NEW! BUTTERFLIES, DRAGONS & BIRDS

SAT 8 JULY – SAT 15 JULY 2023

SAT 6 JULY – SAT 13 JULY 2024

PRICES: from £1695pp

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.

A new holiday aimed at the general naturalist, celebrating some of the special birds, butterflies and dragonflies found during the short Highland summer. Dividing our time between our own base at Mountview Hotel in Nethy Bridge and the stunning west coast, we enjoy the best wildlife experiences available, focusing specifically on key birdlife and two fascinating insect orders.

Late-summer birding is good, with many of the Highland specialities present in high numbers after the breeding season. We scan for eagles and divers in the west while return wader passage will be well under way at coastal haunts. Amongst the butterflies, tricky to find Mountain Ringlet is the ultimate prize, with Northern Brown Argus and Large Heath also high upon our wish-list. Desirable dragons include Azure Hawker, Northern and Brilliant Emerald, White-faced Darter and range restricted Northern Damselfly. The weather is of course key, and by visiting as many sites as possible we have every chance of success!

Our most comprehensive butterfly and dragonfly itinerary to date, we devote more time to scarce and range-restricted species than any other tour. Please be aware that this is a very weather dependent tour, and sunny days will be dedicated to butterflies and dragons, though our itinerary may need to be quite flexible. Strictly limited to just one group, with maximum seven clients.

SAT 15 JULY – SAT 22 JULY 2023

SAT 13 JULY – SAT 20 JULY 2024

PRICES: from £1695pp

Early Birder Prices from £1545pp (subject to availability). Contact us before booking!

No single supplement. Full details and a Trip Report are on our website. Please read FIELD NOTES on page 9.

An exceptional holiday, combining birding with three days exploring remote places on the rugged west coast. We take our time in picture-postcard villages including Applecross, Shieldaig, Pennan and Crovie, giving a different flavour of wildlife and culture on an easy-paced birding tour.

We enjoy two nights on the west coast, watching for Golden and White-tailed Eagle in stunning mountain scenery. Here, Black-throated Diver are gathering in sheltered bays and we scout the shore for waders and Otter. An exhilarating boat trip into the Minch will be a highlight, where all manner of hard to see birds, including skuas, petrels and shearwaters may be enjoyed at close range and we might also find Minke Whale, Harbour Porpoise, dolphins and Basking Shark. In the Applecross hills we hope to find Ptarmigan, enjoying magnificent views across to Skye, and even the Outer Hebrides on a clear day.

In the Scottish Highlands we seek Slavonian Grebe, Red-throated Diver, Crested Tit and Scottish Crossbill. On the Black Isle we look for Red Knot and Bar-tailed Godwit in bright colours, with perhaps a scarce wader like Curlew Sandpiper hiding among their number. Red Kite and Tree Sparrow are found at favoured sites, and we may see Bottle-nosed Dolphin on the turning tide. On the east coast, Gannets are probably the most populous bird on the cliffs, which may also hold a few Razorbill, Guillemot, Fulmar, Kittiwake and Shag. We may see Short-eared Owl feeding large chicks on the open moorland, find Black Grouse beginning to return to their lek, Red Grouse in families with large chicks or a returning Hen Harrier - there are many possibilities!

Total species approx 110. Mammals may include Red Squirrel, Red Deer, Roe Deer, Grey Seal, Common Seal. Otter, Mountain Hare, Bottle-nosed Dolphin and Harbour Porpoise are possible.

Five nights at Mountview Hotel. Two nights at a comfortable hotel on the west coast.

Combine with:

SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

Eagles, Divers and Dotterel including Mull (p21), Highlands & Wester Ross (p22).

SCOTTISH ISLANDS

Outer Hebrides and the Shiants (p39), Ultimate Outer Hebrides (p38), Orkney in High Summer (p41).

Combine with:

SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

Eagles, Divers & Dotterel (p21), NEW! Butterflies, Dragons and Birds (p22), Birds and Mammals inc Perthshire (p23), Highland Wildlife in High Summer (p23).

SCOTTISH ISLANDS

Shetland Wildlife in Summer (p38). NEW! Mull and Ardnamurchan Wildlife Spectacular (p41).