Enjoy spectacular congregations of geese and other waterbirds on the islands of Islay and Jura. Additional attractions include a host of birds of prey, choughs, plus seals, otters and the local whisky.
Based for five nights on Islay, this tour focuses on the island’s spectacular gatherings of waterbirds. In early spring large numbers of overwintering barnacle geese from their high Arctic breeding grounds, along with Greenland white-fronted geese and smaller numbers of pale-bellied brent, pink-footed and wild Canada geese can be enjoyed. Other waterbirds include whooper and mute swans, eider, Slavonian grebe, goldeneye, long-tailed duck and wigeon.
The charismatic chough is another highlight of our visit to this rugged island as it remains one of their British strongholds along with other scarce species, such as twite, that gather in flocks at this time of year. There are fantastic numbers of waders along the coasts and at this time of year seabirds such as gannets and guillemots begin to return to while stunning wintering sea ducks are still present.
Islay is the best location in the British Isles to observe white-tailed eagles hunting the numerous wintering geese, which can be a dramatic sighting to experience if we're lucky. Birds of prey are a feature of this tour with good possibilities to see both white-tailed and golden eagles displaying on clear days, and ghostly hen harrier, merlin, and short-eared owl patrolling the wild moorlands. Otters, harbour, and grey seals are regularly seen around the scenic coastline, while on Jura there are many thousands of red deer and dramatic mountain vistas.
Typical Itinerary
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Day 1:
Arrive Glasgow
We meet at our hotel in Glasgow and dine together before setting off for Islay the following morning.
Accommodation: Premier Inn, 1-night
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Day 2:
Ferry to Islay
From Glasgow we head to Kennacraig ferry terminal near Tarbert, where we take the early afternoon Caledonian MacBrayne ferry to Port Askaig on Islay (pronounced Eye-ler).
On disembarking at Port Askaig, we explore a few locations en route to our accommodation where we stay for the duration of our visit to the island.
We stop at Loch Finlaggan, which is the administrative centre of the Lordship of the Isles, but also home to an abundance of wildlife. The visitor centre is not open in winter, which means the site is quiet and perfect for birdwatching.
Accommodation: Bridgend Hotel, 5-nights
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Day 3:
Explore the Oa
Today we explore the south of Islay – mainly the peninsula known as the Oa. This RSPB reserve is a beautiful spot consisting of moorland, farmland and cliffs. After a short but steep walk to the top of the cliffs, we hope to see red-billed choughs performing acrobatic aerial displays known as ‘dancing’ around. Other species may include peregrine and both golden and white-tailed eagles, while twite, reed bunting and other farmland birds can be seen flocking together to feed and roost.
We continue past Port Ellen to the 8th century Kildalton Cross, one of Scotland’s finest early Christian carved-stone crosses, stopping along the way to scan for wildlife – in particular, otters.
On the drive back to the hotel, we keep our eyes peeled for short-eared owl and hen harrier as we pass through the peatlands that supply the whisky industry for which Islay is so well known.
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Day 4:
Drive to Loch Gruinart & Gruinart Flats
Today we head north to Loch Gruinart and Gruinart Flats for the day. Managed by the RSPB, the wildlife and flora in this area is thriving. At this time of year we can see large flocks of migrant geese and waterfowl, feeding up before preparing to depart for their breeding grounds, with eagles and other birds of prey taking full advantage.
If lucky, we may also see red deer on the nearby hillsides and more red-billed choughs along with hundreds of waders gathering on the estuary.
We also pay a short visit to Islay Woollen Mill, which has produced high-quality woven fabrics since 1983 (the mill was founded 100 years earlier), including some for Hollywood films such as Braveheart, Rob Roy and The BFG.
As the evening draws in, we make our way back to the warmth of our hotel, watching for short-eared owl and hen harrier along the way.
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Day 5:
Day excursion to Jura
Today we take a morning ferry from Port Askaig across to Feolin on neighbouring Jura, which is dominated by ‘The Paps’ – three steep-sided mountains – and a large population of red deer.
We spend the day driving up Islay’s east coast, where the rocky coastline creates perfect conditions for numerous otters that live along the shore. Inland is blanket bog and mountains where we look for eagles, harriers and the many red deer that inhabit the island.
Some short walks allow us to take in the breathtaking views, explore various archaeological sites, and scan for cetaceans and seabirds. As the light starts to fade, we cross back to Islay.
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Day 6:
The Rhinns & the west
Our final day takes us to the area known as The Rhinns on the west of the island. We circumnavigate this peninsula, taking in places such as Saligo and Machir Bay for waders, choughs and some specialist sand dune flora, then continue to Portnahaven, scanning for eagles as we go.
After a coastal walk at Port Wemyss, we continue along Loch Indaal to scan for divers, waterfowl and seals.
There may even be an opportunity to stop at a distillery that has now diversified and produces gin as well as single malt whisky.
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Day 7:
Return to Glasgow
Today we catch the afternoon ferry from Port Ellen back to the mainland, which gives us a final few hours to enjoy the wildlife.
From Kennacraig we drive back to Glasgow to be dropped off at either Glasgow Airport or Central Station.
