learn a thing or two about the local history of the area along the way too.

A perfect choice for a family adventure, each buggy can seat three adults, or two adults and two children, all with fitted seat belts. Along the tour there will be opportunities to stop off and get up close to a range of farm animals from sheep, Highland cows and pygmy goats, to friendly farm dogs, horses and more. You’ll be taken to a great vantage point en route for unparalleled views of the surrounding Highland landscape, so make sure you have your cameras at the ready!

Start/end point: Kirkton Farm, near Melvich Season/months: open all year Location: Thurso, Highlands Price: varies Length of tour: 1.5 – 2 hours

Book a Farm Buggy Tour

Kitchen Coos and Ewes

Head to the pretty south west Scotland to Airyolland Farm where you can enjoy a range of farm tours and experiences that allow you to get up close to different farm animals, and also get involved in the atmosphere of a working farm.

Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, head on a walking tour of the farm where you can see Highland cows up close, wander past remains from the Bronze Age and finish off with some delicious home baking. Or get involved with the Insta Coo Tour where you can get outdoors with the majestic Highland coos in their natural habitat. There’ll be plenty of time to get that Instagram-worthy shot, you can learn all about the coos from your experienced guide, and you’ll travel around in a comfortable farm tour trailer.

Start/end point: Airyolland Farm Season/months: throughout the year Location: Dumfries & Galloway Price: from £7.50 Length of tour: varies for each tour

Book a tour with Kitchen Coos & Ewes

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The Best Birdwatching Locations in Scotland

The best birdwatching locations in scotland  .

Scotland is an amazing country with centuries of history and many beautiful natural areas where birders like you can spot many amazing species. If you have yet to book a birding trip to this country, you owe it to yourself to do so as soon as possible! If you do, read through our in-depth guide to find the best birdwatching locations in Scotland. We know that you’ll have fun at these destinations!

Ailsa Craig

• Address: 10 miles off the coast of Girvan
• Cost: Varies based on boating trips
• Hours: Boat trips take place from sunrise to sunset
• Birds You’ll See: Gannets, Guillemots, Puffins, Kittiwakes, Herring Gulls, Razorbills

Ailsa Craig , or “Paddy’s Milestone,” is a popular tourist destination that’s about halfway between Glasgow and Belfast in the Atlantic Ocean. It has the third-largest Gannet colony in the British Isles and is home to a variety of unique species. You need to take a boat here to visit, and trips let you stay on the island for between 1-3 hours, depending on the team you hire.

Sumburgh Head

• Address: Garthspool, Lerwick ZE1 0NY
• Cost: Free to visit, with prices varying for accommodations
• Hours: Thursday through Monday, 10 am to 5 pm
• Birds You’ll See: Oystercatchers, Puffins, House Sparrows, Starlings, Wheaters, Wrens

Sumburgh Head is a Shetland tourist destination that includes things like a lighthouse, multiple activities, guided bird tours, educational opportunities, restaurants, and much more. It’s a great place to travel with a family or if you don’t feel like “roughing it” in Scotland.

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Scottish Seabird Centre

• Address: North Berwick, EH49 4SS
• Cost: Free for basic attendance with donations encouraged: between 7.95-30.90 GBP for Discovery Experience Booking
• Hours: Seven days a week, 10 am to 6 pm
• Birds You’ll See: Puffins, Razorbills, Kittiwakes, Shags, Fulmars, Guillemots

Scottish Seabird Centre is a conservation and education group that includes free attendance (though donations are appreciated) and a Discovery Experience that will highlight a broad array of different bird species. You can also shop here, book educational experiences, and explore the landscape on guided tours to improve your chances of seeing fantastic bird species.

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Gretna Green

• Address: Located in the southern council area of Dumfries and Galloway on A74
• Cost: Free to attend, though you may need to book accommodations at the village
• Hours: Sunrise to sunset
• Birds You’ll See: White-Fronted Goose, Shelduck, Mandarin Duck, Canvasback, Starlings

Gretna Green is a small village about 90 miles from Glasgow down A74 that is well-known for its romantic history: it was a common destination for young couples in England who wanted to get married against England’s stricter wedding rules. It’s also a popular birding spot for starlings, as thousands flock here throughout the year, and provide a great chance to see these birds.

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Elmley Nature Reserve

• Address: Kingshill Farm, Isle of Sheppey, Kent, ME12 3RW
• Cost: 6 GBP entrance fee; other fees for guided tours
• Hours: The office is open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm
• Birds You’ll See: Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Shelduck, Black Scoter, Bufflehead

Elmley Nature Reserve is a family-run farm on a small island in North Kent that provides many beautiful birding opportunities. You can not only book a birding tour to spot many unique bird species but stay on-site and experience other activities. If you’re interested in supporting Scotland’s economy and want to help a small business thrive, this is a great option to consider.

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Argaty Red Kites

• Address: Lerrocks Farm, Doune, GB FK16 6EJ
• Cost: 4-90 GBP
• Hours: Seven days a week, 9 am to 5 pm
• Birds You’ll See: Lots and lots of Red Kites

Argaty Red Kites is a conservation center that homes most of the nation’s Red Kites. While these birds were once extinct in the area, this group has brought them back to the country and protects them from harm in carefully controlled areas. That makes it a great option for people who are interested in viewing these once widespread but not fairly hard-to-find birds.

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RSPB Abernethy Forest Nature Reserve, Strathspey

• Address: Abernethy National Nature Reserve, Forest Lodge, Nethy Bridge, PH25 3EF
• Cost: Varies depending on your trip
• Hours: Seven days a week, 10 am to 5:30 pm
• Birds You’ll See: Ospreys, Aquatic Warblers, Black Guillemot, Great Tits, Chaffinch, Woodlark, Wrens

RSPB Abernethy Forest Nature Reserve, Strathspey is a well-known nature reserve, one of the largest in Europe. It provides guided tours for birding adventures and much more and even includes a nest cam where you can spot species that may be harder to find. In this way, you can get an idea of what’s available at this park without having to do a lot of difficult footwork!

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Other Topics About Scottish Birding

Now that you have a good idea about the best places to bird in Scotland, it’s essential to dig deeper and cover more complex subjects. The following information includes frequently asked questions, tips for specific locations in Scotland, and much more. It will help you better understand your birding options, make it easier to find places that make sense for your needs and ensure that you get the details necessary for planning your next big birding expedition.

Birdwatching in the Scottish Islands

The Scottish Islands are a broad array of small isles that are often unique places to watch birds! In fact, it’s here that you’ll see some of the nation’s most popular sea birds, such as puffins and many other creatures. Traveling to many of these islands may require booking guided tours with birding professionals who can ensure you get there safely.

For example, the Orkney Islands is an archipelago located near the Northern Isles of Scotland. It’s about 10 miles north of Caithness and includes about 70 islands: 20 of them are inhabited and include residents who can help you find birds more easily! It’s on these islands that the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds owns extensive swatches of land.

The RSPB has set up many protected areas throughout these islands where you can see terns, Arctic Skuas, Great Skuas, and many sea birds. If you’re into seeing any of Scotland’s many seabirds, these islands are a great place to travel! You’ll potentially see the Great Black Back, the Papay, the Black Guillemot, Muckle, Greylags, and much more.

Similarly, the Western Isles include 15 inhabited and 50 uninhabited islands that are typically relatively small but filled with many birds. Expect to see Whooper Swans, Red-Throated Divers, Black-Throated Divers, Hen Harriers, Merlins, Short-Eared Owls, Golden Eagles, Pomarine, Long-Tailed Skuas, Lapwing, Skylark, Leach’s Petrel, and Red-Necked Phalarope species throughout these islands, as long as you’re willing to do a little traveling.

Best Places to See Birds of Prey in Scotland

There are 18 known birds of prey in Scotland, many of which are hard to find. They’re spread pretty wildly over the islands, so we decided to list the best places to identify them:

• Honey Buzzard: Rarely spotted in Scotland, you’ll typically get the best chance to see them in Orkney and Shetland during the summer: check for longer wings and tails and slimmer necks.
• Golden Eagle: Check the Highlands and the Islands to spot the Golden Eagle, particularly in the Isle of Mull: they’ll be easy to spot because they’re giant!
• White Eagle: Though extinct in the area from 1918 to 1975, the White Eagle can now be found in Mull and throughout the western coast of Scotland.
• Marsh Harrier: If you find a Marsh Harrier breeding in the Tay Estuary (where most are spotted), you’re in luck: they’re rare and may not be around in the area much longer.
• Red Kite: The Red Kite was brought back to Scotland in the 1980s and 1990s and is now spotted regularly in Doune, Stirling, and in the Argaty Red Kite Centre (previously reviewed above!).
• Goshaw: These common birds live near the northeast Scottish Borders, as well as Dumfries and Galloway. There are about 150 pairs left, so you need to find them soon.
• Hobby: The Hobby is another rare bird of prey in Scotland but can be spotted from April to October in Speyside and Perthshire. Look for their red “pants” to identify them.
• Peregrine Falcon: The Peregrine Falcon is typically found throughout Scotland’s hilly areas and along sea cliffs and quarries and can be spotted diving nearly 200 miles per hour for prey.
• Sparrowhawk: Perhaps Scotland’s most common bird of prey, it can be found throughout the mainland and in the west coast islands.
• Osprey: Ospreys are found throughout the Highlands and Tayside and have a white underwing that makes them easy to spot.
• Common Buzzard: The Common Buzzard isn’t exactly a welcoming sight and is found just about anywhere in Scotland: you’ll snap a picture of one before you know it.
• Kestrel: The Kestrel can hover (which it does while looking for prey) and is found throughout the island in wide, but unfortunately decreasing, numbers.
• Merlin: While this bird may not cast any spells on you, it should be easy to find in the heather moorlands near Shetland to the Borders throughout the summer.
• Hen Harrier: Tragically near extinct in many parts of the mainland, the Hen Harrier can still be spotted in the heather moorlands, open country, and in newer forests.
• Barn Owl: The Barn Owl prefers slightly warmer climes, so you’ll typically see them in the south and west of Scotland, usually flying far over grasslands.
• Tawny Owl: Scotland’s most common owl, they’re found just about anywhere on the mainland and can be found in wooded areas, parks, and even gardens.
• Short-Eared Owl: The Short-Eared Owl is getting rarer in Scotland but is still easily spotted during the day. Try grassland, conifer forests, and moorland areas to find them.
• Long-Eared Owl: Don’t bet money on spotting the Long-Eared Owl: though not rare in Scotland, they’re very secretive. Check out the northeast to improve your chances of finding one.

Where Can I Watch Birds in the Scottish Highlands?

The Scottish Highlands have plenty of places where you can go birding! You can simply jump on a bike with your gear and check out public land, spotting many species flitting throughout the area. However, it’s often a good idea to visit regions that provide easier access to birding sites. Just a few common destinations that birders love visiting in the Scottish Highlands include:

• Loch Garten, Abernethy National Nature Reserve
• Handa Island Reserve
• Strathdearn, Findhorn Valley
• The Isle of Mull

What Month is Best for Bird Watching in Scotland?

Scotland’s location in the northern Atlantic Ocean gives it a rather rainy climate and frigid winters. As a result, many of its birds often migrate to warmer areas or become much harder to find outside of specific seasons. Try May to June (just after the mating season) to see many species.

After June, the temperatures often get very hot in Scotland and force birds back into hiding. By September, the weather will be perfect again, and many birds might be preparing to migrate, making them easier to spot. While it’s not impossible to see birds in Scotland outside these months, they’re far more active during May, June, and September.

Bird Watching in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is the second-biggest city in Scotland and a common destination for many rural residents and visitors for shopping and cultural experiences. It’s a particularly great place to go birding because there are plenty of outdoor destinations where you can find birds. For example, you can try these bird trails throughout Edinburgh to spot many species throughout the city:

• Arthur’s Seat
• Edinburgh’s Castle to Holyrood Palace
• Pentland Ridge: Balerno Common, West Kip, East Kip, and Scald Law
• Threipmuir Reservoir and Harlaw Reservoir
• Holyrood Park Circular
• Threipmuir Reservoir and Loganlea Reservoir Circular
• West Princes Street Gardens and Calton Hill
• River Almond Walkway
• Caerketton Hill, Allermuir Hill, and Castlelaw Hill Circular
• Glencorse, Loganlea, Threipmuir, and Harlaw Reservoirs Circular

After visiting these beautiful trails, check out attractive outdoor destinations , gardens, forests, and other areas to increase your chance of finding species that you’ll enjoy. These include Hound Point, Ravelston Woods and Park, The Hermitage of Braid & Blackford Hill, and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Note that there are also birding groups throughout Edinburgh that can help you find many unique species. Check out the SOC Lothian Branch to learn more.

Wrap Up – Best Birdwatching Locations in Scotland

Scotland has so much to offer for birders – gardens, forests, and a lot of trails to explore and go birdwatching! We hope we’ve given you plenty of options for a Scotland birding trip!

Have you been to Scotland? Ever been to any of the spots we featured above? What are the birds you look forward to find in your Scottish birding adventure? Share your experience and suggestions in the comments!

References:

• https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/staycation/scotland-best-bird-watching-spots-4149832
• https://www.visitscotland.com/things-to-do/landscapes-nature/wildlife/birds-birdwatching
• https://wildbirdworld.com/the-best-bird-watching-locations-in-scotland/
• https://www.the-soc.org.uk/get-involved/where-to-birdwatch
• https://theculturetrip.com/europe/united-kingdom/scotland/articles/a-guide-to-birdwatching-in-scotland/

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Otters and Eagles

Testimonials, conservation, isle of skye wildlife tours.

Established 2013.  10 wonderful years experience in finding Skye's wildlife 

If you have ever wanted to see a Golden Eagle cruising a hillside or an Otter hunting the shoreline, then you have an excellent chance of making your dream come true on one of our day tours around the dramatic Isle of Skye.

The Isle of Skye is truly one of Scotland’s best wildlife locations for the birdwatcher and wildlife enthusiast. And you never know, on your trip you might get one of those truly amazing moments that we’ve had out:

A Golden Eagle swooping just metres overhead, two pairs of White-Tailed Sea Eagles having a territorial dispute, a female Otter teaching it’s cubs to hunt, or even watching an Otter hunting the along the coast while a Golden Eagle cruises along the hillside behind . . . . which way to turn!

“Andy is a very personable, enthusiastic, knowledgeable and persistent guide. He really knows his stuff and the bonus of being out all day with him is you get a familiarization tour of the island whilst searching for wildlife. We had excellent sightings of white tailed eagles, golden eagles, seals and otters. And red deer in the distance. ”

“Andy is one of the most enthusiastic people we've come across in ages who is so lucky to be able to do a job he loves whilst passing on his knowledge to others! We had a super day visiting sites where we saw otters, many many different species of birds and the highlight of our visit - a golden eagle. Nothing was too much trouble for Andy....he knew where the best sites were to see the wildlife....without Andy's help we would have been looking in the wrong places for days! Thanks Andy for one of the best days we've had out for a long time . ”

“Fantastic day out with Andy. The tour was excellent with good sightings of otter, Golden Eagle and sea eagle with some seal and red deer thrown in for good measure! Andy is very knowledgable of the area and the wildlife and we learned a lot. Great pack lunch too! Andy provided good binoculars and his scope was amazing affording great sightings without risk of disturbing the wildlife. Highly recommended”

Andy will be your Tour Guide. He has been watching and photographing the wildlife in North West Scotland for over 40 years. He is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic, and never tires of seeing the stunning wildlife that Skye has to offer.

Wendy looks after bookings and enquiries. She is a photographer and videographer. She is also knowledgeable about the wildlife, so will be only too happy to help plan your tour.

Wildlife We Can See

Visiting various habitats we have the chance to see-

Golden Eagles

White-tailed Sea Eagles

Basking Sharks

Hen Harriers

Short-eared Owls

Peregrine Falcon

Grey and Common Seals

Great Northern Divers

Red-throated Divers

Great Skuas

and many many more, even the odd Minke Whale!

Don't be put off by bad weather as these days can often surprise you with some of the best sightings.

With our top of the range Swarovski Telescope you will be able to see wildlife in amazing detail.

Bring binoculars if you have them, although we do have some you can borrow.

Certain Sightings are of course dependent on the time of year but all seasons provide a wealth of wildlife.

Tours depart from the Long Stay Car Park at Lisigarry Court, Portree, down by the shore. 

Departing at 9.45am and returning around 4.15pm (earlier in winter).

Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and bring binoculars if you have them.

The Isle of Skye is a beautiful but fragile environment, as such we take great care on our tours not to disturb any of the wildlife we see.

The majority of our sightings are made from public roads or on short walks on well trodden pathways. Considering the persecution much of our wildlife has suffered in the past, at the hand of man, we do all we can to protect them now.

We will not show you any nest sites or visit sensitive areas, that's not to say we don't get close views, just that the views we have are on the animal's terms not ours.

We will also endeavour to teach you where and how to look for the amazing animals that inhabit North West Scotland, so that not only will you be able to find them for yourself in the future, you will do so in the knowledge that the wildlife you see remains undisturbed.

We work closely with the local RSPB office, especially with the recording of Sea Eagle sightings and distribution.

Already on Skye?

- text us or whatsapp on 07972260249, we know how bad the mobile signal is on skye, and we will do our best to accommodate you., open all year.

Tours start at 9.45am in Portree, and end by 4.15pm

(earlier during winter hours)

White Tailed Sea Eagles

The Isle of Skye has Scotland’s biggest population of White-tailed Sea Eagles, with numbers still growing.

Although often assumed to be a “coastal” bird, their scavenging nature regularly takes them inland, and we see them all over the island. Their sociable nature means we can get multiple sightings at times: a group of 10 riding a thermal together, and 7 sat in a line on a hillside, being particular highlights.  

On our Tours we’ve got an excellent record of spotting Otters,  with a 95% success rate. Our current record is 8 different Otters in one day!

The rocky coasts of Skye are an ideal habitat for Otters, the seaweed beds holding a plentiful supply of fish. Otters can be found on Skye’s rivers and inland lochs as well, although they are a little harder to see in these locations.

As with all wildlife, patience is required to spot these beautiful mammals.

The tides, weather, and sadly an understanding of human disturbance, are all factors in trying to locate the shy Otter.

With around 30 pairs of Golden Eagles, the Isle of Skye has one of the densest population of this magnificent bird in the whole of Scotland.

Golden Eagles can be found throughout Skye, from the high peaks of the Cuillins to the rolling moors of Sleat, from the Trotternish ridge to the high sea cliffs.

That said Golden Eagles are still elusive birds and many a birdwatcher has failed to track down this huge raptor. To be successful seeing a Golden Eagle requires knowledge of the bird’s habitat and habits, an ability to read the weather conditions, a lot of patience, and a little luck.

As I write this we’ve seen 36 Golden Eagles on the last 7 Tours, and the most Golden Eagles we’ve seen in a single day is 10.   Our overall success rate is 98% with only a couple of days each year we fail to spot one.

So whether you are a keen birder on a dedicated birdwatching holiday, or a wildlife enthusiast who’d just love to see Scotland’s iconic bird of prey, then the Isle of Skye is without doubt the best place in Scotland to see a Golden Eagle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What wildlife will we see.

We have an excellent record of seeing two of Scotland's most iconic species, the Golden Eagle and the Otter. Skye has Scotland's biggest population of White-Tailed Sea Eagles, and we usually see these magnificent birds on our Tours. Although land based we still see plenty of aquatic life, the Summer being particularly good for Basking Sharks, Minke Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoise. We get frequent sightings of Red Deer, Seals, Hen Harriers, plus a whole host of other wildlife. Some sightings are common, such as Great Northern Divers, others rarer like a wandering Osprey.

As all the wildlife is "wild", and we don't lure anything with food or visit sensitive breeding areas, then nothing can of course be guaranteed. That said every Tour has so far had a number of memorable highlights, and many have had moments that stay with you forever.

Will we do any walks?

The Tours are designed to see wildlife from the roadside without the need for long walks. We do though tailor each Tour to the abilities and interests of the group. So if someone has mobility problems then we don't have to leave the side of the minibus.

But if everyone is up for a walk then we may well head off on a short stroll.

What should I bring with me?

Please come suitably dressed for the outdoors. Walking boots or stout shoes are preferable, even if we don't do a walk the ground is normally uneven everywhere we stop. A waterproof coat (even if the weather looks good). Bring binoculars if you have them.

Please bring your own packed lunch and refreshments.

Please note that there is limited storage space in the minibus, so please consider the size of any bags that you bring with you.

What about toilet stops?

Skye isn't blessed with many public toilets but we do aim to stop at any we pass (you won't have to ask!), and will certainly make at least two stops during the day.  There are also toilets 2 mins walk from our meeting place.

Dogs on Tours 

As dog lovers and owners ourselves we understand that you may bring your dogs on holiday too. We can take smaller well behaved dogs with prior agreement. Please note however that as there is limited room in the minibus any dog would need to stay on the floor. A £5 charge will apply.

Why do you ask for payment at time of booking?

We can only take a maximum of 8 people on a tour, so with numbers limited we take bookings on a first come first served basis. We have occasionally had group bookings that filled the minibus with one enquiry, so we felt the fairest way to deal with places was simply to guarantee them once payment was made. Of course there are times when you will find we have availability the next day, but equally some days are filled months in advance.

What's the itinerary for a tour?

Where we go is dictated by the weather, wind direction, tides, and time of year, on any given day, to give us the best chances of sightings. There is no set route, although we cover quite a bit of Skye in a day so see many of the sights.

I'm a keen photographer, will I be able to photograph the wildlife?

The Tours are aimed at seeing wildlife, keeping a sensible distance with no disturbance at all. Cameras are welcome and if you look at our Facebook page and website you will see that photo opportunities do frequently arise, but obviously they can't be guaranteed.

What you do get though is information of where, and how, to look. You may like to use this in your own time to sit quietly and patiently waiting to get that "shot", if you don't happen to get it out with us.

What if the weather is bad on the day?

We have run Tours in low cloud, heavy rain, and gale force winds, and still had great sightings - particularly of Otters. In reality it's rare to have a whole day of bad weather, and often we get spectacular sightings as the weather finally breaks and the wildlife comes out.

We're happy going out whatever the weather and don't see poor conditions as a particular drawback - in fact it can be an advantage at times. That said you are on holiday and supposed to enjoy yourself, so if the weather is absolutely appalling on the day and we can move you to a tour on a different day we will.

You say the Tours aren't really suitable for young children but can I bring my child?

We're happy to have children along and have had 5 year olds who have come with us and enjoyed their day. Ultimately it's a day in a minibus looking at wildlife, if you think your children will enjoy that then they are more than welcome.

When is the best time of year to see the wildlife?

All seasons offer great opportunities to see wildlife. Golden Eagles, Otters, Sea Eagles, Seals, Red Deer, Hen Harriers, are year round residents. The Summer months bring animals such as Basking Sharks and Minke Whales to the coasts. Spring and Autumn offer the chance of seeing migrants such as Arctic and Long-tailed Skuas, and Whimbrel. Winter visitors include Great Northern Divers, Barnacle Geese, and Slavonian Grebes. In fact Winter can be a great time to visit. Both eagle species start displaying in the new year, and with fewer people about the often shy Otter can be more easily spotted.

Highly Recommended

“Had a brilliant day looking for wildlife on Skye with some excellent action from the Golden Eagles. Would highly recommend to anyone who is considering booking a wildlife tour as your guide Andy is enthusiastic and very well informed on the local wildlife and how to find it.”

- September 2020

“We had a brilliant day with Andy. his spotting abilities are ridiculously good. saw great views of eagles, dolphins and a merlin. and he was very happy to answer our hundreds of questions. would recommend this for people of all ages and levels of wildlife knowledge.”

Fantastic day out

“We had a fantastic day out with Andy who was extremely knowledgeable about the island and its inhabitants. His passion for the wildlife on Skye was contagious and we would love to do another trip in the future. We saw golden eagles, sea eagles, deer, dolphins, otters and many more of the island's resident species. We were made to feel welcome, and Andy made sure that all of our party, including children, saw the animals. Fully recommend.”

- August 2020

“A brilliant day out with such a knowledgeable guide. Andy showed us a family of otters playing, sea and golden eagles and red deer, as well as explaining the landscape and animal habits. Thanks to this new knowledge we spotted more wildlife over the following days of our holiday, which I'm sure we wouldn't have otherwise.”

“We loved our day with Isle of Skye Wildlife Tours. We saw so much wildlife including otters, dolphins, seals and 3 golden eagles among many other animals. Andy was friendly and very knowledgeable and went to great efforts to ensure we saw lots of wildlife and enjoyed our experience. It really opened our eyes to what we could see on Skye. The tour provided good quality binoculars which meant we got a lot more out of our experience. We also felt very safe considering the current coronavirus situation with measures in place to protect everyone. We would definitely recommend this tour.”

“The aim of our trip was to see eagles. Andy, the tour guide, didnt disappoint and by the end of the day we had over 10 sightings under our belts. The kids now think eagles are common. Great day had by all.”

Terms and Conditions

These are the terms and conditions of Isle of Skye Wildlife Tours . 

The contract between the parties is made on the terms and conditions outlined herein.  

Price  - Prices are as advertised on the Isle of Skye Wildlife Tours website. 

Payment - Payment for tours will be required in full in advance when booking. 

Booking  - Bookings can be accepted from persons aged 18 years and over. Bookings can be secured on full payment at the time of booking, via our Bookings telephone line. Information will need to be provided at the time of booking including the name, home address, vacation address (where applicable), e-mail address and telephone numbers of the person making the booking. 

What is included  - Up to date details of what is included in the tours is publicised on the Isle of Skye Wildlife Tours website. Some Binoculars will be available for customers to borrow. 

Dates and Timings  - Dates of wildlife tours are as advertised on our website but are subject to change without notice. Customers should confirm dates and times at the time of booking. 

Customers Obligations  - Customers should ensure that they are suitably dressed for the weather conditions on the day of the tour. Some of the tours do require a small amount of walking. If you have a health problem or physical limitation, which may affect your enjoyment of the tour, then please advise us when booking. If you have specific dietary requirements, you should advise at the time of booking so that we can confirm whether we are able to accommodate you. A certain amount of tolerance is needed when touring with small groups and we expect participants to show consideration for other participants. Isle of Skye Wildlife Tours reserve the right to terminate a tour or not to take a participant if any participant behaves in a manner that is not appropriate. 

Cancellation  - Where a payment is made and the client cancels, a full or part refund of any fees paid will only be considered if a new client can be found to take their place. Isle of Skye Wildlife Tours reserve the right to charge an administration fee in relation to trips cancelled by the client, even if a refund is made. 

Where a payment is made and Isle of Skye Wildlife Tours cancels, a transfer of bookings will be offered. Should there be no suitable alternative, a full refund will be considered.  

Limitation on Liability  - Isle of Skye Wildlife Tours will not be held responsible if any of the following events occur, whilst on our tours: 

Injuries or any loss of earnings caused by those injuries Illness or any loss of earnings caused by that illness  

Target wildlife not appearing during the tour  

Cancellation caused by adverse weather conditions  

Prices , terms and details are subject to change without notification.

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Aberdeenshire bird tours.

Standryford House, Newmachar, AB21 7PW

Aberdeenshire Bird Tours offer fully bespoke birdwatching tours in this wonderful area for natural history. We can offer anything from a couple of hours birding in a local park right up to multi-day trips covering multiple different habitat types from coastal and sea birds through to mountain specialists. Puffin tours can be arranged in season (April - July) and itineraries can be tailored to target particular habitats/species as desired.

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Places To Visit in Scotland For Bird Lovers

Categories Adventure , Outdoors , Scotland

It wasn’t until I moved to Scotland that I became interested in bird watching or ‘birding’.

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I love hiking in Scotland, and so it’s only natural that I became curious about the wildlife around me. Because I’m from New Zealand, the birds of Scotland seemed so foreign to me, and I developed a desire to find out more about them.

Luckily, there are some fantastic birding sites in Scotland to explore and learn more about Scotland’s bird life.

Whether you are a local or tourist in Scotland, I hope my list of the best birdwatching sites in Scotland will give you some inspiration to visit!

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>> Read more: 25 tips for sustainable travel in Scotland

Best Birdwatching Sites in Scotland

Handa Island

Handa Island was one of my highlights on the North Coast 500 and was the island that piqued my interest in birdwatching in Scotland. It’s a nature reserve and home to over 100,000 different species of birds during the breeding season.

Just imagine this- lying down on the warm grass and peering over the cliffs’ edge to see and hear the caw of thousands of birds as they make their nests in the rock faces. It was a truly magical moment I’ll never forget.

To reach Handa Island you take a 10-minute ferry from the port of Tarbet. After a short safety and information session, you can explore the island. It takes 2-3 hours to walk around the island along a well-worn path.

Birds you might see here: Puffins [mid-May to July]; razorbills, guillemots, fulmars, razorbills, kittiwakes, oystercatchers, bonxies, Arctic skuas, Arctic tern, grouse, snipe [April-July].

The Bird of Prey Trail

The Bird of Prey Trail is a self-guided trail that runs the length of the Outer Hebrides beginning at Loch Stiapabhat on Lewis and finishing at Craigston on Barra.

The Outer Hebrides is one of the most off the beaten track places in Scotland ; it’s home to several different birds of prey and has one of the highest densities of golden eagles. There are 11 viewing locations along the trail and two ferry crossings. You can drive or cycle the 130-mile trail, or combine walking with public transport.

Birds you might see here: Golden eagles, white-tailed eagles, hen harriers, merlin, peregrine, kestrels, sparrowhawks, buzzards, short-eared owls, and long-eared owls.

>> Read more: 50+ things on my Scotland bucket list

The Isle of May

The Isle of May is one of the best birdwatching sites in Scotland to see puffins and a variety of other birds that isn’t too far from Edinburgh or Fife.

The Isle of May is located 8 kilometres from the Scottish mainland and is just under 2 kilometres long. You can catch the ferry to the island from Anstruther with Anstruther Pleasure Cruises or from the Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick. The second option is slightly more expensive however you’ll get to explore the Scottish Seabird Centre as well!

Both trips last for around 4-5 hours in total which gives you enough time to explore the trails on the small island.

The best time to visit is in spring during nesting and breeding season, and in summer when the island is home to more than 250,000 birds! Grey seals also gather on the island to mate during autumn.

Birds you might see here: Guillemots, fulmars, terns, gulls, eiders and puffins.

Read more: My guide on visiting the Isle of May

Staffa is an island that looks like something out of a Marvel film; windswept, wild and rugged, with otherworldly caves shaped by lava that have braved the elements and time.

It’s also home to an impressive flock of puffins from late April to early August! You can visit Staffa by catching a ferry with Staffa Trips and Staffa Tours . These tours depart from the Isle of Mull , Iona and Oban .

You’ll also get the chance to see Fingal’s Cave , a legendary sea cave made of basalt rock formed by lava.

Birds you might see here: Cormorants, guillemots, razorbills, black guillemots, shearwaters, fulmars, gannets, eiders, turnstones, Arctic terns, Great Skua.

Read more: How to Get to Staffa to See Puffins

Visitor Centres

The scottish seabird centre.

As I mentioned before, the Scottish Seabird Centre is located in North Berwick, not far from Edinburgh. They have interactive live cameras you can control to see local wildlife up close, a cafe, gift shop and they also offer a range of seasonal boat trips.

They also have exhibits on local marine life and a virtual reality experience so you can ‘swim’ with dolphins. The Scottish Seabird Centre is a great activity for families or anyone interested in bird and marine life!

>> Read more: 30 of the best books about Scotland you’ll love

RSPB Loch Garten Osprey Centre

The Loch Garten Osprey Centre is located within the Abernethy National Nature Reserve in the heart of the Cairngorms. It’s the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds’ [RSPB] second largest nature reserve.

Osprey’s are one of my favourite birds in Scotland- and Loch Garten is one of the best places in Scotland to see them. Osprey make their nests right here at Loch Garten from early spring until September.to August or September. The centre is open seasonally when the osprey’s return to their nests!

You can catch a glimpse of the osprey’s and their nests from a viewing platform [make sure you bring binoculars] or on the CCTV cameras inside the centre.

Birds you might see here: Osprey [March/April to August/September]; capercaillie, crested tits, goldeneyes, Scottish crossbills, great spotted woodpeckers, siskin [spring/summer]; greylag geese, pink-footed geese, coal tits [autumn/winter]; further afield- golden eagles, ptarmigan, black grouse.

Scottish Owl Centre

The Scottish Owl Centre is located close to where I live in West Lothian . It has the largest collection of owls in the world with over 100 owls!

Birds you can see here: Over 40 species of owl, including snowy owls, great grey owls, great horned owls and Western Siberian eagle owls.

Loch Lomond Bird Of Prey Centre

The Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre is located in the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. They have 34 birds of prey and owls across 26 species, including all five of the British owls. They have daily flying shows and an education cabin so you can learn more about the birds at the centre.

The Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre is just a 30 minute drive from Glasgow- making it an ideal half day trip from the city!

Birds you can see here: Golden eagles, owls, red kites, goshawks, common buzzards, kestrels and more.

>> Read more: Overtourism in Scotland and where to go instead

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Monday 27th of July 2020

Thank you for this post. Absolutely a bird watcher here.

Yvette Webster

I'm glad you enjoyed it :-)

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SCOTLAND: Highlands & Inner Hebrides

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SCHEDULED TOURS

2025 :: June 21 - July 4

TRIP LEADERS

Adrian binns.

From: $7,900  (See details) Cost is per person, double occupancy from Inverness, Scotland (INV)

6  Participants

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2025 – cost to be confirmed

2026 – May 30-June 14  Highlands & Outer Hebrides

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This tour is available as a private trip for any size group. The tour cost will vary with the number of people and any custom requests.

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Highlights of SCOTLAND: Highlands & Inner Hebrides

• Glorious Scenery
• Rugged Coastlines
• Seabird Spectacle
• Black Grouse & Gray Partridge
• Otters & Seals

Description of SCOTLAND: Highlands & Inner Hebrides

Join us to enjoy a two week trip to one of the most scenic parts of the world, discovering the birds and wildlife of Scotland’s rugged coastal islands and remote highlands. With seasonally pleasant climate, June is a wonderful time to experience resident and migratory species breeding in diverse habitats.

An exciting journey through the Inner Hebrides highlights seven beautiful islands, Skye, Eigg, Muck, Mull, Staffa, Lunga and Iona. Multiple ferry rides provide great opportunities to see some outstanding wildlife, such as Minke Whale, Grey and Common Seal, Otter, Manx Shearwater, Northern Gannets, Fulmars and Kittiwake. White-tailed Eagles soar over the western isles, while marauding skuas hunt for puffins, Razorbills, and Black Guillemots. On Iona we will hope to catch a glimpse of the secretive Corncrake.

In the famed Scottish Highlands we’ll explore rugged glens and vast moorlands from our base in the beautiful Spey Valley. The ancient Caledonian pinewoods are home to Crested Tit and Britain’s only endemic bird, the Scottish Crossbill. On the Cairngorms mountain plateau we’ll take an extended walk in search of our targets, Ptarmigan and Dotterel. Secluded lochs harbor stunning breeding plumaged Horned Grebe, Red-throated and Black-throated Loons. Rolling moorlands feature Golden Plover, Hen Harriers, Short-eared Owls and Red Grouse, while Red Kites are well-established on the Black Isle.

We will experience spectacular scenery, a wide variation in weather conditions, moderate walking and about 130 species of birds during our wonderful trip to Scotland’s Inner Hebrides and Highlands.

Length of Tour

Brief itinerary.

Day 1 – AM arrival at Inverness; transfer to Nethy Bridge Day 2 – Abernethy Forest and lochs Day 3 – Moorlands and glens Day 4 – Cairngorm Plateau Day 5 – Troup Head and East coast Day 6 – Moray Coast and Black Isle Day 7 – Transfer to Western Isles, Mull, Inner Hebrides Day 8 – Mull Day 9 – Treshnish Isles – Lunga and Staffa Day 10 – Iona Day 11 – Ardnamurchan Peninsula Day 12 – Eigg and Muck Day 13 – Transfer to Skye Day 14 – Skye and transfer to Inverness Day 15 – AM departure from Inverness

Day 1 – AM arrival in Inverness; transfer to Nethy Bridge

AM arrival (by noon) at Inverness Airport (INV) and transfer to Mountview Hotel, Nethy Bridge, our base in the Highlands for the next six nights.

Days 2 – 6 – Abernethy Forest and the Scottish Highlands

Five days birding the fabulous Scottish mainland. Our itinerary will vary according to weather and our success with birds as we progress, though the following outline gives a good idea;

Today is firmly focused on the birds which make this wonderful part of the country so special. After breakfast we visit local ‘hotspots’ in Caledonian pine forest to see Crested Tit, and we often see adults with fledged young at this time. Scottish (Parrot) Crossbill are nomadic, though present throughout the year. Red Squirrel are seen on our Hotel feeders most days. Later we investigate local lochs and rivers, birchwoods and moorland, where your list may include Osprey, Dipper, Buzzard, Goldeneye, Red Grouse, Black-throated Diver, Lesser Redpoll, Peregrine, breeding waders and Slavonian Grebe. The beauty of divers and grebes in breeding plumage spellbinds many of our participants, and during this holiday we make time to find them at close quarters.

An early start to a nearby moor to visit a Black Grouse lek is a great start. Scanning for actors in the open ground and at forest clearings we may see Red Kite, Golden or White-tailed Eagle, Goshawk, Hen Harrier, Peregrine or perhaps Merlin. Capercaillie are increasingly scare, and we no longer visit private estates during the breeding season, though incidental sighting are possible. Later we drive to the Black Isle, where birding should include Red Kite, ducks, waders, gulls and terns, particularly at Chanonry Point, a spectacular peninsula which juts into the Moray Firth, often giving close access. Depending upon the tides, we have excellent chances of seeing Bottle-nosed Dolphins too.

We spend a full day on the Cairngorm plateau, with unforgettable mountain scenery all around as we head to the right spots for Ptarmigan and Dotterel. Once Dotterel are ‘in’ by early May only bad weather can stop us seeing them. We carefully choose the best day for your comfort and safety, and we also take care not to disturb the birds. Look out also for Snow Bunting (sometimes singing). Brilliant birding in a very special habitat.

We take an exciting cruise to the foot of Troup Head, mainland Scotland’s only Gannetry to see the birds up close! Auks on the sea will include Puffin and Black Guillemot, and the first Great and Arctic Skuas of the season may be seen too. It is an exciting boat trip! Divers may be present, and we should see Rock Pipit, newly arrived Northern Wheatear and more. We also know quiet and underwatched places on the west coast where waders can be found in bright summer plumage. We also target any available rarities on this day, perhaps including King Eider. Later we plan to visit a Speyside Distillery, and perhaps sample Malt Whisky too!

A complete contrast as we visit the Moray Coast, where birding is excellent at any time of year. In summer we see gulls, terns, waders and duck, perhaps including migrants. We expect to see a range of breeding birds including Osprey fishing, Common Eider, Goosander, Red-breasted Merganser, Stonechat, Common Scoter, Red-throated Diver, Sedge Warbler, Whitethroat, Corn Bunting, Tree Sparrow, Yellowhammer and Grey Partridge. Sandwich, Common, Arctic and Little Tern, Gannet, Guillemot and Razorbill are also likely.

Day 7 – Transfer to Mull in the Inner Hebrides

We take our time as we make our way to magical Mull, heading west via Fort William and two ferries. The scenery is outstanding, becoming more rugged as we pass Ben Nevis on our way to the west coast, and we watch out for Hooded Crow, Black Guillemot, a variety of gulls, terns and ducks, and perhaps both Common and Grey Seal. On arrival on Mull we take lunch and begin to explore the island, with our key targets being Golden and White-tailed Eagles and Otter. Overnight Mull for three nights.

Day 8 – Mull

Mull is a wildlife paradise, becoming ever more popular with birdwatchers. It’s easy to see why, with more Golden and White-tailed Eagles than anywhere else in Britain, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl, Raven and a range of northern moorland species. The fields hold lots of waders, including Snipe, Golden Plover, Curlew, Lapwing and Oystercatcher, and we also intend to spend time Otter watching. All this amongst magnificent scenery, featuring towering mountainous cliffs, picturesque shorelines, rocky foreshores and beautiful pristine beaches.

Day 9 – Treshnish Isles (Staffa and Lunga) and Mull

The coastal habitat is extra special, and we enjoy a thrilling boat trip, first visiting the Isle of Staffa, where we have enough time to visit Fingal’s Cave and also scan for Great Skua. Next, on to the tiny isle of Lunga, where the ‘Puffin experience’ is one of the best in the British Isles, as we pass right by the burrows (the birds are tolerant, and a careful birder can enjoy views from a few feet). Further along auks, Shag and gulls can be safely appreciated at eye level just yards away. Photographers will love this! A quiet walk away from the main cliffs and we may hear Twite singing. Many Guillemot, Razorbill, Kittiwake and Shag are present, with Black Guillemot, Manx Shearwater and perhaps tiny Storm Petrel, Great Skua, Arctic Tern and ‘real’ Greylag Goose offshore.

Day 10 – Iona

As well as thoroughly exploring Mull itself, including a special place or two rarely visited by birders, we visit the small island of Iona. Any lingering Great Northern Diver will be superb in summer finery, and an absorbing day should once again include both eagle species and Red Deer. On Iona at this time the grassy fields around the ancient Abbey hold Corncrake. There can be up to 20 males calling, and although we can’t guarantee a sighting, we should hear the birds rasping, and are usually rewarded with a glimpse or two! In late afternoon we take the ferry back to the mainland and make the short transfer to Strontian, where we are based for three nights. On this night we hope to spot Pine Marten at a quiet and private place.

Day 11 – Ardnamurchan Peninsula

One of the most beautiful parts of Scotland. North of Mull, west of Fort William, often overlooked, yet blessed with wonderful wildlife. Rugged coastline and mountains, vast moorland and lovely sea lochs. We also expect excellent views of Golden Eagle and White-tailed Eagle, Red Deer, both seals, Raven, Hen Harrier…quiet parts of western Scotland hold very special wildlife!

Day 12 – Eigg and Muck

Minke Whale is the main target on this unforgettable boat trip. Watching a 30-foot whale swimming alongside and even underneath our boat is one of the truly wonderful wildlife experiences of Scotland. Basking Shark, Grey and Common Seal, Manx Shearwater, Black Guillemot, Raven, and maybe dolphins, Harbour Porpoise, and a tiny darting Storm Petrel ensure a wildlife day to remember! We may also see ‘real’ Rock Dove, Hooded Crow, Red-throated Diver, and perhaps eagles and skuas, plus thousands of Guillemot, Razorbill, a few Puffin, lots of Gannet, Kittiwake… birds all the way! We will call at Eigg in both directions, and stay longer on Muck, where we have time to walk and enjoy views across to Rum, and have another chance at Corncrake.

Days 13 – Skye

This morning we drive north-west to Mallaig, and take the ferry to Skye. We cross the famous Syke Bridge and explore quiet places in the hope of finding waders, eagles and other birds of prey. We have time to seek out spots away from the main tourist areas, where the scenery is awe-inspiring, and this part of the holiday will be both relaxing and rewarding as we enjoy the beautiful island scenery.

Day 14 – Transfer to Inverness

After breakfast we transfer to Inverness birding along the way along with stops at historic picturesque sites, Eileen Donan Castle, and visit Urquhart Castle on the banks of Lock Ness! Mid-afternoon arrival in Inverness.

Day 15 – Depart from Inverness (INV)

You may depart anytime this morning.

• Please note: The itinerary is given as a guide only. Actual content may vary according to the judgement of your guide(s), and elements beyond our control (eg weather).

Cost Details

$7,900 per person, based upon double occupancy, from Inverness, Scotland (Airport code INV). This trip ends in same as arrival city (Airport code ).

Single Supplement and other Cost Additions

Cost includes.

14 nights accommodation; all meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 15; all transportation by comfortable minibus from Inverness; guidance from professional leader(s); all ferry and boat fees

Cost does not include

Internal travel to Inverness meeting point; travel insurance; tip to local leader; drinks and other items of a personal nature

Minimum Number

If fewer than the minimum number of participants are registered the trip can still run with a small-group supplement fee per person determined by the number of participants.

Deposit Requirements

A $500 deposit per person is required to hold each space on this tour. Deposit may be made online by clicking the "Book Your Trip Now" button and using any credit card. If you prefer, you may call us at 888-875-9453 to pay by phone. You may also mail us a check, however, remember that all space is held on a first come-first served basis as deposits are received.

How to Book

In order to hold your space, click the "Book Your Trip Now" button above and complete the deposit process, including payment of the deposit through our Paypal portal using ANY CREDIT CARD. Upon completion of deposit, please visit our secure, online CLIENT INFORMATION FORM to complete your registration.

Final Payment

For all land-based tours: full payment by check is due 120 days prior to the departure date.

For all boat-based adventure cruises of 7-days or longer: full payment by check is required 180 days prior to departure.

NOTE : If you prefer to use credit card for final payment, a 3% fee may be added to cover the credit card merchant fees we incur.

Accommodations

14 nights at four centers, all ensuite, in comfortable hotels.

In the Highlands we will be based for 6 nights in Nethy Bridge at the Mountview Hotel.

We are in 3 locations for the Inner Hebrides portion of our trip, with 3 night stays at Strontian and on Mull, and 1 night on Skye.

Our last (14th) night we will near Inverness Airport

Activity Level

Activity level rating:  4  (note: 1 is easy and 5 is difficult).

Walking: You need a reasonable level of fitness.

Moderate walking at a slow pace, and usually no more than 2-3 miles a day. The terrain is mostly level, though there will be times when we walk distances in soft sand, moist meadows and over stoney ground.

Walking on the Cairngorms Plateau for Ptarmigan and Dotterel is strenuous, requiring a longer walk as we climb about 2000 ft in elevation, from about 2000 ft to 4000 ft.

Additional Information

Recommended Field Guide: Birds of Europe (3rd Edition, 2023, Princeton University Press) by Lars Svensson, Killian Mullarney and Dan Zetterstrom

This trip is for non-smokers only. Smoking is not permitted at any time during our tour.

No Visa is required to visit the United Kingdom.

Weather: Expect a wide variation in weather conditions. Blazing sunshine and rain are equally likely, and you will probably experience a bit of everything. Average June temperature 48-60F. Bring waterproofs, walking boots or shoes (we will walk through wet grass and puddles of water) and warm clothing. Strong winds can be a feature on the islands. The month of June has about 19 hours of daylight.

Ferry and Boat rides: Several ferry rides are needed to access Mull and Iona. Boat trips are scheduled Eigg and Muck, as well as to Staffa and Lunga.

Transportation: All transportation will be by comfortable minibus

Purchasing Flights

Do not purchase your flights until the trip has been confirmed to go.

Detailed Trip Information

Upon notification that final payment is due (120 days prior to departure for land based tours / 180 days for boat based tours), you will receive a trip package of detailed information for your tour.

Any additional information about the trip, including lodgings, contacts, participants, meeting locations, etc., will sent about 2 weeks prior to the trip departure, or after final payment is received for late registrants.

Travel Insurance

As with all tours, we recommend purchasing Travel Insurance to help cover your investment, for covered reasons. Please see our section on Travel Insurance .

Passport & Visa

US Citizens may require a visa to enter certain foreign countries. See above for any required visa information.

Participants arriving to the USA from a foreign country may need to get a travel visa to enter the United States. Be sure to check the requirements for your country of origin.

Itinerary Changes

The trip itinerary is developed many months ahead of time. Occasionally, despite our best planning, changes may occur during the trip, or we may be forced to alter our plans. Changes may occur because of weather, road conditions, safety concerns or other circumstances. In these situations, it is the leader(s) responsibility to carefully consider and implement appropriate alternatives. Any additional costs incurred because of changes will be the responsibility of each individual participant. Refunds will not be issued as a result of itinerary changes.

Trip Reports

2018 Trip Report SCOTLAND Highlands & Inner Hebrides

2018 Species Recorded SCOTLAND

2017 Trip Report SCOTLAND Highlands & Inner Hebrides

2017 Species Recorded SCOTLAND

2016 Trip Report SCOTLAND Highlands & Inner Hebrides

Image Gallery

Location Map

Edinburgh Birding and Nature Tours

Edinburgh Birding and Nature Tours brings you closer to the incredible wildlife of Scotland's capital and beyond.

From otters to waterfowl, from globally threatened species to British specialities, beautiful wildlife is only a tour away.

Our dynamic, experienced guide will ensure an unforgettable, hassle-free trip.

Welcome to Edinburgh Birding and Nature Tours!

Common Kingfisher are among Edinburgh's most beautiful species.

Tour the UK's wildest city

Brilliant birding.

Tours average 60 to 70 types of bird in a variety of habitats ,

including globally threatened species.

British specialities

Extensive experience of guests from abroad, especially the USA,

who can expect to see some of the country's most representative birds.

Otters and more

Edinburgh's family of Otters can be seen on specific tours.

Contact us for more details about otter-watching.

Private, bespoke tours

No one but you and your group. Request as many target species as you wish.

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SCOTLAND - HIGHLANDS in WINTER CELEBRATING ZOOTHERA'S 10TH ANNIVERSARY

As part of our Post Covid-19 'getting back to birding' programme we have designed another special tour, this time to the highlands of Scotland. We have booked a large 10 bedroom private house occupying an idyllic location on the edge of Grantown-on-Spey in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, with full en-suite facilities and is a perfect base for us to do some early winter birding and explore the highlands and bird-rich coast. We will also be celebrating Zoothera's 10th anniversary each evening with a series of lectures and talks, along with a cocktail evening (collar & tie not required!), a whisky tasting evening, and other special celebratory themed meals. It promises to be a right hoot! Our Scottish house party also provides the perfect opportunity to bring your non-birding partner as we are close to Grantown-on-Spey and can shuttle anyone to Aviemore or other areas for spa days or other highland experiences.  But back to the birding. Early winter can provide a feast of memorable encounters and each day will offer a different experience beginning with an early twist to our itinerary as we will depart in our minibus from the Midlands and start our birding at Caerlaverock, which is home to tens of thousands of wintering wildfowl including Barnacle Goose. And we'll be hoping for a rarity such as a Snow Goose, Red-breasted Goose or even Richardson's Cackling Goose!  Within easy drives of our house in Speyside we can venture out into one of the truly wild places left in Britain - the Scottish highlands.  November is a great time to come to the highlands and this early winter period is such an exciting time. The days may be short but there’s so much to see and the Moray coast is a big attraction with thousands of seaduck in huge rafts stretched along the coastline. Long-tailed ducks and Common Scoter are numerous, Velvet Scoter can usually be found without too much trouble and there’s often a King Eider present plus chances of a Surf Scoter as well. There are huge goose roosts with tens of thousands of Pink-foots coming into Findhorn Bay to roost daily and very often rarer geese in amongst them, with a strong supporting cast of wintering waders providing quite a spectacle. Divers and Slavonian Grebes can also be found and there are good numbers of Greater Scaup in certain spots and we can easily fill two full days with coastal birding at different locations on the Moray Coast and the Black Isle. Add to this a few pods of Bottle-nosed Dolphins too.  As for Speyside and the Cairngorms, Crested Tits are easy at this time of year and come to feeders so they don’t take much finding and good close views can be had. Meanwhile chances of Parrot, Scottish & Common Crossbills vary from year to year depending on the cone crops, but we will be in the right forests and with a bit of perseverance we should be able to find them. Capercaillies are getting scarcer each year and we'll do our best to find one in the more remoter sections of Scots Pine forest and this will be a key target during our time here. On the higher moorland Red Grouse are abundant and we have a reliable location for a Black Grouse lek which can be watched from the vehicle and doesn’t require a silly o’clock start time! Depending upon the weather conditions Ptarmigan can sometimes be found lower down on the slopes without having to trek too far up the mountain, but this is very weather dependant and Snow Buntings should be relatively easy to find with flocks building up of Icelandic migrants. There's also usually flocks of winter thrushes and most years there are good numbers of Bohemian Waxwing present too.  Raptors are a big attraction here and we should be able to find both Golden and White-tailed Eagles locally along with Peregrine, Merlin, Hen Harrier and Goshawk.  White-tailed eagles breed in Strathspey and they often stay around to winter in the Strath and can turn up anywhere, but there are some good glens just outside the National Park where our chances would be good. But we will also have a good day out over on the west coast around the  Gruinard Bay area which has a higher density of White-tailed Eagles,   good chances of Great Northern, Black-throated and Red-throated Divers, as well as giving us a really good chance to see Otter, combined with some fabulous scenery which is different to Strathspey.

And we just want to reiterate the lengths we have gone to, to provide this rather last-minute birding trip following the awful events of the previous months. We are utilising a really large house and not a hotel,  just to be on the safe side. We have our own cook to prepare a delicious range of meals every day with a variety of spirits, beers and wines included with evening meals. There's no length we won't go to, to ensure your safety. We believe this tour, considering the circumstances,  gives us the ultimate in freedom with minimum restrictions! If you have any concerns or questions, please let us know - but we've got this! After months and months of not travelling, this tour will see us rekindle the 'bird tour spirit' where we will get to see some great British birds in a stunning setting and is just the tonic we need after a difficult year! There's also a series of evening events, themed dinner, cocktails, whiskey tasting sessions and more! So why not join Zoothera's 10th Anniversary bash in the highlands? L et's go birding!

Sunday 21st Nov - Friday 26th Nov 2021

KEY SPECIES

Here are just a few of the key species we will be targetting on this tour:

• Black-throated Diver
• Great Northern Diver
• Tundra Bean Goose
• Barnacle Goose
• King Eider (rare)
• Velvet Scoter
• Surf Scoter (rare)
• Long-tailed Duck
• Black Grouse
• Capercaillie
• Golden Eagle
• White-tailed Eagle
• Hen Harrier
• Black Guillemot
• Glaucous Gull
• Iceland Gull
• Short-eared Owl
• Great Grey Shrike
• Crested Tit
• Bohemian Waxwing
• Scottish Crossbill
• Parrot Crossbill
• Snow Bunting
• Chance of rarities 
• One-centre holiday with programme of evening talks
• Chances of a rarity such as White-billed Diver

Leaders:  Nick Bray & local guides Ground Price:  £1250.00  - Inverness/Inverness Transport:   Departure by minibus from Staffordshire late morning on Sunday 21st Nov, visiting Caerlaverock NNR en-route and overnight in hotel in southern Scotland. Single supplement: £200.00 Deposit: £300.00 Group size:   Maximum 10. Included in cost:  Accommodation in a large 10 bedroom house for 4 nights, 1 night in hotel on Sunday 21st Nov, all rooms en-suite, all meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 6, picnic lunches, bottled water, choice of alcoholic drinks with evening meal, transport in 15 seater minibus, all reserve entrance fees, series of slideshows and talks most evenings, whisky tasting session on one evening, cocktail evening, Mexican dinner one evening, and other ad-hoc events and services of guides. Not included:   Airfare, insurance, and items of a personal nature.  Accommodation:  Based in large 10-bedroom house in Grantown-on-Spey, all rooms are en-suite and it's an amazing place to be based. Tour Code:   A relaxed birding tour for all levels of ability and fitness. Leisurely walking, but some is  over moderately rough terrain. Most birding is done close to our vehicle, though we will need to walk to see some of the local specialities or explore some of the sites. Expect the weather at this time of the year to be cold with some showers and even a light sprinkling of snow could occur. Walks for Ptarmigan could be quite testing, whilst waiting in the minibus for a Capercaillie to appear requires patience. Some lunches will be taken at our house, but expect picnic lunches on most days and we'll provide flasks for a welcome hot cuppa and some cake as well! The emphasis is on fun!

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Custom and Set-Departure Bird & Wildlife Tours Around the World

Scotland and ireland - birding tour, tour overview:.

Scotland is an ancient land filled with thick Caledonian pine forests, towering mountains, deep black lochs, great whiskey, and castles straight out of Braveheart. This tour takes us to all of these and more with a route that includes the scenic western Isle of Skye and the beautiful Hebridean islands of North and South Uist, as we make our way across this historic country in search of its best birds. The British Isles aren’t famed for their abundance of birds, but Scotland is often wrongly swept up in that assumption. In fact, Scotland has its very own set of specialties that draw the Brits north of the border almost constantly, but has until now remained a secret to many foreign birders. We’ll search the Caledonian Pine forests and picturesque lochs around Grantown-on-Spey for Western Capercaillie, Crested Tit, Scottish and Parrot Crossbills, and Black Grouse, before climbing the Cairngorms to find Rock Ptarmigan, Snow Bunting, Mountain Hare, and maybe too Eurasian Dotterel. We then head out to the scenic islands of Skye and the Uists, off the west coast of Scotland, to find White-tailed and Golden Eagles, Northern Harrier, Short-eared Owl, breeding shorebirds, and Parasitic Jaeger, Eurasian Otter, the stunning Red-necked Phalarope, and fields of rasping Corncrakes. If luck is on our side, we may even find one of the Snowy Owls that occasionally breed on these outlying islands. On our way to the coast we’ll search a remote valley for Golden Eagle and hundreds of Red Deer, and a small loch for superb breeding Horned Grebes. An evening spent just inches from a family of Pine Martens will also surely be a highlight.

Upcoming Departures:

Main Tour: 7 - 13 June  (TBA)

Extension: 13 - 17 June  (TBA)

Ready to Book?

Detailed itinerary, other tour details:.

Length:  7 Days (11 Days w/ Ext.)

Starting City:  Edinburgh

Ending City:  Glasgow

Pace: Relaxed

Physical Difficulty:  Moderate

Focus: Birding, History, Culture

Group size: 8 + 1 leader

Day 1: Edinburgh to Grantown-on-Spey (Scotland)

After a morning meet in Edinburgh, we’ll our way through rolling lowlands and up into the Cairngorm Mountains that form the

very heart of the scenically spectacular Scottish Highlands. We will stop several times on the way to our historic but very comfortable castle-hotel in Grantown-on-Spey, seeing plentiful Willow Ptarmigan (Red Grouse), breeding shorebirds, and

(with luck) perhaps even Rock Ptarmigan or Golden Eagle on the way. This evening we will scour local Caledonian pine forests

for the elusive Western Capercaillie, the enigmatic Crested Tit, and undeniably cute Red Squirrel. The night will be spent in Grantown-on-Spey.

Day 2: The Cairngorms

The whole of today will be spent in the core of the Highlands. This morning we plan to search again for Capercaillie and also for ‘bubbling’ Black Grouse, all the time keeping an eye and an ear out for flocks of Crossbills that may contain Common, Parrot and Scottish Crossbills within their midsts. After admiring gorgeous breeding-plumaged Horned Grebes and Common Goldeneye on a glassy, tranquil loch, and a spot of lunch, we will ascend the Cairngorms to look for snow-line breeders such as Snow Bunting, Rock Ptarmigan, Mountain Hare, and, if lucky, Eurasian Dotterel too, which can be remarkably confiding at times. A final night will be spent within the same, beautiful castle come hotel, in Grantown-on-Spey.

Day 3: Grantown-on-Spey to The Hebrides

Though today involves a fair amount of travel, it is through some of the most scenic parts of Scotland, with several great stops to include both photos of the pretty panoramas available, and birds besides. We will visit a small, scenic loch for Horned Grebe if we missed them previously, search for Golden Eagle, enjoy hundreds of Red Deer in a hidden valley, and skirt the shores of Loch Ness. Along the way we’ll stop for photos of recognisable and fairy tale-esque loch castles before making our way onto the fabled Isle of Skye, stopping for White-tailed Eagles and our first try for Eurasian Otter along the way. We’ll spend this afternoon exploring Skye, having our first look at breeding Parasitic Jaegers and a plethora of breeding shorebirds, and if there’s time, a wee dram of whiskey at a local distillery, famous for its slightly salty kick. In the evening, we’ll take the short but scenic ferry ride to the island of North Uist, hopefully encountering Manx Shearwater, Parasitic, Pomarine and Long-tailed Jaegers, Great Skua (a.k.a. “Bonxie” in these lands), Gray and Harbour Seals, and a chance of Harbour Porpoise, Common, Risso’s and Bottlenose Dolphins, Orca and Minke Whale. We’ll spend the next two nights on North Uist, and one night on the island of South Uist.

Days 4-5: The Hebrides

The Uists, part of the remote Outer Hebrides island chain, off the west coast of Scotland, are a paradise unlike any other in the UK, offering arguably the finest landscapes in all of the British Isles. We’ll spend two full days on the islands, exploring the unique machair habitat that is dotted with wonderful crofters cottages, flanked by idyllic beaches, and steeped in Celtic history. As well as plenty of birding, we’ll take time to look at some of the rich history of the islands, including Neolithic stone circles and standing stones, Iron Age roundhouses, and the burial site of mummies as old as Tutankhamun. We’ll make our way slowly around the islands, stopping for breeding loons, jaegers and shorebirds, fly-over Golden and White-tailed Eagles and low-flying Short-eared Owls and spectral Northern Harriers. Our first morning will be spent at the quaint RSPB reserve of Balranald where Corncrakes rasp from deep cover in typical fashion, but atypically here, also often show extraordinarily well. This site can also be superb for jaeger passage at this time of year, with favourable onshore winds. We’ll also search small pools and lochs for gorgeous breeding Red-necked Phalaropes and stunning breeding-plumaged Arctic shorebirds. Aside from the common British birds, including an assortment of tits, finches, thrushes and migrants, this frontier of Scotland continually produces surprises, and we may be lucky enough to see any of a number of scarce migrants and vagrants. The night of day 5 will be on North Uist, and we’ll switch to South Uist for our final night on the Hebrides. In some years, a pair of Snowy Owls breed on these outlying islands. When they do, the island on which they breed is kept a closely-guarded secret, so it will take some focused searching and a fair deal of luck, but we may be lucky enough to see these high-Arctic icons.

Day 6: The Hebrides to Fort William

This morning we’ll take the long ferry to Oban and back to mainland Scotland. The ride is around six hours, but provides some superb scenery and great wildlife watching and serves as a mini pelagic of sorts. We’ll leave the Outer Hebrides early and pass the isle of Coll and the Ardnamurchan Peninsula and finally skirt the inner shore of the Isle of Mull all the way to Oban. The birding can be great and varied, and may include all three jaegers and Great Skua, Manx and Sooty Shearwaters, European Storm Petrel, 3 species of loon, fishing White-tailed Eagles, and Golden Eagles soaring over the mountains of Mull. Marine life is also rich here and we should encounter cetaceans, possibly including Risso’s, Bottlenose and Common Dolphins, Harbour Porpoise, Long-finned Pilot Whale, Orca, and Minke Whale. Even Humpback and Sei Whales are sometimes seen. We could also see the second largest fish on Earth, the colossal Basking Shark, and the strange Sunfish. Arriving in Oban by mid-afternoon we’ll make our way up the coast toward Fort William. We’ll have time to explore the local lochs, streams and forests for birds like “Goosander” (Common Merganser), Wood Warbler, Common Redstart and Pied Flycatcher, and of course see Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the British Isles. Our lodgings for tonight also boast a resident population of Pine Marten, which come to the garden each evening and often offer phenomenal views. The night will be spent in Fort William, a Scottish settlement located on the side of scenic Loch Linnhe, within the rolling Caledonian highlands.

Day 7: Fort William to Glasgow for departure (OR to Ireland)

We will have time this morning for a last search of the local area for any additional birds, and a quick stop for a local celebrity – the extremely rare Chequered Skipper butterfly – before making our way gradually south, along the shores of Loch Lomond, to the modern city of Glasgow, in order to connect with departing flights out, or to Ireland for the Emerald Isle Extension.

Emerald Isle Extension

Introduction:

This extension gives the perfect introduction to all things Emerald Isle (as Ireland if often referred to), taking in the key highlights on a whistle-stop tour from the impressive hexagonal geology of the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, to the truly-emerald Wicklow Mountains, enormous cliffs (and associated seabirds) of Moher, and limestone scenery of the Burren National Park in southern Ireland. We’ll also take in the sights and scenery of the cities, including the birthplace of the Titanic, sites of the Irish struggle in Belfast, the Guinness brewery in Dublin, and a hefty dose of lively live Irish music and the unique Irish pub culture.

Day 1: Scotland to Belfast and Giants Causeway

Beginning straight off the back of the main tour in Scotland, we’ll take a short flight to the city of Belfast (in Northern Ireland). We’ll take time this afternoon to visit the Belfast city sites including Belfast Castle and the Titanic Quarter (where that famed cruise liner was built), and make our way out for our first night of tasting Irish beers and whiskies, live traditional Irish music and tremendous craic. The night will be spent in Belfast.

Day 2: Belfast to Dublin

In the morning we shall take a short drive north to one of the most spectacular geological sites in the British Isles – the magnificent Giant’s Causeway. This ancient formation and UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of approximately 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, more or less hexagonal in shape, and solidified lava 12 metres thick spreading not only along the Irish coast, but even across the Irish Sea to southwest Scotland. This site is popular with visitors from across the globe, and for good reason. Once the hordes arrive, we’ll make a leisurely departure south, heading to the east coast of Ireland and entering the noticeably different Republic of Ireland as we do so. We’ll drive to our base for the next two nights, the famous city of Dublin within the Irish province of Leinster. After settling into our Dublin accommodation, we’ll make our first ‘cultural’ stops at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Trinity College, and the superb Guinness brewery in the center of historic Dublin. We’ll take a tour of the premises and enjoy an ice-cold pint of the honey-consistency brew on the rooftop as we soak in views of Ireland’s most famous city. Once we’re relaxed and refreshed, we’ll take our bins in hand once more, and visit a local venue to try and track down some of the local pallid Roseate and sublime Black Terns, while the mournful cries of Mediterranean Gulls rain down from all around. This evening we’ll indulge in some fantastic pub grub, more live music, Celtic poetry and general good “craic” (a popular Irish term for fun and entertainment)!

Day 3: Wicklow Mountains and Dublin

We’ll make our way out of Dublin today on a birding trip to the beautiful Wicklow Mountains and along the east coast. Here we’ll find fantastic scenery as well as a good list of targets, including Willow Ptarmigan (Red Grouse), Northern (Hen) Harrier, Red Kite, Common Buzzard, Merlin, Gray Partridge, European Golden-Plover, Common Snipe, Common and “European” Herring Gulls, Common Cuckoo, Common Kingfisher, Common Redstart, Eurasian Stonechat, Whinchat, Ring Ouzel, Grasshopper, Sedge, Garden and Wood Warblers, Spotted and Pied Flycatchers, four species of tit, Eurasian Treecreeper, Eurasian Jay, Common Raven and the spectacular Eurasian Bullfinch. If we’re lucky we may see one of the area’s Golden Eagles, though they’re no longer common. Offshore, Harbour Porpoise and Manx Shearwater are sometimes positively abundant, and Minke Whale often seem to be uncommonly common. Humpback Whale is sometimes also often seen in this part of the Irish Sea. Tonight we’ll overnight again in Dublin.

Day 4: Dublin to County Clare

Today we’ll rise early and make our way from the Irish Sea to the Atlantic Ocean, crossing from the Irish east coast to the calm, quiet, and quaint town of Lisdoonvarna in western Ireland’s County Clare. We’ll take the opportunity to explore the striking karst limestone scenery of the Burren National Park. We’ll need to be lucky to find a day-roosting Long-eared Owl, but we’ll be sure to find Northern Wheatears running amongst a spectacular and diverse flora, while Common Redpoll and Yellowhammer sing from every available song post. The mammal population of Burren is surprisingly rich; we could encounter Red Squirrel, Irish Hare and Irish Stoat, while we’ll need good luck to find the ordinarily crepuscular European Badger and Hedgehog. We’ll finish the day at the truly spectacular Cliffs of Moher, where thousands of alcids (auks), including the comical clown-like Atlantic Puffin, Black-legged Kittiwakes, European Shags and Great Cormorants breed. Peregrines will likely patrol the cliffs, along with Eurasian Kestrel, Red-billed Chough and Northern Fulmar. We’ll make our way back to Lisdoonvarna this evening for our final night on the Emerald Isle. This is Ireland as the Irish know it, an authentic and genuine gem in the epicentre of Irish culture, where even the traditional language holds on. After dark, Long-eared Owls can often be seen and heard on the outskirts of the town, famed for its authentic Irish music and local festivals.

Day 5: Galway and departure from Shannon

We’ll have time for a survey of the Galway coast this morning before taking flights from Shannon Airport. Galway is known as one of the gull capitals of the UK, and in winter white-winged arctic gulls are positively abundant here. Few linger into the summer, but there is often an Iceland or Glaucous Gull to be found in the harbour, or a handful of stunning breeding-plumaged Little Gulls along the coast. Eurasian Otter is always an unpredictable possibility along Celtic coasts too, while Atlantic Grey and Harbour Seals are sure to be evident, before we depart these Celtic lands once and for all.

Trip Considerations

PACE: Moderate. Early starts are necessary on most days since the sun rises early in summer (around 4:40am) and birding is almost always best early in the morning. Birding in the Highlands is done mostly on foot, while elsewhere it is a mix of birding by foot and from the vehicle. Driving between bases involves several long drives (3 hours each Edinburgh to Grantown-on-Spey, Giant’s Causeway to Dublin and Dublin to Lisdoonvarna, and 3.5 hours Grantown to Uig, Skye), though they are broken with plentiful birding and cultural stops where appropriate. Once at our bases, the driving distances between sites are much shorter. Most breakfasts and at least four lunches are likely to be in the field.

PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY: Easy to moderate. Most of the birding will be on flat or slightly inclined roads or wide tracks and you can expect to walk around 2 miles (3.2 km) per day on average. One afternoon is spent birding higher in the Cairngorm mountains no higher than about 4,100 ft (1250 m). The walk here is over uneven but relatively unchallenging terrain, some of which will be on a well-worn hiking trail; however getting good views of ptarmigans will likely require going off-trail and slowly ascending a wide and gently inclining valley. The rest of the tour is spent at or close to sea level; it is suitable for anybody with a decent level of fitness.

CLIMATE: Scotland sits at a temperate latitude; even in summer, temperatures can be on the cooler side, especially in the morning and at night. Throughout the tour the temperature is likely to sit between 47°-61°F, 8.5°-16°C, however the weather in the British Isles is notoriously fickle and we can expect periods of warm sunshine, cold rain, and maybe even light snow in the Cairngorms.

ACCOMMODATION: Very good to excellent, all have private, en-suite bathrooms, full-time hot water, and 24h electricity.

PHOTOGRAPHY: This is a birding tour, but casual photographers will find worthwhile opportunities to photograph birds and other wildlife. The scenery and cultural aspect of this tour also lends itself to more general photography.

WHEN TO GO: We usually offer this tour in summer to make the most of birds being at the height of their breeding cycle and to see the return of the migrants, with many still singing and several easier to find. Summer also avoids potentially-disruptive snowfall in the mountains. However, Scotland can be fantastic at almost any time of year, and custom tours in spring and winter are also possible, with some tweaks to the itinerary.

Other Information

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: A valid passport is required; the passport must be valid for at least six months past your intended stay. Tourist visas are currently not required for citizens of a large number of countries, including the US, Canada, UK, Australia and all EU European countries. Visas are currently required of a number of nationalities, mostly in Asia, Africa, South America and the Middle East. Travel requirements are subject to change; if you are unsure, please check with the nearest embassy or consulate, or ask our office staff for help.

WHAT’S INCLUDED?: Tips to lodge/restaurant staff; accommodation from the night of day 1 to the night day 6, and to the night of day 4 of the extension if taking the extensin; meals from dinner on day 1 to lunch on day 7, and to lunch on day 5 of the extension if taking the extension; reasonable non-alcoholic beverages during meals; safe drinking water only between meals (tap water is potable so you will be expected to fill your bottles where possible); Tropical Birding tour leader with scope and audio gear from the afternoon of day 1 to the afternoon of day 7, and to the afternoon of day 5 of the extension if taking the extension; ground transport for the group to all sites in the itinerary in a suitable vehicle driven by the tour leader; entrance fees to sites mentioned in the itinerary; one way flight Glasgow-Belfast (only if taking the extension); excess baggage charges; a printed and bound checklist to keep track of your sightings (given to you at the start of the tour – only electronic copies can be provided in advance).

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?: Optional tips to the tour leader; tips for luggage porters in hotels (where available and if you require their services); flights apart from the one included on the extension; snacks; additional drinks apart from those included; alcoholic beverages; travel insurance; excursions not included in the tour itinerary; extras in hotels such as laundry service, minibar, room service, telephone calls, and personal items; medical fees; other items or services not specifically mentioned as being included.

Tour Reviews

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Best Bird Watching Locations in Scotland 2020

Table of Contents

Scotland is widely regarded as an excellent destination for bird watching. The rich variety in landscape types and ecosystems over a relatively small area means that nature lovers can see a huge variety of birds – both native resident and migratory species. Let’s take a look at some of the very best bird watching sites in Scotland.

WHAT IS THE BEST BIRD WATCHING LOCATION IN Scotland?

1. the cairngorms national park.

Several remaining remnants of the ancient Caledonian Forest are found within the breathtaking Cairngorms National Park. There are a number of bird species that breed only in this ecosystem and nowhere else in the British Isles. These include the western Capercaillie, the common goldeneye, the Parrot crossbill and Scottish crossbill, and the European crested tit. 

Climbing high into the national park’s peaks and onto its high plateau, you may be lucky enough see a range of other iconic bird species such as snow buntings, ptarmigan and dotterels, as well as seasonal mountain visitors like the ring ouzel.

– TripAdvisor Profile

– Lonely Planet Profile

2. RSPB Abernethy Forest Nature Reserve, Strathspey

Within Cairngorm’s National Park, one particular destination deserves to be singled out for special mention. The RSPB Abernethy Forest Nature Reserve is one of the largest nature reserves in Europe. On the shores of Loch Garten, the Loch Garten Osprey Centre is one of the very best places to see these majestic birds of prey. Here there is a nest cam which allows birdwatchers to observe nesting behaviour and young, and the chance to spot the birds diving for fish.

3. Forsinard Flows RSPB Reserve, The Flow Country, Caithness & Sutherland

Another large RSPB reserve is the Forsinard Flows. This is part of an area that is known as ‘The Flow Country’ – a large area of deep blanket bog that is home to an array of bird species, including red and black throated divers, greenshanks and golden plover that all nest here, predated upon by golden eagles, merlin and short-eared owls.

4. Glen Affric National Nature Reserve

Speaking of golden eagles, you may also catch a glimpse of one in Glen Affric, said to be one of the most picturesque glens in the country. As in the Cairngorms National Park, here you can also find remnants of ancient Caledonian forest, and may spot some of the native forest birds. You may also be lucky enough to spot osprey around Loch Beinn a’Mheadhain.

5. ‘ Eagle Island’ – The Isle of Mull

Another great spot to look for eagles is the Isle of Mull. This is one of the best places in the British Isles to look for Golden Eagles. The island is also well known for its white-tailed sea eagle population. The two birds of prey are often seen flying together. But Mull is not only known for its eagles, but also for being a great place to spot a wide range of other bird species, including seabird species such as puffins, fulmars, guillemots, shags, kittiwakes and gulls. Birdwatchers can also see numerous divers on inland lochs during the summer months, and many woodland birds in tree-covered, sheltered spots.

6. The Nature Reserves of the Orkney Isles

The Orkney Isles offer yet more impressive birdwatching opportunities, especially within the thirteen RSPB reserves dotted around the islands. On Orkney, not only will you be able to see many seabirds, wetland birds and moorland birds, you will also get the opportunity to see a wide range of migratory birds passing through in large numbers, including rare birds not usually spotted on mainland Scotland. As the climate changes, new additions to migratory flocks have included Iceland gulls, glaucous gulls, green and blue winged teals, ring necked ducks, and red breasted geese.

7 . Scottish Seabird Centre, Bass Rock & The Isle of May

Birdwatchers that are particularly interested in seabirds should be sure to stop by the Scottish Seabird Centre. In the Firth of the River Forth, small islands play host to some of Scotland’s most important seabird habitats. At the Scottish Seabird Centre you can visit a discovery centre and take seasonal boat rides to find out more about these important nature reserves. Separating East Lothian, near Edinburgh, from the Kingdom of Fife, the Firth of Forth is a haven for birdlife, most particularly on the two islands – Bass Rock and the Isle of May.

Bass Rock is home to more than 150,000 gannets. This is the world’s largest colony of Northern gannets and it has been described by naturalists as one of the wildlife wonders of the world. The Isle of May is home to a diverse range of birds, including puffins, terns, razorbills, shags and cormorants. During the height of the breeding season, over 200,000 seabirds of 14 species nest on the island.

8. Caerhaverock Wetland Centre, Dumfries & Galloway

This centre on the northern shore of the Solway Firth is one of the best places in the UK to see geese and swans. Virtually the entire Svalbard population of barnacle geese overwinters here. Each autumn, thousands flock here to south west Scotland to take advantage of the relatively mild climate and abundance of food.

Yet of course, this diverse wetland environment is also visited by and home to a huge range of other birds and other wildlife. More than 140,000 wading birds, including pink-footed geese, goldeneyes, dunlins, grey plovers and golden plovers have been recorded in winter and many others of birds pass through. In summer, around 45-50 different bird species breed here, including shelducks, redshanks, curlews and oystercatchers.

9. Knockshinnoch Lagoons Wildlife Reserve, Near Cumnock, Ayrshire

This reserve is a diverse mosaic of islands, lagoons, marsh, reed beds and wet woodland created by surrounding coal bings on the upper River Nith Valley. It is home to a wide range of breeding birds including water rail, whinchat and reed bunting, and many migrating species can be seen here too in winter. This is just one of many such smaller and less well known reserves that are also excellent spots for birdwatching in Scotland.

10. Gretna Green, Dumfries & Galloway  

Gretna Green may be more famous for runaway weddings, but it is also a famed birdwatching destination amongst those in the know. This place is not known for its diversity of bird species,nor for being a spot to see rare species. Instead, this is a place to see one of the best birdwatching spectacles that there is to see – starling murmurations. Sweeping clouds of up to 50,000 birds can be seen here in the autumn and winter months, making this one of the best places to see this spectacle in the British Isles.

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We are avid bird-watchers who recently retired, allowing us more time to travel the world. Fortunately, we have managed to visit numerous countries around Europe, Asia, and America. Watching and photographing birds has been a passion for many years and we are making the most of the extra time on our hands!

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