Birding holidays in Scotland
 

Argyll and the Isles -

Summer 2009

Featuring Mull, Iona, Treshnish Isles and
The Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

Five day tour aiming to see White-tailed Eagle, Golden Eagle, Osprey, Hen Harrier,
Black throated Diver, Puffin, Great Skua, Barn Owl, Black Grouse and Corncrake.

Possible bird list of 130 species. Maximum of 8 persons and 2 leaders.

Dates: 22nd to 27th May and 5th to 10th June 2009

Hotels: Salen Hotel, Mull and The Rosslea Hotel, Helensburgh on a Dinner,
Bed and Breakfast basis with lunch included. 

Cost: £725.00 per person.  

Early Friday afternoon - arrival in Glasgow. You will be picked up and transferred free of charge to the Salen Hotel, Mull.

			En route we will have our evening meal in one of Loch Lomond's character hotels before making our way to Oban, a bustling fishing town and gateway to the Hebrides. Here we will catch the ferry to Mull.
Mull has a worldwide reputation and is widely regarded as a wildlife paradise. Whilst on this wildlife-rich island, our main objective is White-tailed Eagle. For those who will see White-tailed Eagles for the first time, it is without doubt a jaw dropping experience! The Sea Eagles, as they are better known are the highlight for many on our trips and Mull has probably the best population of these remarkable raptors. Mull has a fantastic range of species and we expect to see Golden Eagle, Hen Harrier and Short eared Owl. Mull has one of the best and most successful populations of Golden Eagles and we will visit a number of sites to enjoy spectacular views of these wonderful raptors.
	We will visit the cradle of Christianity in Scotland - Iona. It is a special place that boasts fantastic scenery and history, but from a bird watcher's point of view, an essential tick on any trip to the west of Scotland is the Corncrake. With patience, some remarkable views of this lovely bird can be obtained. Other species that are seen on Iona are Rock Dove, Wheatear and Twite.
Scotland is renowned for its seabird populations and no trip to this part of the world would be complete without a visit to the Treshnish Isles. During the crossing we can boost the species list hopefully by adding Great and Arctic Skua, Manx Shearwater, Fulmar, Guillemot, Arctic and Sandwich Tern before arriving at the Treshnish Isles and getting up close and personal with one of Britain's most endearing birds, the Puffin. Nowhere in the country can you get such incredible views and the real experience of a lifetime with these beautiful birds.
	This part of Scotland is also one of the best cetacean watch points in the UK for Minke Whales, dolphins and porpoises and if you are lucky, Basking Sharks. During our holidays in 2008 we recorded over 30 Basking Sharks during our tours.
This tour also includes a visit to the island of Staffa which boasts Fingal's Cave and we will spend time on the island and get the opportunity to walk into the cave and marvel at the geology that inspired Mendelssohn's Hebrides Overture.
	Whilst on Mull, we will do some mammal watching. Our target species will be red deer, and everyone's must-see mammal.....the otter. We will visit a number of otter hot-spots to watch these beautiful mammals, and to date, we have always seen these lovely creatures and have never been disappointed.
Wild Caledonia is delighted to say that we fully support the multi award-winning Eagle Watch Initiative which is managed by Wildlife Crime Officer, Constable Findlay Christine of Strathclyde Police and Dave Sexton of the RSPB. We will meet Findlay and Dave and hear of their work protecting these magnificent birds. With considerable good humour, we are assured of an excellent evening enjoying their stories and adventures when protecting the magnificent White tailed Eagle. This will be a fitting conclusion to what will be a most memorable visit to Mull.
	The next day will start with a ferry trip back to Oban, on the mainland of Argyll. In the harbour nest Black Guillemots and there is always a good range of gulls. We will then travel through northern Argyll and stop off at a few of the remote glens to enjoy views of Golden Eagle. These spectacular birds are at their highest density in Scotland here in Argyll and what better place to see them, set amongst the scenery of the Loch Lomond National Park.
Whilst here we usually see Raven and Peregrine Falcon before we progress on to the aptly named Loch Awe to look for Black-throated Diver and enjoy some cracking views of a classic Caledonian species, Osprey. We will take some time to enjoy the birthplace of Scotland's historical past as we pass the ancient site of Kilmartin, once the burial site of the first Scottish Kings. It boasts some of the best standing stones and examples of Celtic and prehistoric culture in Scotland.
	During your holiday we will also spend time amongst the expanse of wet oakwoods that cascade down the banks of Loch Lomond. There are RSPB and national nature reserves to wander through to see Redstart, Wood Warbler, Pied and Spotted Flycatchers, Tree Pipit, Redpoll and Siskin.
The last day of your break will be spent in the Glens of Loch Lomond looking for Hen Harriers, Black Grouse and Short-eared Owl. The glens are also home to breeding Dipper, Grey Wagtail, Stonechat, Whinchat, Cuckoo, Curlew, Oystercatcher and Common Sandpiper. As the holiday comes to a close we will stop for a short time for one of the highlights of your time on Loch Lomond when we will help with the ringing of Barn Owls or Kestrels which is a thoroughly hands-on, enjoyable and fascinating experience.
What's included in your holiday: Dinner, bed and breakfast Lunch Teas and coffees during your days birding All transport, ferry and excursion costs All guiding services Evening talks Entry to all estates and activities All transfers to and from your holiday hotel		What's not included in your holiday: Drinks at dinner or at the bar Items of a personal nature
This is a very popular birding holiday and places are limited. Book early to avoid disappointment. Please ask about our group discount for bird clubs and natural history societies.

Gallery of images taken by and of previous Wild Caledonia clients

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