HIGHLAND BIRDING in MARCH

SAT 18 MARCH – SAT 25 MARCH 2023

SAT 16 MARCH – SAT 23 MARCH 2024

PRICES: from £1595pp

Early Birder Prices from £1495pp (subject to availability). Contact us before booking! No single supplement. Full details are on our website. Please read FIELD NOTES on page 9.

An exciting holiday across the Highlands, designed to maximise our birding as winter turns to spring. Speciality species include Scottish Crossbill, Crested Tit, Black Grouse, Golden and White-tailed Eagle, Ptarmigan, Snow Bunting and good chances of Slavonian Grebe and three or even four diver species in breeding plumage. Winter birds will still be with us in good numbers and one of the main advantages of birding this far north is the opportunity to see many species at close quarters. We will also pay attention to rarities within reach and this can be an excellent time for ducks, geese, gulls, raptors and passerines to augment an already outstanding birding experience

The second half of March is one of the best times to visit. Our wildlife is busy, breeding birds are keen to attract a mate and migrants are on the move. Summer visitors are beginning to arrive and there will still be plenty of wintering geese, wildfowl, waders and gulls around – great variety beckons! Based at the Mountview Hotel, we have maximum flexibility to plan the week according to weather, tides and bird reports. The outline itinerary allows for three days at the coast and three days in Strathspey and the Cairngorms, though if we are successful with our key targets locally we may adapt plans daily to increase your birdlist. A definite highlight will be a stunning visit to the west coast - we will pick the best day possible; there is nowhere better than the West Coast of Scotland on a nice spring day! This holiday takes in some of our most stunning and iconic scenery, all the while enjoying superb birdlife and general wildlife as the season turns to spring.

In recent years, our small groups have enjoyed some fantastic Highland birds and winter wildlife experiences. The flexible itinerary has helped our groups see many rarities on previous trips, including White-billed Diver, Snow Goose, American Wigeon, Blue-winged and Green-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck while influxes of Waxwing and Brambling have proved equally memorable. Exciting raptors, including Goshawk, Hen Harrier, White-tailed Eagle, Merlin and Peregrine become more active during March. Golden Eagle are displaying, Black Grouse are especially active on the lekking sites and Crested Tit may can be been heard singing as spring really starts in the Highlands.

Total species c. 120. Mammals may include Red Squirrel, Red Deer, Roe Deer, Grey Seal, Common Seal. Otter, Mountain Hare, Bottle-nosed Dolphin and Harbour Porpoise are possible.