|
Argyll and the Isles -
Winter 2009
Featuring Mull, Iona and The Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park
Five day tour aiming to see White-tailed Eagle, Golden Eagle, Hen Harrier, Great northern and Black throated Diver, White fronted, Barnacle and Bean geese. An array of winter wildfowl and waders plus Red Deer and Otter!
Possible bird list of 120 species. Maximum of 8 persons and 2 leaders.
Dates: 20th - 25th November 2009
Hotels: Salen Hotel, Mull and The Rosslea Hotel, Helensburgh on a Dinner, Bed and Breakfast basis with Lunch included.
Cost: £699.00 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.
|
From Oban we will make the short sea crossing to Craignure on the Isle of 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. During our time here we expect to see such species as Golden Eagle, Hen Harrier and Merlin.
The pine woods have Common Crossbill, Goldcrest, Siskin and Lesser Redpoll.
The coastline boasts impressive numbers of Great northern and Black throated Divers as well as Slavonian Grebes. |

|
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. |
 |
 |

|
We will visit the cradle of Christianity in Scotland, Iona. It is a special place that boasts fantastic scenery and history. The island holds wintering Rock Dove, Twite and occasionally rare white winged gulls like Glaucous and Iceland.
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 Black Guillemots will have changed into their wintering garb and there is always a good range of wintering 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 south into deepest Argyll. |
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. |
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 Dipper, Grey Wagtail and Stonechat.
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 adult Common Buzzards which is a thoroughly hands on, enjoyable and fascinating experience.
Conducted under licence, we will hear about the conservation project helping to understand the population and distribution of these large raptors. Once weighed and ringed there is always the chance of a photograph to remember this memorable 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. |
|