Heatherlea Brochure 2026/27

2026/27

Birding and Wildlife Holidays in Scotland and Worldwide

Welcome to the Heatherlea Brochure!

Once again, we are delighted to present an incredible selection of birding and wildlife holidays around the globe, with the majority of our trips based at our hotel in the Highlands of Scotland.

Heatherlea has always been about more than just travel — we are about sharing unforgettable encounters with nature, whether that’s watching eagles soar over the Cairngorms, hearing the dawn chorus in a tropical forest, or spotting rare migrants on a remote island.

Since becoming an employee-owned company, we have continued to grow and invest in every part of Heatherlea. Our guiding team has expanded with talented leaders who bring expertise and enthusiasm to every trip, while our office staff ensure your journey with us is seamless from the first enquiry to the final farewell. We’ve also introduced new destinations both at home and overseas, giving you even more opportunities to explore the world’s most inspiring wildlife locations. Alongside this, we’ve launched our new website and online booking system, making it easier than ever to plan your next adventure.

Our ethos hasn’t changed since we were established in 1991: to provide friendly, fun wildlifewatching experiences amongst beautiful scenery, with locally-sourced food and personal service at the heart of everything we do. This brochure offers a snapshot of the destinations and itineraries planned over the next two years, from classic favourites to exciting new tours. For full details, our website is always the best place to explore, and we’ll keep you updated throughout the year with regular e-newsletters and social media posts featuring new trips, news, and upcoming changes.

We hope you enjoy browsing through this brochure, and we look forward to welcoming you on one of our adventures soon — whether here in Scotland, on a Scottish island, or further afield.

Wherever you join us, you can be sure of Heatherlea’s hallmark blend of expert guiding, warm hospitality, and unforgettable wildlife experiences.

The Heatherlea Team

Photo credits Cover Photo: Cover Photo: Ptarmigan by Pete Walkden Back Cover: Red-throated bee-eater by Ondrej Prosicky/Shutterstock Photos: Faraz Abdool, Vernie Aikins, Jolene Allan, Rosie B Wild, Suchit Basnet, Birding Korea, Jenna Berry, Klay Blake, Aidan Branch, Rob Carr, James Champion, Mike Coleman, Enrique Couve, Peter Cosgrove, Cotinga Tours, Peter Csonka, Leio De Souza, Wilson Diaz, Barry Embling, Finnature, Ian Ford, Paul Freestone, George Gay, Dimiter Georgiev, Simeon Gigov, Gerard Gorman, Toby Green, Chris Hughes, Andy Jones, Rob Jordan, Tang Jun, Elmeri Jutti, Phil Knott, Lokesh Kumar, Letaka Safaris, Bob Lewis, Leon Marais, Emma McBride, Neil McIntyre, Gavin McKinnon, Brahim Mezane, John Muddeman, Scott O’Hara, Holly Page, Jari Peltomaki, Niall Perrins, Chris Rodger, Rubythroat Birding, Peter Stronach, Rodrigo Tapia, Andres Trujillo, Machiel Valkenburg, Mladen Vasilev, Washington Wachira, Pete Walkden, Mark Warren, David Whitaker, Jorge Valenzuela

CONTENTS

WELCOME TO HEATHERLEA

2

MEET THE TEAM

4

GROUPS AND TAILORMADE

7

OUR BASE IN THE HIGHLANDS

8

FIELD NOTES

9

SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

10

SCOTTISH ISLANDS

34

REST OF THE UK

48

OVERSEAS WITH HEATHERLEA

56

EUROPE

59

AFRICA

70

AMERICAS

73

ASIA, MIDDLE EAST & AUSTRALASIA

79

HOLIDAY CALENDAR

84

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HEATHERLEA BIRDING & WILDLIFE HOLIDAYS

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Welcome to HEATHERLEA! Heatherlea run birding and wildlife holidays throughout the year in the Scottish Highlands, the Scottish Islands, and Overseas. For 35 years we have welcomed like-minded folk to our Scottish headquarters to share the warmth of Highland hospitality and the buzz of having amazing encounters with birds and animals in rugged, open landscapes.

Many of our friends return year after year to enjoy the wildlife, the roaring open fire after a day in the field, the delicious, home-cooked, locally-sourced food, and the friendly, comfortable and safe base of the Mountview Hotel, nestled amongst the Caledonian Pine Forest in the Cairngorms National Park. The entire company, from the guides, the office, the kitchen staff, the chefs, the housekeepers and the front-ofhouse team maintain the original family-run ethos of ensuring that every part of your holiday is planned in a sensible and sustainable way, and every guest feels comfortable, included and is treated to a real experience, wherever in the world that may happen to be!

As well as having knowledgeable guides and professional hotel staff, Heatherlea holds an ATOL Licence (6113) granted by the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) which guarantees the protection of all payments to us for every package tour booked by a UK or EEA resident that includes a flight; plus we hold a specialist Tour Operator Insurance. When it comes to finances, everything is also done properly for that extra peace of mind and security.

As both staff and guest numbers and holiday destinations continue to expand, our enthusiasm and dedication to constantly improving the guest experience remains as strong as ever. So, if you are a regular guest or somebody who is considering joining us for the first time, we look forward to sharing the Heatherlea experience with you!

RESPONSIBLE TOURISM Heatherlea was founded by nature lovers for nature lovers and key to our ethos is helping to protect the wild and wonderful places that we visit both in Scotland & Overseas. We are aware that global travel has ecological consequences, and as part of our responsibility we actively seek to reduce waste on all our holidays, we support local rewilding and conservation projects where we can and encourage our partners around the world to do the same where they have the opportunity to do so. In our own hotel we continually work to enhance our site for wildlife and our guests alike. Our kitchen garden and use of local suppliers means that food miles are at a minimum and we are committed to eliminating the use of disposable plastic on our tours. In our grounds, wildflower meadows and native trees provide an essential habitat for local species and in August 2022 we built a wildlife pond in the grounds of the hotel in conjunction with the British Dragonfly Society. In the preceding years have seen a number of species visit including Four-spotted Chaser, Black Darter, Southern Hawker, Common Hawker, plus scarce White-faced Darter! Our aim is to continually improve our efforts in operating our holidays in an environmentally responsible manner.

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HEATHERLEA BIRDING & WILDLIFE HOLIDAYS

tel: 01479 821248

email: info@heatherlea.co.uk

web: www.heatherlea.co.uk

SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS HOLIDAYS Our hotel in the Scottish Highlands is exclusively used for birding tours. We are based in the old Highland village of Nethy Bridge, located at the edge of the Abernethy Forest National Nature Reserve in the Cairngorms National Park. Our groups are small in size (max. 14), with a high level of personal attention, as we focus on wonderful Scottish birding all year round. Comfortable en-suite rooms, all meals, all transport, access fees and guidance are included, to give you everything you need from our toprated birding holidays.

Although many key species can be seen near the hotel, from our central location (despite being in The Highlands, we’re only 30 miles from the geographical centre of Scotland!), we are easily able to take our minibuses in all directions to seek wildlife experiences, from the far north to both the east and west coasts.

Many of our Nethy-based holidays incorporate a night (or two) further afield to maximise the quality of the holiday, and to reduce the mileage covered! Highland holidays show you all the wildlife, and include all accommodation, food, travel, access fees and any ferry charges. You get terrific value from our fully inclusive holidays, so book with confidence – there are no hidden extras! Turn to page 10 to read more.

Photo: Pete Walkden

SCOTTISH ISLANDS HOLIDAYS Scotland has over 800 islands around its coastline, and nearly all of them contain special wildlife. Throughout the year, we visit many of these islands (usually, but not always, the 94 inhabited ones!), and enjoy the huge variety of incredible habitats, landscapes, culture and the unique character that each island has.

We are experts on the Scottish isles, with many holidays focusing on the Outer Hebrides, Orkney, Shetland, Islay and Jura, Mull, Skye, Canna, Coll, Tiree, the Small Isles (Eigg, Rum and Muck), and some of the lesser-known smaller isles off the Argyll coast. These wonderful locations (and the ferries to get to them) hold accessible populations of Corncrake, eagles, skuas, Basking Shark, whales, dolphins, shearwaters, auks, geese, Otter, and rare, windblown migrants. Heatherlea takes care of all your travel arrangements by including transfers from Nethy Bridge on many of these departures. We take time to enjoy the scenery on offer as well as the wonderful wildlife- as we visit some of the most beautiful places in the British Isles! Head over to page 34 for more details.

OVERSEAS HOLIDAYS From our first, tentative steps across the Channel into Western Europe in the earlynoughties, we have gradually spread our wings and teamed up with similarly-minded folk across the globe to offer a selection of hand-picked adventures, where we strive to see all the wildlife in some truly iconic locations.

We have become great friends with many guides in many countries, and as a result, the relaxed and caring Heatherlea attitude is apparent everywhere we go. We have holidays in Western Europe, and also Southern, Eastern and Northern Europe, the Arctic and Antarctic, North, South and Central America, and long-haul to Africa, Asia or Australasia - there is a world of choice with Heatherlea.

Our very popular Pre-Flight Service saves you money, brings you comfort and makes everything easy. We include a pre-flight airport hotel and airport lounge on our departures as standard. We also include a field guide with many holidays at no extra cost, and with a maximum of twelve guests per holiday, our emphasis is on personal care and value for money! Go to page 56 for a look at some of our holidays.

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HEATHERLEA BIRDING & WILDLIFE HOLIDAYS

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Meet the HEATHERLEA Team!

Our highly experienced team is ready and waiting to organise your holiday and show you the wildlife, wherever you want to go!

Your holiday includes the services of a Heatherlea Guide, a very valuable asset. We are well known for great guiding and personal care, and our expert leaders know that the really important part of any holiday is the experience for you, our valued customer. Much more than a friend to help you identify birds, your Heatherlea Guide plans your entire holiday, from briefing on the first evening to round-up on the last. They organise everything to suit wildlife, weather and your progress through the week, and because our groups are small, they have time to care about your personal experience. This isn’t just whether or not you saw the bird or animal, but whether you are getting the most from your holiday.

Our core team is based in the UK and can be found in Scotland and further afield. Most have been working for Heatherlea for many years, and a quick check reveals around 140 years of guiding for Heatherlea across this part of our team! Read detailed Guide profiles on our website, where you can also see their current guiding itinerary.

Jenna Berry Originally from Hull, Jenna is a true Yorkshire lass, who took an interest in the natural world when she was given her first pair of binoculars at the age of seven. Jenna is a keen and capable birder who joined the Heatherlea team in 2020. Jenna leads tours in Scotland and overseas.

Barry Embling Barry joined us in 2019 and is a very popular member of our team. A keen birdwatcher and naturalist at home and abroad, Barry joins us again in 2026 and is looking forward to leading in Scotland, the rest of the UK and overseas.

Aidan Branch Aidan joined the team in 2022 and has been immersed in wildlife from a young age. In recent years, he has been Assistant Warden at North Ronaldsay Bird Observatory; a spectacular spot to see bird migration at its best. He is an excellent birder, very popular with Heatherlea clients, and a fully qualified ringer.

Bernie Forbes Experienced leader Bernie loves sharing his passion for birds and his groups enjoy great birding.

Bernie has led many groups around Europe, North Africa and the Americas, and now extends Heatherlea tours into his native Sussex.

James Champion Joining the Heatherlea team in 2022, James first started guiding in 1995 and has led many groups around Scotland and has also guided in Cornwall, Japan, China and in India, where he is a frequent visitor. He loves showing the special birds and wildlife of the area to the guests, and his enthusiasm and teaching skills enable him to pass on his knowledge in an engaging and positive way.

Mike Coleman Mike Coleman originally joined Heatherlea in 2002, although he began leading wildlife tours and undertaking invertebrate, mammal and bird surveys as a teenager before forging a career in language and education which enabled him to broaden his travels in search of wildlife experiences. Mike has led ornithological trips across Europe, Asia, North America, Africa and the Caribbean.

Peter Cosgrove Peter is a professional ecoconsultant, keen birder throughout the Highlands and well-travelled overseas, leading for us in the Caribbean, Africa, Americas and elsewhere.

Simon Davies Simon is a life-long birder and naturalist. He grew up in the merrygo-round of Bird Observatories and Ringing Stations, spending time working at Dungeness, Fair Isle, Calf of Man, Spurn, North Ronaldsay and Skomer. More recently he has been delivering focused guiding in both polar regions and building on previous wildlife-based guiding in Australia and in the UK.

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HEATHERLEA BIRDING & WILDLIFE HOLIDAYS

Ian Ford Ian first joined Heatherlea in 1999 and joins us again in 2026 for his final season before retirement.

Ever popular, Ian has led groups from Orkney to the Outer Hebrides in Scotland, and overseas holidays including Gambia, Namibia and the Arctic Paul Freestone Paul joined the team in 2025.

Originally from Yorkshire, Paul worked at Spurn Point NNR as Assistant Warden and for Natural England as a Field officer in the Lower Derwent Valley before leaving to live in Cornwall in 2003. With experience of guiding both overseas and in the UK, Paul is very much looking forward to sharing his wealth of knowledge with you this season!

George Gay George joined Heatherlea in 2019 as a Guide and has already become a firm favourite with our clients, as his ID and photographic skills are matched by his enthusiasm in the field!

Toby Green Toby joined Heatherlea as a guide in 2013, though he has been birding in Scotland and overseas for over 30 years. A popular Leader with worldwide experience, Toby is a top birder with a great sense of humour, and boundless enthusiasm.

tel: 01479 821248

Scott O’Hara Scott is an enthusiastic and avid birder and general naturalist, and much of his time and holidays are devoted to his passion. He has birded all of Scotland's main island groups several times, with a particular love of the Uists and Orkney Isles. A Heatherlea Guide since 2015, Scott is a highly experienced and capable Tour Leader, with expertise in Europe, the Americas and Africa to add to his extensive Scottish knowledge.

Holly Page A keen birder from an early age, Holly moved from Lancashire to Strathspey in 2020, having joined our guiding team in 2019. A very experienced guide, Holly is a key member of the Heatherlea team having led many of our tours across the Highlands and Islands, including Shetland and the Outer Hebrides, as well as several overseas tours under her belt. Holly has a passion for all wildlife including bees, hoverflies and beetles as well as eagles, divers and waders!

Dave Pearce Dave joined the Heatherlea team in 2020 and brings with him a vast array of knowledge. Birding since the early 1970s, he has travelled widely throughout Britain in search of birds, often in the pursuit of rarities, and has a particular interest in bird migration. He has also spent time birding in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, North America, Australia, Africa and the Caribbean.

Alex Rhodes Alex joined the Heatherlea team in 2019 and brings with him some sharp eyes and ears. Originally from the Southwest, he completed a BSc in Zoology at the University of Bristol and was a licenced ringer for a period of five years; during which time he frequented Fair Isle as a volunteer and worked at Falsterbo fågelstation in Sweden.

Chris Rodger Chris is an experienced birding guide and leader throughout Scotland with a passion for the ecology and landscape of the country. As a keen birder who has enjoyed some success in finding rare birds, Chris was appointed to the Scottish Bird Rarities Committee in 2021.

Kevin Shaw Kevin and wife Caryl founded Heatherlea in 1991. Although now retired, Kevin is still a keen birder, who intends to lead the occasional tour.

Mark Warren Mark joined us from North Ronaldsay in January 2016 and is now a popular member of our team in Scotland and around the world. An experienced birder and tour leader, with extensive wildlife knowledge and boundless enthusiasm, Mark looks forward to guiding for us again in 2026.

email: info@heatherlea.co.uk

web: www.heatherlea.co.uk

Our overseas guiding team are dedicated experts in the regions and countries they cover, and when working for Heatherlea are frequently required to provide services which make our trips unique. This might mean upgraded accommodation, custom boat trips or cultural elements that we think you will like, and much more. Our office team is in regular contact before every trip, and our overseas agents and guides are always particularly well briefed. This might mean special attention to your diet, medical requirements, extensions to your holiday or anything else we can think of to improve your experience. All are very experienced and great favourites of ours!

Andrey Acosta Born and raised in Puntarenas, Andrey has spent over a decade immersed in birdwatching and wildlife photography. A graduate in Ecotourism from the University of Costa Rica, he has guided birding and nature tours across the country, sharing his deep knowledge and passion with travelers from around the world.

Anthony Arce A Guanacaste native, Tony has been leading groups in Costa Rica since 2006 as a birding and naturalist guide. He is fascinated by the incredible diversity of ecosystems in Costa Rica and regularly participates in bird counts across the country. More recently, he has expanded his birding expertise into Colombia and Ecuador.

Suchit Basnet Suchit is one of the most famous and sought-after Leaders in his native Nepal, where his extensive knowledge and sunny disposition brighten every trip. We are delighted to welcome him back for 2026.

Esteban Biamonte Esteban is an excellent, experienced Costa Rican guide who has led many tours for us. A biologist with a Masters in bird conservation, Esteban has participated in various bird research and conservation programs, and brings a wealth of knowledge to our tours.

Ryan Chenery Born in Barbados, Ryan has been leading birding tours in the Caribbean for over two decades.

Before starting his own birdwatching company, Ryan combined leading his birding excursions with a full-time career in conservation.

Wilson Diaz Wilson Diaz is a biologist based in north Peru, who we first met in 2014, and he has led tours for Heatherlea many times in his homeland. A firm favourite with our clients, Wilson started birding whilst working on a conservation project focused on an endemic Peruvian hummingbird. He has travelled extensively across the country and is an experienced tour leader.

Gerard Gorman Gerard is Heatherlea organiser for Eastern Europe, and also leads for us elsewhere overseas. Wellknown as an expert on the world’s woodpeckers, and author of several well-informed birding books, Lancastrian Gerard lives in Budapest.

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Andy Jones Known to many in his former role as 'The Iceland Naturalist', Andy Jones joined Heatherlea as a Guide some years ago. Based in Iceland for more than 20 years, he has led wildlife holidays and educational field trips to many countries and is a very experienced wildlife guide. Andy will lead a number of tours for Heatherlea in the next few years!

Jozef Leestmans Jozef is a native of Flanders, and formerly a Reserve Manager for the Flemish Government and for the nature organisation Natuurpunt in Belgium. A highly experienced European birder, Jozef guided for Heatherlea for several years while he was living in the Highlands. Jozef joins us again in 2026.

Paco Madrigal Our leader in Costa Rica for many years, Paco is widely regarded as one of the best wildlife guides in the country, with an extremely likeable, easygoing manner, and a complete knowledge of the birds of his homeland. We are delighted Paco will be leading for us again this year.

Gavin McKinnon From an early age, Gavin developed a deep fascination for birds after he visited Point Pelee National park on a family holiday. Since then, he has traveled extensively in Canada and to numerous locations in the tropics and around the globe in search of unique birding opportunities.

In addition to leading tours, Gavin is actively involved in the local birding community, serving as a volunteer eBird reviewer.

John Muddeman John is based in central Spain and is a highly experienced and capable birding Tour Leader. He quickly learned Spanish after moving permanently to central Spain in 1997. Numerous trips to Extremadura from the beginning culminated in the publication of "A birdwatching guide to Extremadura" in 2000. Following this he has guided extensively across the country, throughout the seasons. John is very much looking forward to your company!

Sergi Sales Sergi is an outstanding Spanish birder, specialising in the birds of the Ebro Delta and steppe areas of his native Catalonia. Able to readily identify virtually everything he sees or hears, Sergi is a fount of knowledge and a valuable addition to our holiday team.

Chubzang Tangbi has always had a close connection with the environment and strongly believes in protecting Bhutan's biodiversity. Having worked within tourism since 2000, he set up his own tour company promoting Bhutan as a biodiversity hotspot and developing itineraries in uncharted areas. Today he is acknowledged as one of the country’s top birders and an award-winning wildlife photographer.

Andrés Trujillo Andrés is a world-renowned professional naturalist from Bogotá, Colombia. He currently lives in Quito, Ecuador, and is a highly experienced tour guide in the Americas, with a comprehensive knowledge of the birds, mammals and other wildlife. Andres has been leading trips for Heatherlea in Ecuador since 2008.

Washington Wachira Washington is an experienced birder and safari guide, awarded the African Sustainable Tourism Fellowship Award in 2016. He has led many birding trips and expeditions across East Africa and has a comprehensive knowledge of the birdlife of his native Kenya.

Steve West Steve, a lifelong birder and conservationist, hails from Hampshire originally before moving to Catalonia at the age of 24, where he lives until this day. Steve has led tours throughout mainland Spain on a regular basis in Catalonia, Aragon, Navarra, Extremadura, Andalusia, Castilla y León, Cantabria and Asturias. Steve speaks fluent Catalan and Spanish.

Uku Paal Uku started birding at the age of 11 and has been interested in wildlife ever since. He has found four “firsts” for Estonia, and is also involved in bird ringing, field surveys and migration studies.

Uku has travelled extensively in the Western Palearctic, Asia, Australia and USA, but his home, Estonia, remains his priority and Uku regularly guides for Heatherlea here.

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HEATHERLEA BIRDING & WILDLIFE HOLIDAYS

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Meet the HEATHERLEA team!

IN THE OFFICE At Heatherlea HQ in the Mountview Hotel, we have a dedicated team of expert wildlife tour consultants who are on hand to ensure you get the best possible holiday, from the initial booking process to sending the Trip Report after your holiday concludes. Whether you wish to book airport

parking, upgrade or purchase onward flights using our ATOL protection, confirm personal requirements for any trip, or just chat about the holiday details, please feel free to call or email. Emma, Fleur, Jolene, Sarah, Abbie, Holly & Mark are here to help plan your next wildlife adventure!

IN THE MOUNTVIEW HOTEL Our kitchen team is led by Head Chef Ettienne working alongside highlyexperienced Chef Arek. Expect a wide selection of fresh Scottish produce, sourced locally where possible, and prepared with skill and imagination.

Our kitchen is a hive of activity, and we pride ourselves on the artisanal nature of our food. As part of our policy of using the best, freshest produce, we manage our own kitchen garden, where produce is grown according to organic principles. Our garden provides our table with seasonal herbs, salad greens, vegetables and fruit; almost everything in summer has a flavour from our garden.

Ettienne and Arek

Lonnie joined our team at the beginning of 2024 as our Hotel Manager.

With her warm and bubbly personality, Lonnie leads our Front of House team and looks after the smooth running of the hotel alongside Marzena.

With over five years management experience in hospitality, Lonnie is on hand to ensure every aspect of your stay with us runs smoothly.

Marzena is our Front of House Supervisor and is often the first person to meet on your arrival to the Mountview Hotel. Known for her attention to detail and kind manner, Marzena looks after the day to day running of the hotel with her small friendly team.

HEATHERLEA MERCHANDISE

Lonnie and Marzenna

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HEATHERLEA BIRDING & WILDLIFE HOLIDAYS

Heatherlea beanies and baseball caps have proven very popular with our guides and office staff! Perfect for use in the field in both summer and winter, you can purchase these during your visit to the Highlands, or order by email for home delivery. We also have Heatherlea T-shirts, sweatshirts, hooded jumpers and fleeces in a range of sizes, so you can be prepared for all weather conditions on your Heatherlea holiday, whether it’s in the UK or overseas! Contact our office for more details.

tel: 01479 821248

email: info@heatherlea.co.uk

web: www.heatherlea.co.uk

Groups and Tailor-made Holidays with Heatherlea!

As well as running a full calendar of organised birdwatching and wildlife holidays, we have also been offering bespoke tours for individuals, small groups of friends, bird clubs, and other wildlife organisations for over 35 years.

We are always on hand to discuss your individual requirements so we can create the best itinerary for you, whether in the UK or abroad. We always strive to bring you the most competitive prices, excellent local naturalist guides and seamless ground services. You may want to see certain species, stay in a specific lodge, or fly with a preferred airline. Whether you want to explore the unique wilderness of the Scottish Highlands and Islands, go on safari in Africa, or watch hummingbirds in Costa Rica, we can help create your perfect holiday.

In Scotland we can offer the unique option to book The Mountview Hotel for exclusive use! You will get an exceptional experience by using our locally based guides and their unrivalled knowledge of the area, and we can tailor-make your time here to suit your budget, whether it is a week-long natural history tour or a short birding break, we can design an itinerary based around your requirements.

For overseas tours we have a dedicated team of ground agents across the globe that are skilled in providing the best possible itineraries. From the beautiful cloud forests of Ecuador, to watching Polar bears on the pack-ice in the high Arctic, our wildlife holidays offer you the opportunity to experience an incredible wildlife adventure.

Browse the brochure for inspiration and start planning your next adventure. You may want a different pace of holiday, an alternative itinerary to suit your needs, or a mixture of birding and culture. Whatever your requirements we can take the hassle away from your holiday organisation.

Complete financial protection Every holiday we sell that includes a flight element is protected under our ATOL licence number 6113. In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) will ensure you are not stranded abroad and will refund any money you have paid to us for an advanced booking. Heatherlea also hold full Tour Operator Insurance for your added protection.

Our friendly office team are here to help you get started. Call or email us with your ideas and thoughts and we will help you plan your custom trip.

T: +44 (0) 1479 821248

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HEATHERLEA BIRDING & WILDLIFE HOLIDAYS

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Welcome to Nethy Bridge!

Located near the geographical centre of Scotland, Nethy Bridge has been a holiday destination since Victorian times, allowing folk to relax into nature, and enjoy the delights of ‘The Forest Village’.

The BBC chose Nethy Bridge as a base for its Springwatch, Autumnwatch and Winterwatch series due to the abundance of wildlife within the neighbouring Abernethy Forest, and we often see Crested Tit, Red Squirrel, Siskin and Great Spotted Woodpecker on our feeding station before breakfast! Woodcock can be found roding overhead in spring and summer, and during the autumn, Pine Marten can be seen wandering over the hotel grounds. Osprey, Buzzard and occasionally Goshawk pass overhead, and Dipper breed on the clear River Nethy 200 metres away. Black Grouse lek locally, and Otter can be spotted within a mile or two, especially along the nearby River Spey. We have an enviable ‘hotel list’, including hunting Barn, Tawny or Long-eared Owls, and sometimes a calling Quail in the long summer night. With extensive local walks and trails in this unspoilt and delightful Highland location, early morning and evening birding is an exciting optional extra!

Nethy Bridge has a fully-stocked general store, a popular butcher’s shop and deli with local produce, and a friendly café to enjoy a relaxing drink and bite to eat during the day. ‘Nethy’ is just right – brilliant for birding, close to services, yet unspoilt and charming in character.

A real Highland village at the heart of the Cairngorms National Park!

THE MOUNTVIEW HOTEL – your perfect birding base!

Our ‘Scottish Highland’ holidays are based at The Mountview Hotel in Nethy – our very own 3-star Edwardian Country House Hotel. The Mountview is certainly well named as the peak of Cairn Gorm can be seen from our front door, and glorious views of three ranges extend many miles across the Cairngorms, Monadhliaths, and the Kincardine hills. The ancient Caledonian Forest is behind the Hotel, and the River Nethy is just 200 metres away.

The Mountview is set in two acres of attractive grounds featuring native Scots Pine and Silver Birch. Guests are welcome to explore, and in season you will find blaeberry and chanterelle.

Our busy bird feeding station attracts Crested Tit, Siskin, Redpoll, Goldfinch and our local Red Squirrel population, and our wildflower meadow holds Moonwort and Northern Marsh Orchid. Our small pond attracts a surprising variety of dragonflies and damselflies, including the sought-after Northern Damselfly. You are also welcome to view our highly productive kitchen garden, which provides our table with seasonal herbs, salad greens and vegetables.

From the moment you arrive you will be made to feel at home. Inviting public rooms include a welcoming lounge with deep seated, comfortable sofas and open log fire; a peaceful reading room stocked with natural history books and magazines; a private residents’ dining room with fresh flowers, and a well-stocked restaurant bar with glorious mountain views.

Guests enjoy attractive en-suite bedrooms with comfortable beds, crisp white linen and fluffy towels, Freeview TV, hairdryers, a hospitality tray and free WIFI. Good company, perhaps with your choice from a well-stocked bar, is an important feature of evenings after dinner. Above all, when birding is over for the day, we have attentive staff who take care and really make you welcome.

Our award-winning kitchen team under Ettienne can cater personally for special dietary needs, and vegan and vegetarian dishes are created with the same imagination and passion as the standard menu! Dinner is usually served at 7pm, allowing time to relax after an exhilarating time in the field, and our groups eat together in the Residents' Dining Room.

Expect a variety of traditional and modern food, full of flavour and offering a delicious taste of Scotland. To accompany your meal, our wine list offers high quality, hand-picked wines, or you can always choose something from our bar - local beers, peaty, smoky or sweet malt whiskies, many Scottish gins, or soft drinks.

GETTING HERE IS EASY Reaching Nethy Bridge is easy. Here are some suggestions to help you plan.

BY CAR From the west travel north to Perth. From the east travel via Queensferry Crossing and M90 to Perth. From Perth take A9 signposted Inverness and exit north of Aviemore. Follow signs northeast through Boat of Garten to Nethy Bridge (10 miles). In Nethy Bridge, drive through the village, over the River Nethy, and you will see our sign 200 metres ahead on the right.

BY RAIL The best train to Aviemore is the ‘Highland Chieftain’ operated

by London North Eastern Railway. This leaves London Kings Cross at 12.00, arriving Aviemore at 19.22. This train stops at York (13.55), Darlington (14:24), Newcastle (14.56) and Edinburgh (16.33). Change of train may be required at Edinburgh. We recommend you connect with this service if possible.

From the west, travellers can reach Edinburgh direct from Plymouth, Bristol, Birmingham, Crewe or Preston. In general, rail travel via Edinburgh is easier than via Glasgow, where a trip across the city between stations is needed, often followed by a change at Perth.

Return trains to Edinburgh leave Aviemore at 08.30 (fast train to London – recommended), and 10.20. Please check details before you travel. Rail enquiries: 03457 484950, www.nationalrail.co.uk.

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HEATHERLEA BIRDING & WILDLIFE HOLIDAYS

BY AIR Direct flights to Inverness are available from Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Bristol, Manchester, Belfast & Amsterdam. For up-to-date flight information, call our office.

There is a train station at Inverness Airport, although trains are infrequent, please check times before you travel. Please note that you will need to change train at Inverness Central to connect with Aviemore departures. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from Inverness Airport directly to Inverness centre, or Nethy Bridge. If you have any queries, please feel free to contact our office.

Disclaimer: This information is published to help you, though we offer no guarantee of services. Please check all details before you travel!

Transfers between Nethy Bridge and Aviemore – FREE! Our courtesy collect and return service runs between Aviemore and The Mountview Hotel. Pick-up is at 16.30 hours and 19:30 hours, and dropoff at 08:20 hours and 10:20 hours, on SATURDAYS ONLY. Please give at least 24 hrs notice when booking.

tel: 01479 821248

email: info@heatherlea.co.uk

web: www.heatherlea.co.uk

Field Notes Scottish Highlands We have carefully designed each holiday to give you the best wildlife watching according to changing seasons, which is why our itineraries change regularly through the year. You can count on Heatherlea to find key Scottish wildlife whenever you visit – a wealth of wonderful experiences! From Nethy Bridge, we are ideally placed to transfer east or west to see that special bird and to add more highlights to a great week!

‘Scottish Highlands’ holidays include everything you need for a great birding holiday. Your holiday (based on a full week itinerary) includes: 4 Seven nights en-suite accommodation based at The Mountview Hotel in Nethy Bridge. Our hotel has 12 comfortable en-suite rooms.

4 THERE IS NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT, and guests are never expected to share.

4 Some Mainland Scotland holidays include a second centre for either one or two nights, usually in hotels, occasionally in good quality B&Bs. Most of these have hosted Heatherlea holidays for many years, and we know them well.

4 Six days birding with Heatherlea, including full Scottish breakfast, a substantial packed lunch (six days) and a delicious three-course dinner.

4 The services of your Heatherlea Guide during six full days birding, including optional early and late excursions. Maximum group size seven clients per Guide.

4 All transport by comfortable minibus.

4 All access fees, ferry charges and transfers.

4 Saturday courtesy pick-up and return service to Aviemore.

4 A checklist specifically prepared for your holiday to record your sightings and notes.

There are no hidden charges. Expenses including travel to The Mountview Hotel, insurance, drinks and other items of a personal nature are not included in your holiday price.

How our Scottish Highlands holidays work: 4 Breakfast is usually at 7.30am or 8.00am. We leave for a full day (with plenty of food!), returning about 5.30pm – 6.00pm for dinner at 7.00pm.

4 Expect a wide variation of weather, whenever you visit Scotland! Bring warm clothing, waterproofs, and walking boots or shoes. Bring binoculars and a telescope if possible. A camera may be useful too!

WALKING Walking is generally light to moderate for most tours. Each holiday has specific details about the level of activity involved and these are included in the Tour Information Pack. If you can walk 2-5 miles over the course of a day, you will find these holidays very comfortable. Some days contain hardly any walking at all, as we take you directly to key sites. An exception is mountain day, where walking can be strenuous, particularly in the months April – July when we usually require a long walk to see Ptarmigan and Dotterel. You can ‘opt-out’ of this day if you wish. An ‘Easy Walking’ itinerary is available on specified holidays.

BITING INSECTS Biting insects are not expected January to April, or October to December. In the months May to September, biting insects may occur – however much we love showing people native Scottish wildlife, we do our best to avoid the famous Scottish midge!

BINOCULARS We recommend you bring your own binoculars and telescope. As an extra service, Heatherlea offer a loan service of high-performance Swarovski binoculars FREE OF CHARGE for the duration of your holiday. Please book loan binoculars in advance; availability is limited and cannot be guaranteed.

MINIMISING WASTE Picnic lunches prepared at Heatherlea are virtually free of disposable plastic.

We don’t use plastic water bottles or cutlery, and re-usable lunch boxes and mugs are provided for drinks. We ask all partner agents and hotels around the world to do the same.

IMPORTANT NOTES The interests of wildlife come first on a Heatherlea holiday. We never disturb or alarm wildlife, and fully support countryside and birdwatching codes of conduct. We also respect the wishes and instructions of landowners and ask our guests to adopt the same approach.

All itineraries are given as a guide only. Actual holiday content may vary according to the judgement of your guide, and elements beyond our control (e.g. weather).

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HEATHERLEA BIRDING & WILDLIFE HOLIDAYS

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EXPLORE THE HIGHLANDS

From rugged mountains to ancient forests and wonderful, unspoilt coastlines, you will visit Britain’s most breathtaking scenery, and as wildlife is always great in this part of the world, you can visit at any time! We offer week-long or short-break holidays in Nethy Bridge from Hogmanay through to the middle of November every year.

The weekly holidays begin with dinner on Saturday evening, though you are welcome to arrive any time after 3pm. The holiday finishes after breakfast on the final Saturday. Don’t forget our courtesy collection and return service to Aviemore on Saturdays – see ‘Getting Here is Easy’ on page 8.

Our holidays are relaxed – we work at a Highland pace up here! On Nethy Bridge-based weeks, you can generally expect to see between 100 and 140 species, depending on the season, including key Scottish species that you may not see at home. We are dedicated to showing you wildlife, regardless of your experience, and many of our guests become good friends visiting year after year. Your guide will be a

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SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

member of the Heatherlea guiding team. Our guides are very experienced Scottish leaders with unbeatable patience and local knowledge. Highly skilled birders and real ‘people people’, they can’t wait to show you the wonderful wildlife of the Scottish Highlands!

Relax and enjoy your holiday as we look after the details and find wildlife for you. No wonder our groups have a happy and friendly atmosphere!

As a result of this friendly service, we were also the first mainland Wildlife Experience to be awarded five stars – the highest possible rating by Visit Scotland. Heatherlea really is Scotland’s premier birding and wildlife holiday operator!

For more details, including a Trip Report from any of our recent holidays, see our website www.heatherlea.co.uk or sign up to receive our regular e-newsletters. If you have any questions, please contact us, we will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Emma, Fleur, Jolene, Sarah, Abbie, Holly & Mark are here to help.

tel: 01479 821248

email: info@heatherlea.co.uk

web: www.heatherlea.co.uk

HOGMANAY BIRDING EXTRAVAGANZA Great winter birding around the Highlands, with a traditional Scottish Hogmanay!

29 DECEMBER 2026 – 5 JANUARY 2027

Prices from: £1895pp

No single supplement. Full details and a Trip Report are on our website.

Please read FIELD NOTES on page 9.

Many of you are looking for special birding at this time, and this holiday is a real gem! Come to the beautiful Highlands for a wonderful Hogmanay (we usually have snow on the mountains), and enjoy a bird-filled end to 2026, followed by four full days to begin 2027 in style.

We aim to see as many species as possible, and this tour is ideal for all birders who want an exciting winter holiday, as well as those who keep lists. During the last birding days of 2026, we spend time inland looking for Ptarmigan, Black Grouse, Golden and White-tailed Eagle, Scottish Crossbill and Crested Tit, mingling our efforts with exciting coastal birding, which could produce a big range of wintering specialties, uncommon or rare vagrants.

Hogmanay is a time of great celebration in the Highlands, and on the night itself guests will be treated to a special dinner prepared by our chefs, followed by a New Year Bird quiz. Later we plan to join the famous Grantown on Spey Hogmanay Street Party. This is a fabulous event with live music, ceilidh dancing, a bar and firework display at ‘the bells’ accompanied by a traditional piper. For those who prefer to stay indoors we will celebrate ‘The Bells’ in the warmth, toasting the old year list with a variety of local malt whiskies or a mulled wine!

We begin New Year's Day full of anticipation, and with a full week at our disposal, Scottish specialities will be high on the itinerary again to round up as many key Highland species as we can! We spend at least one full day birding the Moray Coast, with options to venture further north to the 'Black Isle' or Sutherland, east into Aberdeenshire or out to the stunning west coast. Keen to accumulate a high bird-list, with our finger on the pulse we search for known rarities on coastal days such as Snow Goose, American Wigeon, Green-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, Surf Scoter, King Eider, Iceland, Glaucous and Little Gull, Little and Great White Egret, Waxwing, and Great Grey Shrike – all of which have occurred in the last two years! By the end of the holiday, you should have seen many 'difficult' Highland birds you might otherwise miss without a guide, or which rarely turn up further south in the UK. Other wildlife should include Red Squirrel, Red and Roe Deer, Grey and Common Seal, Mountain Hare and possibly Otter.

Seven nights at Mountview Hotel.

NEW YEAR BIRDLIST BOOSTER Get your New Year birdlist off to a great start with a week of birding across the Highlands from coast to coast!

Prices from: £1495pp

17 JANUARY – 24 JANUARY 2026 9 JANUARY – 16 JANUARY 2027 16 JANUARY – 23 JANUARY 2027

No single supplement. Full details and a Trip Report are on our website.

Please read FIELD NOTES on page 9.

This holiday is great fun, so get your birding year-list off to a cracking start with a visit to Scotland! Based at the Mountview Hotel throughout, this is one of our most flexible tours and your guide will closely monitor weather, tides and local bird news as we aim to see as many birds as possible. A tour run BY birders FOR birders, you can expect to see around 120 species including many 'difficult' birds you might miss without a guide, or struggle to locate further south in the UK. Targeting local specialities early is often key to our success on this fast-paced tour, freeing up time for coastal rarities later in the week. Local habitats inland include the Caledonian pinewoods, upland moors, remote glens, lochans, rivers and the snow-covered Cairngorm Mountains. Top priorities will be Ptarmigan, Black and Red Grouse, Golden and White-tailed Eagle, Scottish Crossbill and Crested Tit. We make the most of the available daylight, often travelling between locations in the dark, which in itself lends itself to seeing nocturnal species including Woodcock and Barn, Long-eared or Tawny Owl.

Photo: Pete Walkden

Coastal habitats all offer great birding in winter, with the Moray Firth, Aberdeenshire, the west coast and lesser watched sites north of Inverness all within reach. Likely are a wide variety of wildfowl from sea-duck including Velvet Scoter and Long-tailed Duck to fields full of Whooper Swan and geese. Winter waders are abundant on tidal estuaries, often attracting hunting raptors such as Peregrine, Merlin and Hen Harrier. At harbours we look out for Iceland and Glaucous Gull, as well as roosting Purple Sandpiper at high tide. Rich farmland offers even more variety, and it is a great time of year for irruptive Waxwing and Brambling. By spending lots of time at the coast our prospects are excellent, and we often have opportunities to target rarities such as Snow Goose, King Eider and Surf Scoter. We have seen many special birds on this exciting tour in the past, and our plans may change quickly should an Ivory Gull or Harlequin be found – the latter already having featured on this tour!

Seven nights at Mountview Hotel.

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SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

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BIRDERS BLAST Fast paced and fun birding Short Breaks in the Scottish Highlands.

14 NOVEMBER – 18 NOVEMBER 2026 18 NOVEMBER – 22 NOVEMBER 2026 5 JANUARY – 9 JANUARY 2027 13 NOVEMBER – 17 NOVEMBER 2027 17 NOVEMBER – 21 NOVEMBER 2027

Prices from: £795pp

No single supplement. Full details are on our website.

Please read FIELD NOTES on page 9.

Ideal for your first wildlife holiday, or for busy birders who don't have a full week to spare, these holidays are an exciting ‘taste’ of the very special birdlife which makes its home in the Scottish Highlands. Perfect for all levels of birding and always great fun, our aim is to seek many of the key specialties, as well as a host of northern birds which are difficult to see elsewhere in Britain. All Birders Blast tours include four nights Dinner, Bed and Breakfast at the Mountview Hotel and don’t forget our courtesy collect and return service to Aviemore too!

We spend three full days in the field birding, two of which we plan to spend locally and an early rise to watch Black Grouse at a lekking site getting us off to a great start. We often see Red Grouse too before moving into the Caledonian pine woods to look for Crested Tit, which can give great views in colder months. Scottish Crossbill are also found in the forests, though with both Common and Parrot Crossbill present too, identification of any ‘crossbill’ can pose a real challenge! We devote time searching for raptors, visiting remote Highland glens looking for Golden Eagle – an iconic Scottish bird! In beautiful upland surroundings we may also encounter White-tailed Eagle, Red Kite, Goshawk and Peregrine, while autumn and winter periods are a good time for Hen Harrier. Depending on the level of the snow in the mountains we may look for Snow Bunting and Ptarmigan too.

In complete contrast, we spend at least one full day exploring the Moray Coast or Black Isle, where birding can be excellent year-round. Rafts of Common and Velvet Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Eider, Red-breasted Merganser and perhaps Scaup will be a highlight, with Slavonian Grebe, Great Northern and Red-throated Diver and seabirds too. Diligent scanning offshore at this time of year can yield rarities, and our groups have been lucky with King Eider, Surf Scoter and Little Auk before. Iceland and Glaucous Gull are both regular, and we look for waders including Purple Sandpiper around the estuaries and harbours. Whooper Swan and Pink-footed Geese fill the fields and are always worth checking for scarcer species. Also in the farmland, winter thrushes, Corn Bunting, Tree Sparrow, Grey Partridge and Yellowhammer are likely, and if it is a Waxwing winter - we will be sure to look for them too! A great third day's birding which can often lead to the unexpected!

Four nights at Mountview Hotel.

NEW! A SCOTTISH CELEBRATION OF WILDLIFE A toast to Scotland’s best winter wildlife.

24 JANUARY – 31 JANUARY 2026 23 JANUARY – 30 JANUARY 2027

Prices from: £1595pp

No single supplement. Full details on our website.

Please read FIELD NOTES on page 9.

In a true celebration of all things Scottish, we spend the week based at our traditional hotel enjoying winter wildlife, warming whisky and culinary highlights of the Highland region. A brand-new holiday timed to coincide with Burns Night, we explore dramatic Speyside, the wild West Coast and the bird-rich Black Isle and Moray Firth, sampling a different dram each evening with links to wherever we have been each day.

Speciality Highland birds including Red and Black Grouse, Ptarmigan, Snow Bunting, Crested Tit and crossbills will all be looked for, perhaps in snowy, picture postcard surroundings. We also have good chances to see Mountain and Brown Hare, Red Deer and Red Squirrel.

On the West Coast, we look for Golden and White-tailed Eagle, Hooded Crow, Raven, Barnacle Geese, Black Guillemot, Slavonian Grebe and three species of diver. Otter and Twite may also be seen here, the latter sometimes wintering on the Moray Firth where fields hold flocks of Linnet, Yellowhammer, Tree Sparrow, Corn Bunting and Grey Partridge. Coastal days here or on the Black Isle can be busy ones, and we pay special attention to flocks of seaduck for Common and Velvet Scoter, Scaup, Long-tailed Duck and Eider. High tide roosts of Purple Sandpiper, Turnstone, Knot and other waders add further interest, and being a flexible tour, your guide may choose to target a winter rarity or two.

This new tour will run at a relaxed pace, taking time out from birding to participate in two Whisky distillery tours as well as visiting Urquhart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness.

We enjoy the festivities of Burns Night at our very own hotel, with haggis, and other Scottish produce featuring on a menu specially prepared by our chefs for this holiday. In our 35th year, join Heatherlea in celebrating two of Scotland’s most famous assets – its wildlife and whisky!

Seven nights at Mountview Hotel.

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tel: 01479 821248

email: info@heatherlea.co.uk

web: www.heatherlea.co.uk

SCOTTISH WINTER SPECIALITIES Scotland's best winter birding in local habitats and out on the coasts.

Prices from: £1295pp

31 JANUARY – 7 FEBRUARY 2026 7 FEBRUARY – 14 FEBRUARY 2026 30 JANUARY – 6 FEBRUARY 2027 6 FEBRUARY – 13 FEBRUARY 2027

No single supplement. Full details and a Trip Report are on our website.

Please read FIELD NOTES on page 9.

With snow-capped mountains and a high variety of birdlife, mid-winter is a fantastic time to visit the Highlands. A good time of year to search for all the Scottish specialities, the weather can certainly play its part as hard conditions force forest dwellers into the open or to take advantage of feeding stations.

Northerly storms can deliver rarities on the coasts and being based at the Mountview Hotel throughout, we have ultimate flexibility to plan the week according to weather, tides and bird reports.

Highland specialities on this tour may include Crested Tit, Scottish Crossbill, Ptarmigan, Black and Red Grouse, and winter is a good time to try and see them all. Golden and White-tailed Eagle are equally likely in the hills, or during a day trip exploring the mountainous West Coast, where we also hope to see three species of diver, Black Guillemot and Slavonian Grebe. Other raptors may include Goshawk, Hen Harrier and Merlin, with Snow Bunting possible both in the mountains or at the coast. Perhaps it will be a ‘Brambling year’ or a ‘Waxwing winter’, or will there be a Great Grey Shrike holding down a winter territory?

During visits to the Moray Coast and Black Isle we can expect a wide variety of species both on land and offshore. Tidal estuaries support large numbers of waders and wildfowl and sustainable, wildlife friendly farming offers plenty of feeding opportunities for Whopper Swan herds, geese and passerines. Winter gulls can include a gleaming white Iceland and Glaucous Gull and sea-duck will feature highly. Velvet Scoter, Long-tailed Duck and Scaup are likely offshore or in more sheltered firths, with chances of a rarity or two such as a King Eider or Surf Scoter. Being such a flexible tour, if all our Strathspey targets have been achieved there may be the chance to spread our wings further into coastal Aberdeenshire or rarely visited Easter Ross. With so many options. this is a great new tour for both the seasoned regular and those birding in Scotland for the very first time.

Seven nights at Mountview Hotel.

Photo: Pete Walkden

HIGHLAND WINTER BIRDING A week of Scottish birding across the Highlands featuring a two-night stay on the remote North Coast!

14 FEBRUARY – 21 FEBRUARY 2026 21 FEBRUARY – 28 FEBRUARY 2026 13 FEBRUARY – 20 FEBRUARY 2027 20 FEBRUARY – 27 FEBRUARY 2027

Prices from: £1595pp

No single supplement. Full details and a Trip Report are on our website.

Please read FIELD NOTES on page 9.

February is an exciting month for birding in the extreme north of the British mainland, and this holiday is something a little bit different, featuring remote northern hideaways as we locate the very best Scottish birdlife in winter. Our speciality birds include Ptarmigan, Black and Red Grouse, Crested Tit, Scottish Crossbill, Golden and White-tailed Eagle, and we look for these during two absorbing days birding the Scottish interior, which may be frozen and/or snow covered at this time. Flocks of Waxwing, Lesser Redpoll, Twite and Brambling are very possible, whilst northern rarities including Great Grey Shrike, uncommon geese and gulls are often found at this time. We also have incidental chance of Capercaillie, though these birds are very rare.

We visit local glens with Golden Eagle our top target and Buzzard, Treecreeper, Siskin, Hen Harrier, Red Grouse, Sparrowhawk and White-tailed Eagle are more than possible. Ptarmigan are all white, as are Mountain Hare.

Activity at the coast features concentrations of winter visitors offshore, and rarities and scare British birds sheltering in harbours. Gulls, waders, geese and ducks, divers, passerines and raptors, just about anything can turn up! We make an exciting expedition over three days to the very far north, staying in Thurso for two nights, and visiting secluded harbours and windswept lochs to find the birds that make this holiday so special. You will probably visit four different coastlines; the very far north in Caithness, the rugged east-facing coast north of Inverness, the long expanse of the Moray Firth and either Aberdeenshire or the west coast, depending on available birding opportunities and of course the weather.

This is a time of year when tourists are few on the ground, and wild landscapes and solitude (you won’t see many other birders!) can be combined with exceptional birding. Other wildlife should include birds Red Squirrel, Red and Roe Deer, Grey and Common Seal, Mountain Hare and Otter among the possibilities.

Five nights at Mountview Hotel. Two nights at a comfortable hotel in Thurso.

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SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

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NORTH-EAST SCOTLAND EXPLORER Late winter birding in the under-visited north-east of Scotland.

28 FEBRUARY – 7 MARCH 2026 27 FEBRUARY – 6 MARCH 2027

Prices from: £1595pp

No single supplement. Full details and a Trip Report are on our website.

Please read FIELD NOTES on page 9.

An itinerary designed to show off the best of late winter birding in under-visited north-east of Scotland, at a time of year when bird activity is at its highest! We combine the best local sites with our favourite coastal haunts AND take two nights away in Aberdeenshire, giving us the best chance to explore some of the most bird-rich places in Britain This is also a wonderful time to visit Scotland - slightly longer days allowing more field time to observe local specialities such as Golden Eagle and Crested Tit. The first summer visitors are beginning to arrive inland, and with snow still likely on the hills, we find ourselves birding in superb scenery all week. Out on the moor, local targets include Black and Red Grouse, White-tailed Eagle, Goshawk and Hen Harrier, while our streams and rivers can be a hive of activity with Dippers nest-building and Goosander and Goldeneye nearby. If weather allows, we head to the mountains to seek out Ptarmigan and Snow Bunting. With the weather ever improving, returnees such as Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Curlew and Redshank bring both a smile and the sounds of summer back to Strathspey. We also have time to explore Royal Deeside - a fabulous birding region full of healthy pinewoods, stunning rivers and glens, and mountains which are home to Ptarmigan and Mountain Hare.

In the north-east, we have plenty of time to birdwatch at favoured harbours and bays, with journeys between the sites passing through good quality agricultural land favoured by Corn Bunting and Grey Partridge. Goose flocks often contain migrant birds, and we are vigilant for stray Taiga and Tundra Bean, White-fronted, Snow or Ross's Goose amongst the commoner Pink-feet and Greylags, Overwintering Common Crane from the local breeding population would be a nice bonus too!

With few resident birders, the north-east coastline is massively under-watched, and we have chances of rarities such as White-billed Diver, King Eider or an Arctic gull.

Offshore we should find good numbers of scoter, divers and auks, with Purple Sandpiper, Turnstone and other waders on rocky coastlines and estuaries.

Five nights at Mountview Hotel. Two nights at a comfortable hotel on the East Coast.

CAIRNGORMS & EAST SUTHERLAND Exploring lesser-known places, with raptors at the fore!

7 MARCH – 14 MARCH 2026 6 MARCH – 13 MARCH 2027

Prices from: £1595pp

No single supplement. Full details and a Trip Report are on our website.

Please read FIELD NOTES on page 9.

Early March in the Scottish Highlands can offer a superb mix of birding experiences.

No day is ever the same, the changing of the seasons spurring resident birds into breeding activity and others into northward migration. Rarely visited locations in Royal Deeside, inland Morayshire and the east facing coasts to the north of Inverness offer vast birding potential at this time of year, and on this tour we explore them all!

Birds of prey are some of the most iconic of Highland species, a firm favourite among birdwatchers and this tour has been specially designed to offer chances of seeing raptors every day. We visit the uplands and hills several times to look for eagles, scan forestry for displaying Goshawk while sites on the East Sutherland coast and Tarbat peninsula can be good for wintering or passage Hen Harrier, Merlin and Peregrine. As the days draw longer, we spend time looking for owls with Barn, Tawny, Long-eared and Short-eared Owl perhaps featuring. Traditional Highland specialities including Ptarmigan, Black and Red Grouse will also be sought – the latter recently elevated to species status and a new UK endemic! Other local birds close to our hotel base include Crested Tit and crossbill in the forests and upland waders such as Curlew, Golden Plover and Snipe.

We take our time on this holiday, exploring rarely visited coastal locations in East Sutherland and Easter Ross more thoroughly than is possible on a day trip. As well as coastal raptors, geese and swans are likely in the fields, as are flocks of seaduck offshore and waders around estuarine habitats. Key targets include Common and Velvet Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Scaup, Slavonian Grebe, Iceland, Glaucous and Little Gull plus three species of diver. Among the passerine flocks, we hope to encounter Twite and Snow Bunting, while an early Ring Ouzel, Wheatear or Black Redstart is possible. By staying overnight in the region, we have more opportunities to unlock the vast birding potential here, especially at an exciting time of year when both winter and spring birds are on the move.

Mammals may include Red Squirrel, Red and Roe Deer, Grey and Common Seal. Otter, Brown Hare, Bottlenose Dolphin and Harbour Porpoise are possible.

Six nights at Mountview Hotel. One night at a comfortable hotel in East Sutherland.

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tel: 01479 821248

email: info@heatherlea.co.uk

web: www.heatherlea.co.uk

HIGHLANDS and THE WEST COAST A week of birding across the Highlands, featuring a night away in stunning Wester Ross.

Prices from: £1595pp

14 MARCH – 21 MARCH 2026 13 MARCH – 20 MARCH 2027

Max. 7 clients. No single supplement. Full details and a Trip Report are on our website. Please read FIELD NOTES on page 9.

An exciting spring holiday including an overnight visit to the rugged and remote West Highlands. As spring arrives, we celebrate the season with visits to all the best birding and wildlife sites. This holiday takes in some of our most stunning and iconic scenery, all the while enjoying superb birding and general wildlife.

Local birding should produce Black Grouse popping and cooing at the lek, Crested Tit, Scottish Crossbill, Dipper, Buzzard and Goldeneye.

We head west, working remote sealochs, bays and beaches as we go. Rugged Wester Ross offers iconic scenery, and we have excellent chances of Otter. There could be good numbers of Great Northern, Black-throated and Red-throated Diver, plus Slavonian Grebe, Common Scoter and Red-breasted Merganser, and passage waders and gulls that often include Iceland and Glaucous.

Next we target eagles, with Golden and White-tailed both likely. Mid-March is also good for passage Merlin, with early Wheatears if winds are favourable. We have another chance for Otters, whilst scanning for rarer seaduck or divers. This time of year can also be good for White-billed Diver on the under-watched west coast and we will check Great Northern Divers carefully for their rarer cousins.

Later we search for moorland specialities including Golden Eagle, Peregrine, Merlin and as spring develops, Wheatear. The day finishes with a moorland drive for Red Grouse. We seek Ptarmigan, Snow Bunting, Black-throated and Red-throated Diver, Goldeneye and Peregrine, and birchwoods hold Lesser Redpoll and Siskin. Lingering Waxwing and Whooper Swan are sometimes present too.

Birds on the Moray Coast can include Osprey, Eider, Goosander, Merganser, Stonechat, Common and Velvet Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Great Northern Diver, Glaucous and Iceland Gull, Purple Sandpiper, Turnstone, Bar-tailed Godwit, Knot, Dunlin and Ringed Plover, many moulting into summer plumage. Watch out also for Corn Bunting, Tree Sparrow, Yellowhammer and Grey Partridge. We often see Bottlenose Dolphin, and with auks, Gannet, gulls and more, this is a rewarding day!

Mammals may include Otter, Common and Grey Seal, Mountain and Brown Hare, Red Squirrel, Red and Roe Deer and perhaps Harbour Porpoise or Bottlenose Dolphin.

Six nights at Mountview Hotel. One night at a comfortable hotel on the West Coast.

HIGHLANDS and ARDNAMURCHAN Highland specialities combined with one the most wildlife-rich regions of the West Coast.

Prices from: £1695pp

14 MARCH – 21 MARCH 2026 21 MARCH – 28 MARCH 2026 13 MARCH – 20 MARCH 2027 20 MARCH – 27 MARCH 2027

Max. 7 clients. No single supplement. Full details and a Trip Report are on our website. Please read FIELD NOTES on page 9.

A very different itinerary, with displaying and breeding resident birds, winter visitors still present in good numbers, and the first arriving spring migrants. We also enjoy a two-night expedition to the remote and wildlife-rich Ardnamurchan peninsula, where the birding can be unforgettable, and we have good chances to encounter some special mammals.

In Strathspey, our Mountview Hotel is situated close to some of the best birding habitats, and a local drive should produce Black Grouse at the lek. Crested Tit and Scottish Crossbill are found in the pine forests, Slavonian Grebe begin to return to their breeding sites where migrant Whooper Swan may be passing through. In the moorland and higher hills, we search for Ptarmigan and raptors including Peregrine, Merlin and the first returning Osprey. A moorland drive may give views of Blackthroated Diver on lochs and displaying waders such as Golden Plover.

A real celebration of Highland wildlife in early spring, the Ardnamurchan peninsula is a hidden jewel. Beautifully wild and remote, we spend three days exploring the heart of the West Highlands with stunning scenery and some of the best places for wildlife in the UK. We are based close to Glenborrodale, where one of our chefs will join us to cater to Mountview Hotel standards! We enjoy warm ensuite rooms and exclusive occupancy with easy access to the best wildlife. Quality birding can include Golden and White-tailed Eagle, Raven, Black Guillemot and passage waders including Greenshank. Mammal encounters can be memorable here, with the possibility of Pine Marten coming to bait at the property and watched from the comfort of our living room! A night drive gives outside chances of Wildcat, and Otter may be found in nearby Loch Sunart.

One of our most mammal focussed itineraries, key species include Red Squirrel, Red and Roe Deer, Grey and Common Seal, Mountain Hare and Otter. We also have good chances of Pine Marten, Badger, Fox, Bottlenose Dolphin and Harbour Porpoise too.

Five nights at Mountview Hotel. Two nights on the West Coast.

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SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

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HIGHLANDS and EAST COAST BIRDING Birding across five regions - our only tour targeting Hawfinch, Bearded Tit and the iconic Highland specialities!

21 MARCH – 28 MARCH 2026 20 MARCH – 27 MARCH 2027

Prices from: £1595pp

Max. 7 clients. No single supplement. Full details and a Trip Report are on our website. Please read FIELD NOTES on page 9.

Late March is a great time to visit the Scotland, and on this holiday, we target some very special birds rarely encountered in the far north. With spring on the way, local species are busy at the start of their breeding season, incoming summer birds have freshly arrived, and winter visitors are on the move north.

Birding across five Scottish regions, this is our only tour targeting Hawfinch and Bearded Tit – two scarce Scottish species which only occur at a few sites north of the border.

This is a two-centre holiday, exploring hotspots as well as lesser-known places in Strathspey and the Cairngorms National Park, plus the East Coast, where a host of great sites await in Perthshire, Angus and Aberdeenshire. Highland specialities will feature as always, including Scottish Crossbill, Crested Tit, Black and Red Grouse, Golden and White-tailed Eagle and Snow Bunting. We have good chances to see Slavonian Grebe plus three, perhaps even four diver species in breeding plumage.

We also spend time exploring Royal Deeside, a great birding area with rich pinewoods, high mountains, stunning rivers and glens where Ptarmigan, Hen Harrier and perhaps an early Wheatear and Ring Ouzel may be possible.

On our local coasts, winter visitors should still be with us in good numbers, and we will also pay attention to any local rarities within reach. By spending two nights away on the East coast, we have chances to encounter birds rarely, or never seen in the Scottish Highlands. Hawfinch and Bearded Tit are our top targets, with ‘Southern’ species such as Marsh Harrier, Nuthatch, Green Woodpecker and Little Egret likely too. Osprey do very well in Perthshire and the first returnees are often sighted in the county. Water Rail may be seen stealthily skulking through the reedbeds, and exceptionally a Bittern may be present too. Mammals such as Otter and Red Squirrel are likely, and though Beaver are relatively abundant here -we are more likely to see evidence of their presence than the rodents themselves!

Five nights at Mountview Hotel. Two nights at a comfortable hotel in Kirriemuir.

SPRING into SCOTLAND including MULL A week of Highland birding with TWO nights on the magical Isle of Mull 28 MARCH – 4 APRIL, 4 APRIL – 11 APRIL 2026 27 MARCH – 3 APRIL, 3 APRIL – 10 APRIL 2027

Prices from: £1795pp

No single supplement. Full details and a Trip Report are on our website.

Please read FIELD NOTES on page 9.

Perhaps the ultimate spring wildlife experience in Scotland! All resident birds are displaying or breeding, winter birds are still here in good numbers and summer visitors are arriving daily. We enjoy a two-night stay on the magical Isle of Mull, giving us plenty of time to enjoy the fabulous birding and unforgettable scenery on offer. An exciting time to be birding in Scotland!

In Strathspey we are well placed close to some of the best birding habitats, and a local drive should produce Black Grouse popping and cooing at the lek. Red Grouse are present too, and after breakfast we head for the hills to look for Ptarmigan, Raven, Snow Bunting and Ring Ouzel. Descending to local lochs, Redthroated and Black-throated Diver, Slavonian Grebe, Osprey, Goldeneye and Dipper may be encountered with singing Crested Tit, Common and Scottish Crossbill making their presence felt in the adjacent pine forests.

A major highlight of this holiday will be our time on Magical Mull. We journey west, watching out for Black Guillemot, Hooded Crow and Common Seal as we travel, and might even see our first eagle after we cross onto the Morvern peninsula. On the large island of Mull, we target iconic wildlife at sites we know well, immediately looking for White-tailed and Golden Eagle, Hen Harrier and Short-eared Owl. We stay for two nights here, allowing a full day to enjoy eagles, divers, seaduck, waders including Golden Plover and Greenshank. Mull is rightly famous for its Otters, and though there can be no guarantees we have good chances as we check quieter corners of large sea lochs.

We also enjoy time birding on the Moray Coast, a day which can easily include rafts of Common Eider, Goosander, Common and Velvet Scoter, Long-tailed Duck plus Glaucous and Iceland Gull. Spring waders might include Purple Sandpiper, Turnstone, Bar-tailed Godwit, Knot, Dunlin and Ringed Plover in bright summer plumage. We watch out too for farmland specialities such as Corn Bunting, Yellowhammer and Grey Partridge in a feast of Scottish birding!

Five nights at Mountview Hotel. Two nights at a comfortable hotel on Mull.

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SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

tel: 01479 821248

email: info@heatherlea.co.uk

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HIGHLANDS and SKYE in SPRING A superb week of birding across the Highlands including two nights on the stunning Isle of Skye.

Prices from: £1795pp

11 APRIL – 18 APRIL 2026 10 APRIL – 17 APRIL 2027

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

A fantastic holiday from Heatherlea, featuring a rewarding few days on Skye. Key targets here are Golden and White-tailed Eagle, and we should enjoy prolonged views of both as they contest territories.

Travelling to or from Skye we seek roadside Ptarmigan on a mountain pass if weather allows. On arrival on the ‘Misty Isle’, we visit wild and remote corners where birders seldom venture, with plenty of time to scan for Golden and Whitetailed Eagle, Peregrine, Merlin and Hen Harrier. Along the miles of coastline, we catch up with Great Northern Diver and Black Guillemot, and migrants are possible at these under-watched locations, often showing very well. These may include scarcities such as Whimbrel, Greenshank and White Wagtail, with Wheatear, Stonechat, Whinchat and Meadow Pipit turning up everywhere on the heaths and rough pastures. We have chances of Otter, with seals and Harbour Porpoise offshore too. We have chosen our timing carefully, targeting three diver species (very occasionally four with White-billed!) in full summer plumage.

The rest of our time is spent around our home territory in Strathspey, where a great spring experience awaits. Resident birds are breeding, many summer visitors are now here, and birding is excellent, with Black and Red Grouse busy on the lek plus Crested Tit, Redpoll, Siskin and Scottish Crossbill. This is a very cost-effective way of including Skye in your Highland birding holiday, combining the island with all our special spring birds.

One day we visit the mountain for Ptarmigan and possibly Snow Bunting. On a round-up day we target missed species or visit the Moray Coast for exciting birding. This time of year produces a high birdlist, with large numbers of wintering birds overlapping with those arriving to breed.

Other wildlife should include Red Squirrel, Red and Roe Deer, Grey and Common Seal and Mountain Hare. Bottlenose Dolphin and Harbour Porpoise are possible.

Five nights at Mountview Hotel. Two nights at a comfortable hotel on Skye.

SPRING MIGRATION in the HIGHLANDS An exciting tour with northbound migrants taking centre stage.

Prices:from: £1695pp

18 APRIL – 25 APRIL 2026 17 APRIL – 24 APRIL 2027

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

One of our most flexible spring tours to date, we focus specifically on migration, enjoying day trips to coastal hotspots and hidden gems in our quest to build a large birdlist. Anything goes on this new tour, featuring a boat charter off the Aberdeenshire coast or even a last-minute hop aboard a ferry for skuas and other seabirds in the Minch. Spring migration can be an exciting time of year, and in the right conditions we can see large numbers of migrant waders or passerines making landfall on their northbound journeys.

Based entirely at our very own Mountview Hotel in Strathspey, naturally we dedicate time to local, Highland specialities. Golden and White-tailed Eagle, Black and Red Grouse, Slavonian Grebe, Crested Tit and Scottish Crossbill will all be looked for. Summer breeders including Ring Ouzel, Redstart, Tree Pipit, Pied Flycatcher and a host of warblers will be fresh in and full of song and are often at their easiest to find. Our boat trip specifically looking for summer-plumage divers will be a highlight – Red-throated, Black-throated, Great Northern and Whitebilled Diver all being possible! We will spend time scanning through flocks of seaduck for Velvet and Surf Scoter, King Eider, Scaup and Long-tailed Duck as well as Black Guillemot. Rarities can never be guaranteed, but early spring can be a good time for American Wigeon, Green-winged Teal and Ring-necked Duck on the move. We also visit the West Coast by ‘land or sea’ watching for seabirds, coastal migrants, early cetaceans and seals.

When searching for migrants, flexibility is paramount in building a good birdlist, and depending on the weather conditions your guide will choose the best regions to explore. By not searching for time-consuming species such as Ptarmigan, there are more opportunities to explore the Highland interior AND go birding around the Scottish coasts. Might we achieve an eleven raptor day? Could we get lucky with an East Coast fall of thrushes, warblers, finches with a rarity like a Wryneck in the mix too? Be it to the east, north or the west - the choice is ours and great birding awaits on a daily basis!

Seven nights at Mountview Hotel.

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HIGHLANDS and ORKNEY Brilliant spring birding across the Highlands, with an action packed TWO nights away in Orkney!

25 APRIL – 2 MAY 2026 24 APRIL – 1 MAY, 15 MAY – 22 MAY 2027

Prices from: £1695pp

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

On this ever-popular tour we divide our time between Strathspey and Mainland Orkney, the latter a fertile archipelago where special breeding birds include Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl, Red-throated Diver, Twite and more! With auks, skuas, terns and gulls, our three-day journey is full of excitement amid stunning coastal scenery and we also explore the Caledonian pinewoods and rugged glens to find many special Highland birds.

We look for Crested Tit and Scottish Crossbill in the forests, and your list on this first day may also include Osprey, Peregrine, Dipper, Goldeneye, Black and Red Grouse, Black-throated Diver, Slavonian Grebe and a range of breeding waders. During our time locally we also seek Golden and White-tailed Eagle plus summer passerines including Ring Ouzel, Tree Pipit and Redstart, with Wood Warbler, Pied and Spotted Flycatcher perhaps possible too. At nearby coastal haunts, expect Osprey, Eider, Goosander, Redbreasted Merganser, Stonechat and farmland birds such as Corn Bunting, Yellowhammer and Grey Partridge.

With a special focus on Orkney, where Hen Harrier and Short-eared Owl breed in good numbers, we often enjoy great views of these fabulous raptors quartering rough grasslands and heaths. Waders will be abundant, with Golden Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Snipe and perhaps Ruff in summer plumage featuring. Breeding passerines include Skylark, Wheatear, Meadow and Rock Pipit, Linnet and Twite, and with so much prey around we might add hunting Merlin too. We visit the busy seabird colony at Marwick Head, and in the right habitats there are chances of Water Rail and even Corncrake, though hearing them is far more likely than actually seeing one! At numerous bays and beaches, we often find summer-plumaged waders on passage, terns including Little Tern or a late-to-depart Great Northern Diver or Glaucous Gull.

Primarily a birding trip, we find time for a look around World Heritage sites such as ‘Ring of Brodgar’ and ‘Stones of Stenness’ – both of which can be good for birds. Ferry crossings should yield Great and Arctic Skua among the seabirds, and in recent years we have seen Orca, Minke Whale, dolphins and Otter, so don’t miss a minute!

Other wildlife should include Red Squirrel, Red and Roe Deer, Grey and Common Seal and Mountain Hare. Bottlenose Dolphin and Harbour Porpoise are possible.

Please note we don’t visit the Cairngorm Plateau during this itinerary.

Five nights at Mountview Hotel. Two nights at a comfortable hotel on Orkney.

BIRDING THE HIGHLANDS in MAY A fantastic week of birding across the Highlands, from the Cairngorm Mountains to both coasts.

Prices from: £1795pp

2 MAY – 9 MAY, 23 MAY – 30 MAY 2026 1 MAY – 8 MAY, 8 MAY – 15 MAY 2027

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

Birding the wonderful Scottish Highlands in May is one of the greatest pleasures available in the UK. With summer visitors arriving in good numbers, and key speciality birds still displaying or breeding, there is so much going on. We enjoy six tremendous days of wildlife watching, and all within striking distance of our Hotel here in Nethy Bridge. All the special birds of the Scottish Highlands are in our sights, and this is a perfect option to make the most of this wonderful time of year An ideal tour for the first-time visitor or the seasoned expert, 'Birding the Highlands in May' offers a wealth of variety. On local days we look for forest specialities, including Crested Tit and Scottish Crossbill, plus Slavonian Grebe on moorland lochans. Raptors including White-tailed Eagle will be at the fore on a day touring the stunning west with summer-plumaged Red-throated, Black-throated and Great Northern Diver and Otter likely too. Our Troup Head boat trip, scouring cliffs busy with seabirds, will be another highlight, while time exploring estuaries, coastal bays and farmland on the Moray and Black Isle help amass a high birdlist!

We spend a day exploring Crown Estates and Royal Deeside. The Black Grouse lek here is a great start to our day, and we watch for breeding Goshawk nearby. Travelling through fields of waders we reach Royal Deeside to have a chance of Ptarmigan without walking too far, before stopping to look for raptors which might include Golden Eagle, Hen Harrier, Peregrine, Osprey and Red Kite. On the Crown Estates at Glenlivet, we have exclusive vehicle access to secluded spots. You won’t see many other birders, and from these we are well placed to look for Golden Eagle, Merlin, Raven, Ring Ouzel, Red Grouse and a range of other woodland and moorland species.

In previous years we have seen ten raptor species on this day!

Mammals should include Red Squirrel, Red and Roe Deer, Grey and Common Seal and Mountain Hare. Bottlenose Dolphin and Harbour Porpoise are also possible.

Seven nights at Mountview Hotel.

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SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

tel: 01479 821248

email: info@heatherlea.co.uk

web: www.heatherlea.co.uk

NEW! HIGHLANDS and GRAMPIAN EXPLORER Summer birding across the Highlands and Grampian regions.

Prices from: £1695pp

9 MAY – 16 MAY 2026

Max. 7 clients. No single supplement. Full details are on our website.

Please read FIELD NOTES on page 9.

A brand new holiday taking in all the Highland summer visitors as well as an exploration of the varied habitats of Aberdeenshire. Set during an interesting time of year, we hope to have some lingering winter visitors on the sea as well as some passage movement of waders, sea cliffs heaving with breeding auks, and maybe, in suitable weather conditions, the potential for some scarce migrants along the Aberdeenshire coast!

From our Highland base, we look for Red and Black Grouse, Golden and White-tailed Eagle, Crested Tit and crossbills, as well as seeking out summer visitors – Pied and Spotted Flycatchers, Redstart, Tree Pipit and Wood Warbler should all be singing alongside the abundant Willow Warblers and Blackcaps, and Cuckoo should be heralding its presence on the moors. We also visit the coast to look for any winter duck still around, or maybe summer-plumaged divers (possibly including a longstaying White-billed?) and any wader passage. Local lochs should have Black- and Red-throated Divers and Slavonian Grebe present. Local farmland holds Corn Bunting, Grey Partridge, Yellowhammer and Tree Sparrow.

Farmland birds are widespread across the Grampian Region, and we have plenty of chances to catch up with these species in Aberdeenshire. Once we have crossed the Grampian Mountains looking for Ptarmigan, Ring Ouzel, Mountain Hare, and maybe both eagles too, we spend two days along the coast enjoying the wealth of bird life on offer.

We start with the loud and vibrant seabird colony at Fowlsheugh – 150,000 pairs of Guillemot, Razorbill, Kittiwake, Shag, Fulmar and Puffin breed here, and our visit is likely to be a highlight of the trip. Keep your eyes peeled for both Grey and Common Seal in the waters below, as well as passing Gannet, skuas or dolphins.

After a night in the Granite City of Aberdeen, we may spend time around the outskirts of the city should any exciting migrants have turned up overnight before we check out the estuaries and lochs to the north, which should include terns, more waders, more duck, and amongst the pools, reedbeds and farmland of the Loch of Strathbeg, we may even encounter Common Crane, which have recently been spending longer and longer in Aberdeenshire every summer. The species list in Aberdeenshire is always high, and with breeding birds including Marsh Harrier and Bearded Tit adding to the increased chance of migrants along the picturesque coast, and the wealth of resident birds, expect a longer checklist than usual!

Five nights at Mountview Hotel. Two nights at a comfotable hotel in Aberdeenshire.

HIGHLANDS and CORNCRAKE The best of the Highlands and Outer Hebrides in Spring.

9 MAY – 16 MAY, 16 MAY – 23 MAY 2026 8 MAY – 15 MAY, 22 MAY – 29 MAY 2027

Prices from: £1895pp

No single supplement. Full details and a Trip Report are on our website.

Please read FIELD NOTES on page 9.

May is a wonderful month for wildlife watching in the Highlands. Summer visitors have all arrived, the breeding season is in full swing, and the weather is normally warm and pleasant. On this exciting two-centre holiday we spend time enjoying all the species which make Scotland so special. We combine the tranquil Caledonian pinewoods and the vast Cairngorm Mountain plateau with two nights on the Outer Hebrides, as we add sought-after Corncrake to our enviable target list. This is our only seven-night itinerary which combines all the key Scottish mainland species with Corncrake, a unique opportunity!

Each year Heatherlea watch Corncrake on the Outer Hebrides from early May, so by these dates we know where the birds have been showing, with excellent chances to see them before the vegetation grows too high and obscures the view. On this brief visit Corncrake are our principal target, though with a full day to explore both Whitetailed and Golden Eagle can also be expected in reasonable weather. Hen Harrier and Short-eared Owl are frequently seen, and on our ferry crossings we can expect any (or all!) of the four skuas plus auks including Puffin and Black Guillemot, Gannet, Manx Shearwater, Shag, Fulmar and Kittiwake. Waders in bright breeding plumage and birds of the ‘machair’, including perhaps Corn Bunting, will add to a memorable experience.

Back home in Strathspey, all the specialities are settled and breeding, and we search with care for Black and Red Grouse, Ptarmigan, Dotterel, Snow Bunting, Crested Tit, Scottish Crossbill, Osprey, Ring Ouzel, Dipper, Goldeneye, Black-throated and Redthroated Diver, Slavonian Grebe and many more. We visit a variety of habitats from the Caledonian pinewoods adjacent to Mountview Hotel, open moorland, lochs, rivers and fields of Strathspey and neighbouring areas which hold these special birds. We will spend most of one day on the Cairngorm Plateau targeting key species and another birding the Moray Coast where farmland birds and perhaps a rarity may feature!

Mammals may include Red Squirrel, Red and Roe Deer, Grey and Common Seal. Otter, Mountain Hare, Minke Whale, Bottlenose Dolphin and Harbour Porpoise.

Five nights at Mountview Hotel. Two nights at a comfortable hotel on the Outer Hebrides.

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BIRDING the NORTH COAST 500 Northern wildlife on one of the world's most scenic road trips!

16 MAY – 23 MAY 2026

Prices from: £2195pp

Single supplement: £250.

Max. 7 clients. Full details and a Trip Report are on our website.

Wonderful wildlife amid some of Scotland’s finest scenery is firmly on the agenda on this spectacular journey around some of the country’s most northerly coastal points, feted by holidaymakers and travel writers alike as one of the best road trips in the world.

Our tour takes you to the best places for wildlife. There will be many highlights, such as Handa Island, Dunnet Head and Duncansby Head for their seabirds. The Flow Country of Caithness and Sutherland is fantastic and unique, often deemed to be as important a habitat as the Amazonian Rainforest! At RSPB Broubster Leans, breeding waders and passerines are on territory and passage Whimbrel, Short-eared Owl, Merlin and Hen Harrier may be seen. Many other excellent sites on northern coasts are visited on this holiday. Iceland-bound waders in summer plumage may be found on any number of pristine golden beaches, the Applecross peninsula may yield both eagles, Ptarmigan, Otters or perhaps even cetaceans This holiday really does offer a huge range of the best wildlife northern Scotland offers in spring!

Above all, this is an exciting birding adventure in under-watched spots. In the far north-west we may see breeding Greenshank, Golden Plover and Dunlin on the moorland, with Twite, Wheatear and Rock Pipit on the coasts. We will visit seabird colonies featuring Puffin, Guillemot and Razorbill densely packed and huddled together on cliff ledges, many about to lay eggs. Kittiwake, Fulmar, Shag and real ‘Rock Dove’ can be expected too, the sound and smell of these northern colonies complete the experience. Good numbers of nesting waders and waterfowl, including scarce northern species such as Red-throated and Black-throated Diver, Hen Harrier, Great Skua, Arctic Skua, Golden and White-tailed Eagle and Black Guillemot. Arctic and Common Tern are likely, and this tour can often yield a surprise or two such as calling Corncrake or something rarer like the Citrine Wagtail our group found in 2023!

Our tour begins either here in Nethy Bridge or in Inverness, convenient for flights and rail connections. We don’t follow the exact route of the ‘North Coast 500’, preferring deviations to cater for wildlife and birding considerations.

Number of centres 3. Please note this departure does not stay at the Mountview Hotel.

HIGH SEASON ACROSS THE HIGHLANDS A week of Scottish birding, featuring a visit to the bustling seabird city of Handa Island!

16 MAY – 23 MAY 2026, 30 MAY – 6 JUNE 2026 29 MAY – 5 JUNE 2027

Prices from: £1795pp

No single supplement. Full details and a Trip Report are on our website.

Please read FIELD NOTES on page 9.

A tremendous two-centre holiday for all the species that make Scotland so special. We visit many habitats including the seabird colony of Handa Island. It really is time to enjoy High Season ACROSS the Highlands!

In the Abernethy Forest we seek Crested Tit and Scottish Crossbill, where adults with fledged young may be found at this time. Forests also hold migrant Redstart, Spotted Flycatcher and Tree Pipit and resident Treecreeper and Goldcrest. Lochs and rivers, birchwoods and moorland may produce Osprey, Dipper, Buzzard, Goldeneye, Red Grouse, Black-throated Diver, Lesser Redpoll, breeding waders and Slavonian Grebe.

Handa is a real birding treat. Puffin, Guillemot and Razorbill mingle with Fulmar, Kittiwake and Shag on the cliffs. Arctic Skua ‘dive-bomb’ the boardwalk if we are too close, and with Gannet, Great Skua, Black Guillemot, Raven, Red Grouse, ‘real’ Rock Dove, Snipe, Lesser Redpoll, Sedge Warbler, Eider, Hooded Crow and Great Northern and Red-throated Diver too, every minute is absorbing. We stay overnight on the west, giving maximum time on Handa, and a second day to explore the under-watched north-west coast. Your guides choose the best locations in the freedom of the most stunning landscape in Scotland. Black-throated Diver are on remote lochs, Twite, Wheatear and Whinchat on the moorland and Golden and White-tailed Eagles soar over imposing crags.

We visit secluded locations with Golden Eagle, Peregrine, Merlin, Red Kite and Ring Ouzel in mind. On the high plateau we head to the right spots for Ptarmigan and Dotterel. We also look for breeding Snow Bunting.

At the coast, fishing Osprey, Common Eider, Goosander, Red-breasted Merganser, Stonechat, Red-throated Diver, Corn Bunting, Yellowhammer, occasional summering Common Scoter, Sandwich, Common, Arctic and Little Tern can be found. We also seek rarities within reach, perhaps a rare wader at this time. A fitting finale to a great week’s birding!

Mammals may include Red Squirrel, Red and Roe Deer, Grey and Common Seal.

Otter, Mountain Hare, Bottlenose Dolphin and Harbour Porpoise.

Six nights at Mountview Hotel. One night at a comfortable hotel on the west.

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SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

tel: 01479 821248

email: info@heatherlea.co.uk

web: www.heatherlea.co.uk

THE OUTER LIMITS in SUMMER A week of summer birding across Scotland, with TWO nights away in the Outer Hebrides.

Prices from: £1795pp

12 JUNE – 19 JUNE 2027

No single supplement. Full details and a Trip Report are on our website.

Please read FIELD NOTES on page 9.

A summer itinerary to see the birdlife of mountain, moor, forest and coast, with special attention paid to the rugged beauty and desolate vistas of the islands of Harris and Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, voted as the best island destination in Europe!

On this two-centre holiday we enjoy glorious scenery, long evenings and some of the best summer birding in Britain as we combine the summer birds of the mainland with a three-day, two-night visit to the northern Outer Hebrides, one of the most spectacular island destinations in the world!

During our time at the Mountview Hotel, we comb all the special habitats, including tranquil pinewoods and the vast Cairngorm mountain plateau. Target birds include Crested Tit, Scottish Crossbill, Osprey, Dipper, Buzzard, Goldeneye, Red Grouse, Blackthroated Diver, Lesser Redpoll, Peregrine, breeding waders and Slavonian Grebe. We spend a full day on the Cairngorm Plateau for Ptarmigan and Dotterel, and at the inner Moray Firth seek fishing Osprey, Eider, Goosander, Red-breasted Merganser, Redthroated Diver, Yellowhammer, Sandwich, Common, Arctic and Little Tern, Gannet, Guillemot and Razorbill, and waders may include Turnstone, Bar-tailed Godwit and Red Knot in breeding plumage.

On Harris and Lewis our activities will suit the weather and any known rare birds. We visit the Butt of Lewis to search for seabirds and vagrants and explore the remote west coast and the peatlands, checking a few hidden lochans that hold nesting waders. White-tailed and Golden Eagle, Merlin and Hen Harrier are realistic targets on the vast moorlands, with Golden Plover and the occasional Greenshank and divers on the peatlands. Our last morning may be spent looking for eagles, Otter and perhaps cetaceans from viewpoints such as Tiumpan Head. Two very different ferry crossings promise varied and exciting birding, with Manx Shearwater, Great and Arctic Skua, Black Guillemot, other auk species, gulls, terns and Gannet to entertain. A great birding adventure!

Other wildlife should include Red Squirrel, Red and Roe Deer, Grey and Common Seal and Otter. Mountain Hare, Minke Whale, Basking Shark, Bottlenose Dolphin and Harbour Porpoise are possible.

Five nights at Mountview Hotel. Two nights at a comfortable hotel on the Outer Hebrides.

STRATHSPEY WALKING & WILDLIFE in SUMMER Walking and wildlife in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park and beyond.

Prices from: £1695pp

20 JUNE – 27 JUNE 2026 19 JUNE – 26 JUNE 2027

No single supplement. Full details and a Trip Report are on our website.

Please read FIELD NOTES on page 9.

An adventure for the all-round naturalist that enjoys exploring the picturesque local scenery on foot. Whilst most Heatherlea holidays are fairly mobile, and visit a few local sites during the week, this trip aims to spend a little more time exploring the variety of habitats on our doorstep. We take in the wealth of flora and fauna that can be seen at walking pace, as well as passing a few places of historical significance. As well as enjoying the exercise, we look at the birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and flowers which make a Highland summer special.

We will be walking between four and eight miles each day, mainly on former droving routes, old railway lines, former military roads or on marked footpaths.

Most walks will be on level or undulating terrain, with the odd steeper trails, but rest assured – this is a group activity so nobody will be left behind, and there won’t be any rock climbing involved!

Bird sightings will vary with the locations, but along with the summer visitors, we hope to see crossbills and Crested Tit in the woods, Osprey and both eagles overhead, Ptarmigan and Ring Ouzel on the high tops, and as we visit underexplored sections of the Highlands, who knows what else!? For mammal enthusiasts, we hope to see Mountain and Brown Hare, Roe and Red Deer, Red Squirrel, Bottlenose Dolphin or other cetaceans at the coast and perhaps an Otter or Pine Marten as we walk through the wilds. As we wander over the heather moorland, keep an eye open for Common Lizard scuttling ahead of us too.

We will be running a moth trap on several nights with night-time catches through mid-summer often totalling a hundred or more, we hope to see some large and colourful hawk-moths and tiger-moths. We take in any flora as we walk, from the tall trees to localised, delicate orchids. Butterflies may include Northern Brown Argus, Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary and Small Heath, and there will be several species of dragon and damselfly on the wing to look out for as we go.

Seven nights at Mountview Hotel.

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SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

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HIGHLAND WILDLIFE in EARLY SUMMER Birds, mammals, insects and plants – ideal for the all-round enthusiast!

27 JUNE – 4 JULY 2026 26 JUNE – 3 JULY 2027

Prices from: £1695pp

No single supplement. Full details and a Trip Report are on our website.

Please read FIELD NOTES on page 9.

A cracking celebration of wildlife covering the birds, mammals, insects and plants of this fantastic area. Aimed at the natural history all-rounder and the birder who wants to see something extra, our itinerary is designed to be an enjoyable exploration of everything around us at a relaxed pace. Stretching from the high tops of the Arctic-alpine mountains, to the summer plants and birdlife of the Moray Coast, this will be a celebration of all the wildlife of the Cairngorms National Park and beyond.

In our hotel grounds you may see Northern Marsh Orchid, Creeping Lady’s Tresses and Chanterelle. We check our moth trap daily, Poplar and Elephant Hawk-moths often favourites. Birding in the forests we look for crossbills, Crested Tit and others keeping one eye on the ground for Twinflower, Serrated and One-flowered Wintergreen, Field Gentian and orchids including Heath Fragrant, Coralroot, Greater and Lesser Butterfly.

Target insects include Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Northern Brown Argus, Common Hawker, White-faced Darter, Northern Damselfly and Northern Emerald.

On the mountain are Ptarmigan, Ring Ouzel, Wheatear and Mountain Hare, plus rare alpines including Moss Campion, Trailing Azalea, Dwarf Cornel, Alpine Lady’s Mantle, Alpine Saw-wort, Lesser Twayblade, Scottish Asphodel, Alpine and Interrupted Clubmoss in the coires. If conditions are favourable to explore higher ground, we have chances of Dotterel, Snow Bunting and perhaps even Black Mountain Moth.

We visit Troup Head by boat to see Scotland's only mainland Gannetry with breeding seabirds including Guillemot, Razorbill, Puffin, Black Guillemot, Shag and Kittiwake with Minke Whale, Bottlenose Dolphin, Grey and Common Seal possible too..

In moorland habitats we seek raptors along with Red and Black-throated Diver, Slavonian Grebe and Red Grouse. Mountain Ringley and ‘scotica’ Large Heath are key targets but we will need the sun, while flowers including Bird’s-nest and Small White Orchid, Grass of Parnassus, Starry Saxifrage, Small Cow-wheat and Intermediate Wintergreen will be looked for, as will Beautiful Yellow Underwing, a day flying moorland moth.

The holiday is perhaps focused 25% on birdlife, 10% on mammals, 35% on insects and 30% on flora, though these are rough approximations!

Seven nights at Mountview Hotel.

BUTTERFLIES, DRAGONFLIES & BIRDS Sought-after Scottish specialities in the Highlands and on the West Coast.

4 JULY – 11 JULY 2026 3 JULY – 10 JULY 2027

Prices from: £1695pp

No single supplement. Full details and a Trip Report are on our website.

Please read FIELD NOTES on page 9.

A 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 the 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. In varying habitats, Red Grouse, Slavonian Grebe, Crested Tit, crossbills, Spotted Flycatcher, Tree Pipit and Redstart may all have youngsters in tow, and it is a good time to see Osprey youngsters peeking out of the nests. On the West Coast we scan the hills for Golden and White-tailed Eagle, secluded bays for Red-throated and Great Northern Diver and further out to sea for seabirds including Great Skua. On the Moray Coast return wader passage will be well under way, and building tern flocks can contain up to four species.

Our most comprehensive butterfly and dragonfly itinerary to date, we devote more time to scarce and range-restricted species than any other tour. Amongst the butterflies, tricky to find Mountain Ringlet is the ultimate prize, with Northern Brown Argus and Large Heath of the scotica form also high on our wish-lists.

Desirable local dragons include White-faced Darter, Common and Southern Hawker, Northern Emerald and range restricted Northern Damselfly. Out on the west coast Azure Hawker is without doubt the priority, and though our guides have good options for this sought after dragon, perseverance and patience may be required!

The weather is of course key, but by visiting as many sites as possible we have every chance of success! Please be aware that this is a very weather dependent tour and sunny days will be dedicated to butterflies and dragons, with birds featuring more if or when the weather is poor. Our itinerary will need to be quite flexible, and last-minute alterations to look for targets may come in at any time.

Five nights at Mountview Hotel. Two nights at a comfortable hotel on the West Coast

22 SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

tel: 01479 821248

email: info@heatherlea.co.uk

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HIGHLIGHTS of the HIGHLANDS The Scottish Highlands’ best summer wildlife, with an insight into the region's history and culture.

Prices from: £1695pp

11 JULY – 18 JULY 2026 10 JULY – 17 JULY 2027

No single supplement. Full details and a Trip Report are on our website.

Please read FIELD NOTES on page 9.

July is a wonderful month to visit the Highlands and here at Heatherlea we have glorious scenery, fascinating historical sites and exceptional wildlife both on our doorstep and beyond! A unique holiday and the perfect blend of past and present, we explore a number of less visited locations combining to form a wonderful new tour.

Featuring some of Highland Scotland's most iconic species, we look for Red Squirrel, Crested Tit and crossbills in the forests, Red Grouse, Ptarmigan, Red Deer and Mountain Hare in the hills and Bottlenose Dolphin, waders and seabirds around the coasts. At a good time of the year for raptors, numbers reach their peak and your list should be impressive, with perhaps as many as twelve species! By visiting numerous sites with raptor potential, including the Crown Estates at Glenlivet, where Heatherlea has exclusive access, Golden and White-tailed Eagle, Osprey, Red Kite, Hen Harrier, Merlin and others are likely.

A definite highlight of the week will be a boat trip out into the Moray Firth, perhaps giving us views of the semi-resident Bottlenose Dolphin pod and the chance to get closer to seabirds such as Guillemot, Razorbill and Kittiwake. Other popular summer targets include Slavonian Grebe, Black Guillemot, Red-throated and Blackthroated Diver. When the weather allows, we will run the moth trap, night-time catches through mid-summer often totalling a hundred or more. We take in any flora we see as we walk from tall trees to delicate orchids and look out for speciality Highland insects such as Northern Brown Argus and Northern Emerald.

And this Heatherlea tour is special in that we will dedicate time to investigate some of the (many) historical and cultural highlights of the areas we visit. In Strathspey, Castle Roy and the Ruthven Barracks are of local significance, while a secret seminary in Moray has the added bonus of being an excellent raptor watchpoint!

We also visit Inverewe Gardens on the west coast and enjoy some of Scotland's most spectacular scenery as the heather moors transform into beautiful purples and pinks!

Seven nights at Mountview Hotel.

HIGHLAND MAMMALS & MORE …

Highland birds and mammals including Beaver, Pine Marten and Otter, in Strathspey, Angus and Perthshire.

Prices from: £1695pp

18 JULY – 25 JULY 2026 17 JULY – 24 JULY 2027

Max 7 clients. No single supplement. Full details and a Trip Report are on our website. Please read FIELD NOTES on page 9.

This is an exciting summer holiday, as we try to see as many of Scotland’s mammals, including some which can be a challenge to see! Our time is divided between Strathspey, under watched Angus and Perthshire, the Moray Firth and the Minch – the latter a marine-rich stretch of water between the West Coast and Outer Hebrides. Many of our mammals have nocturnal habits and can be extremely elusive, so dedicated evening visits to a Pine Marten hide and a Beaver viewpoint give us good chances of connecting with these two key species. We also hope to see Otter, Badger, Mountain Hare, Red Squirrel and commoner land mammals including bats and deer. On the coasts we look for Common and Grey Seal plus cetaceans, of which Common and Bottlenose Dolphin, Harbour Porpoise and Minke Whale are the most likely, though with the Minch’s growing reputation for ‘large’ whales, even Humpback and Fin Whale may be possible on our ferry boat trip!

And while this tour specifically focuses on mammal watching, naturally we will see birds and other wildlife too. Highland birds could include Crested Tit, Scottish Crossbill, Golden and White-tailed Eagle, Slavonian Grebe and Black-throated Diver amid spectacular forest and moorland surroundings. During our time in Angus and Perthshire, we may see Ptarmigan in the mountains, plus Black and Red Grouse, Ring Ouzel, Wheatear and raptors on the moors including Hen Harrier.

Depending on the coastal sites visited, we might encounter moulting Common and Velvet Scoter, or flocks of terns perhaps containing a stray Black Tern or Little Gull?

Returning wader passage will be well under way, and we also look for Osprey, Water Rail, Whinchat, Common Crossbill and other birds across the range of available habitats in Perthshire.

Summer is a great time for other natural history too, and Speyside in particular is home to some scarce butterflies, dragonflies and wildflowers. Nothing will be ignored, though be prepared for shorter days in the field and late nights in our quest to see some of Scotland’s most special mammals!

Five nights at Mountview Hotel. Two nights at a comfortable hotel in Perthshire or Angus.

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SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

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HIGHLAND WILDLIFE in HIGH SUMMER A Natural History tour of Northern Scotland.

18 JULY – 25 JULY 2026 17 JULY – 24 JULY 2027

Prices from: £1695pp

Max. 7 clients. No single supplement. Full details and a Trip Report are on our website. Please read FIELD NOTES on page 9.

A high-summer natural history tour of the Highlands, where changes in the season mean a whole host of different wildlife, especially flora and insects. This tour celebrates all we encounter during our short and exciting Highland summer.

The holiday is slow paced, working sites well, looking at birds, mammals, invertebrates and flowers, all in stunning scenery. We start each day with a moth trap, with good chances of Hawkmoths and tiger-moths among many others. Local birding includes Crested Tit, Scottish Crossbill, Red and Black Grouse, Blackthroated Diver, Short-eared Owl, Ring Ouzel and Golden Eagle. Flowers include Field Gentian, Bog Asphodel and many varieties of heather. Butterflies include the first emerging Scotch Argus, Large Heath, Dark Green Fritillary, Mountain Ringlet and perhaps Northern Brown Argus, with several dragonflies on the wing.

Troup Head is fascinating from the water, with towering cliffs covered in thousands of noisy Gannets! Many auks will have fledged, but we should see groups of Razorbill, Guillemot and perhaps a few lone Puffin and Black Guillemot, with chances of Great and Arctic Skua, terns and perhaps even a Manx Shearwater, Minke Whale, Basking Shark, Bottlenose Dolphin or Harbour Porpoise.

In Perthshire, we look for Whinchat, Hen Harrier and Golden-ringed Dragonfly, plus orchids still in flower and we visit one of the oldest (if not the oldest) tree in the British Isles - the Fortingall Yew. In the Cairngorms, we look for Red-throated Diver, Slavonian Grebe, Ptarmigan and alpine flowers, which may include Dwarf Cornel, Alpine Saw-wort, Starry Saxifrage, Roseroot, Trailing Azalea, Moss Campion and Least Willows. Later we search for Long-eared, Daubenton’s and two species of Pipistrelle Bat, and may see Badger. On the Black Isle hundreds of wading birds include Bar-tailed Godwit, Knot, Dunlin and Curlew, and perhaps Greenshank, Ruff, Curlew Sandpiper or Little Stint. There will be excellent chances of Osprey fishing, and rural backroads hold Red Kite, Yellowhammer, Linnet and Tree Sparrow.

Other delights include Atlantic Salmon, Mountain and Brown Hare, Roe and Red Deer and Red Squirrel. Flowers include Grass-of-Parnassus amongst others.

Seven nights at Mountview Hotel.

Please also see ‘HIGHLAND WILDLIFE in early summer’ on page 22. Timed just three weeks earlier, this tour features a marked change in seasonal wildlife.

HIGHLANDS and WESTER ROSS High Summer wildlife by land and sea.

25 JULY – 1 AUGUST 2026 24 JULY – 31 JULY 2027

Prices from: £1695pp

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. Referring to the remote, beautiful and wild area of western Scotland, located roughly between Ullapool and Loch Broom in the north, Loch Carron in the south, and Kinlochewe in the east- ‘Wester Ross’ is largely unspoilt and spectacular in every way. With rugged and empty coastlines, mighty mountains rising directly from the sea, beautiful lochs and remnants of Caledonian pine forest, the region is certainly rich in wildlife, and a part of Scotland Heatherlea guides know well!

We enjoy two nights on the West Coast, watching for Golden and White-tailed Eagle in stunning mountain scenery. Black-throated Diver flocks gather 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 Bottlenose Dolphin on the turning tide. At a seabird colony on the northeast coast, Gannet are the most populous bird on the cliffs, which may also hold 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 and building coveys of Red Grouse - there are so many possibilities!

Interesting butterflies, dragonflies and flora may be encountered, while other mammals may include Red Squirrel, Red and Roe Deer, Grey and Common Seal and Mountain Hare.

Five nights at Mountview Hotel. Two nights at a comfortable hotel on the West Coast.

24 SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

tel: 01479 821248

email: info@heatherlea.co.uk

web: www.heatherlea.co.uk

HIGHLANDS and the SMALL ISLES Speciality local wildlife, with a little more walking than usual, as we explore the islands of Rum and Eigg.

Prices from: £1695pp

1 AUGUST – 8 AUGUST 2026 31 JULY – 7 AUGUST 2027

No single supplement. Full details and a Trip Report are on our website.

Please read FIELD NOTES on page 9.

Located off the West Coast of Scotland, lying to the south of Skye and north of the Ardnamurchan peninsula, there are four main islands which make up ‘The Small Isles’. They are Rum, Eigg, Canna and Muck and it is the first two which feature on this tour, exploring both on foot for wildlife amidst some fabulous scenery.

This is also a holiday for those who want a little more walking than on many Heatherlea tours, as we follow forest trails for specialist birds including Crested Tit and crossbills. We look for Osprey, Slavonian Grebe, Dipper, Goosander and Goldeneye around waterbodies, while Birch woodland supports a different suite of birds including Bullfinch, Tree Pipit and Lesser Redpoll. Adjacent meadows can be a good place to find Scotch Argus and Dark Green Fritillary butterflies as well as Golden-ringed and Black Darter dragonflies. We hike in the Cairngorm mountains for Ptarmigan, Snow Bunting and any late to depart Dotterel, appreciating the Moray Coast and its wildlife from a different perspective too.

Rum is the largest of the ‘Small Isles’, and most of the land is managed as a nature reserve. The first (successful) White-tailed Eagle reintroductions took place here in 1975, and we may well get lucky with a sighting of one of their descendants. Eigg is the most populated of the islands, dominated by the impressive An Sgùrr ridge it still feels distinctly wild and remote. Possible wildlife as we explore both islands includes Golden and White-tailed Eagle, Hen Harrier, Peregrine, Merlin, Redthroated and Black-throated Diver, Cuckoo, Whinchat, Stonechat, Wheatear, Twite, Red Deer, Otter, Great and Common Seal plus a variety butterflies, dragonflies and interesting flora.

We need to take two boat trips to reach the islands of Rum and Eigg, with seabirds such as Black Guillemot, Puffin, Manx Shearwater, Arctic and Great Skua likely during the journey. Cetaceans including Common Dolphin, Harbour Porpoise and Minke Whale may also be seen, and it is a good time of year for Basking Shark and even jellyfish in these waters.

Five nights at Mountview Hotel. Two nights at a comfortable hotel on the West Coast.

WALKING and WILDLIFE in SUMMER The Scottish Highlands and its wildlife from a different perspective, as we explore some of the best walking routes.

Prices from: £1695pp

8 AUGUST – 15 AUGUST 2026 7 AUGUST – 14 AUGUST 2027

Max. 7 clients. No single supplement. Full details and a Trip Report are on our website. Please read FIELD NOTES on page 9.

A fantastic adventure for the general naturalist that enjoys seeing a wide range of habitats, fabulous flora and fauna, and picturesque Highland scenery on foot. Whilst most Heatherlea holidays are fairly mobile, visiting numerous sites during a day’s wildlife watching, this week-long trip aims to visit a different geographical area each day, taking in the wealth of natural history that can be seen at walking pace. As well as enjoying the exercise, we still look at the birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and flowers which make a Highland summer special. Taking in a wealth of natural history at walking pace, a different daily backdrop of rocky mountains, ancient pine woodlands, sparkling rivers, or the powerful North Sea, ensures we won’t grow bored of our surroundings!

The daily walks will be between four and ten miles, many of them on former droving routes, old railway lines, or on marked footpaths, but there may be an element of wild walking across remote heather moorland or over the Cairngorm Plateau to provide a different experience in a different landscape. Most walks will be on level or undulating terrain, with some steeper trails on the mountain days, but rest assured – this is a group activity so nobody will be left behind, and there won’t be any rock climbing involved!

Bird sightings will vary with the locations, but along with the summer visitors, we hope to see crossbills and Crested Tit in the woods, Osprey and both eagles overhead, Ptarmigan, Snow Bunting and Dotterel on the high tops, and as we visit under-explored sections of the Highlands, who knows what else! For mammal enthusiasts, we hope to see Mountain and Brown Hare, Roe and Red Deer, Red Squirrel, Bottlenose Dolphin or other cetaceans at the coast and perhaps an Otter or Pine Marten as we walk through the wilds. As we wander over the heather moorland, keep an eye open for Common Lizard scuttling ahead of us too.

We will be running a moth trap on several nights and with night-time catches through midsummer often totalling a hundred or more, we hope to see some large and colourful hawkmoths and tiger-moths. We take in any flora as we walk, from the tall trees to localised, delicate orchids. Butterflies may include Scotch Argus, Dark Green Fritillary and Large Heath, and there will still be several species of dragon and damselfly on the wing to look out for as we go.

Seven nights at Mountview Hotel.

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SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

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AUTUMN in the HIGHLANDS A unique birding holiday especially for those who don't want to walk too far.

15 AUGUST – 22 AUGUST, 22 AUGUST – 29 AUGUST 2026 14 AUGUST – 21 AUGUST, 21 AUGUST – 28 AUGUST 2027

Max. 7 clients. No single supplement.

Full details and a Trip Report are on our website.

Please read FIELD NOTES on page 9.

Prices from: £1695pp

Would you like to see all the special birds of Scotland without too much exertion? On this relaxed itinerary, we look for all the Scottish specials including Ptarmigan, perhaps the most inaccessible of our native birds. We explore the dramatic West Coast, search for southbound migrants and enjoy a fantastic seabird trip into the Minch, on a tour which involves very little walking. We are based entirely at the Mountview Hotel, giving us flexibility to choose the best day for each of our activities.

You can still enjoy all the great birding the Scottish Highlands has to offer, visiting many special places by comfortable minibus and getting close to the best birding sites. As well as doing our best to find Ptarmigan without having to walk up a huge mountain, we seek Highland specialities including Black Grouse, Crested Tit, Scottish Crossbill, Osprey, Golden and White-tailed Eagle and much more. Early Autumn is a great time of year when bird numbers and diversity are high, with local breeders joined by migrants originating from Scandinavia as they begin to flood south towards warmer climes.

We visit a range of superb coastal sites to search for birds within some of the most attractive regions of Scotland. Our ferry ride into the Minch should give us exciting encounters with seabirds, including Gannet, Fulmar, Sooty and Manx Shearwater, Storm Petrel, Kittiwake, Shag, Red-throated Diver, auks, and any of the four species of skua. A great stretch of sea for cetaceans too, Common, Risso’s and Bottlenose Dolphin, Harbour Porpoise, Minke Whale and even larger whales such as Humpback and Fin are all possible at this time of year. And though we may need to drive that little bit further to reach accessible sites on the West and Aberdeenshire coast, the birding delights when we get there are always worth the effort. Beautiful scenery is a given in the far west, while on the opposite side of Scotland we may encounter Common Crane, Great Egret and Marsh Harrier to name but a few! Please note that while this is an easy walking tour you must still have a reasonable level of mobility to partake in the holiday.

Seven nights at Mountview Hotel.

HIGHLANDS and the OUTER HEBRIDES A week-long late summer holiday combining the Highlands and the Southern Outer Hebrides.

22 AUGUST – 29 AUGUST 2026 21 AUGUST – 28 AUGUST 2027

Prices from: £1795pp

Max. 7 clients. No single supplement.

Full details and a Trip Report are on our website.

Please read FIELD NOTES on page 9.

The Scottish Highlands, North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist and Skye, all in one action packed holiday! We target specialities in Strathspey and enjoy raptors, waders, flocks of passerines, seabirds and sea mammals on the Outer Hebrides.

Locally, we seek Crested Tit, Scottish Crossbill, Siskin, Tree Pipit, Redstart, Spotted Flycatcher and Lesser Redpoll. On the Cairngorms, Ptarmigan are skulking in the corries, and we explore the moorlands, with Golden Eagle, Raven, Slavonian Grebe, Red Grouse and perhaps Short-eared Owl and Black-throated Diver to entertain.

We head west to our ferry and, as we cross The Minch, watch for passage seabirds, including petrels, skuas and shearwaters, perhaps with a Sabine's Gull, Great Shearwater or Basking Shark to top off an exciting voyage. On arrival, we have a full day to enjoy the delights of the Outer Hebrides in early autumn. Large numbers of migratory waders can be found on the machair, beaches and mudflats, divers feed offshore and good numbers of Twite, Linnet and hopefully Corn Bunting abide in the arable areas. We have good chances of Hen Harrier, Merlin and Short-eared Owl, and all should have fledged young on the wing. Corncrake and Red-necked Phalarope are present but very hard to see this late in the season.

A scarce migrant could feature, perhaps Pectoral Sandpiper, Lesser Yellowlegs or White-rumped Sandpiper and we have even been lucky enough to see Snowy Owl on this trip in the past! We make the most of our days, returning via Skye to target any species outstanding, plus Golden and White-tailed Eagle once more.

Later, we visit the Moray Coast or head east to Aberdeenshire. Expect Gannet, fishing Osprey, gulls, terns and auks, plus occasional Great or Arctic Skua. Passage waders might include Turnstone, Bar-tailed Godwit, Knot, Dunlin and Ringed Plover, many in breeding plumage. We look for farmland birds and round up rarities within reach.

Mammals may include Red Squirrel, Red and Roe Deer, Grey and Common Seal, Otter, Mountain Hare, Minke Whale, Bottlenose Dolphin and Harbour Porpoise, with a chance of Basking Shark too!

Five nights at Mountview Hotel. Two nights at a comfortable hotel on the Outer Hebrides.

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SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

tel: 01479 821248

email: info@heatherlea.co.uk

web: www.heatherlea.co.uk

HIGHLAND AUTUMN EXPLORER Speciality local birds, departing and incoming migrants and an exciting pelagic trip.

Prices from: £1695pp

29 AUGUST – 5 SEPTEMBER 2026 28 AUGUST – 4 SEPTEMBER 2027

No single supplement. Full details and a Trip Report are on our website.

Please read FIELD NOTES on page 9.

Purple heather moors, the gold and red in the birchwoods, and the deep greens of the ancient pinewoods - this is a lovely time to visit Scotland. An exciting period for birdwatching here, with an abundance of possibilities, as summer breeders, winter visitors and Highland specialities collide! Bird numbers are at their highest, and by exploring lesser-known places and different habitats we can expect variety, and a high species count on this fun tour.

Our Mountview Hotel is ideally placed and on this highly flexible itinerary our daily routine will very much depend on weather conditions and up-to-date bird news. Lots of birds will be on the move from geese, swans and other wildfowl, waders and terns to passerines. We spend our days scouring through thrushes, chats, pipits, finches, warblers and more for chances of a rarity or two. An exciting pelagic trip will be a firm highlight offering opportunities of unparalleled views of northern seabirds. An exciting opportunity to explore offshore, likely are skuas, petrels, shearwaters, as well as commoner seabirds and perhaps cetaceans.

Local knowledge is key, and our guides will choose the right day to visit sites accordingly. Resident populations of Highland birds are at their peak, and we hope to see Scottish specialities including Black and Red Grouse, Ptarmigan, Crested Tit and Scottish Crossbill. It is a great time of year for raptors, and we pay special attention to sites where Golden and White-tailed Eagle, Hen Harrier, Goshawk.

Red Kite, Osprey, Peregrine and Merlin are most likely. Day visits to the Moray, Black Isle or Aberdeenshire coast will yield waders, seaduck, divers and grebes, while rich farmland ensures there is plenty to seek inland. At migration hotspots there are lots of possibilities at this time of year, and among the Redstart, Whinchat, Ring Ouzel, Pied and Spotted Flycatcher we may get lucky and unearth a scarcer Barred Warbler, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Wryneck, Red-backed Shrike or something even rarer! Keeping an eye on local reports, we may target a nearby rarity but whatever we do or see, we will enjoy six great days in the field!

Seven nights at Mountview Hotel.

HIGHLAND MIGRATION BY LAND & SEA With migration at the fore and now with TWO boat trips, we explore birding hotspots on three coastlines.

5 SEPTEMBER – 12 SEPTEMBER 2026 4 SEPTEMBER – 11 SEPTEMBER 2027

Prices from: £1695pp

No single supplement. Full details and a Trip Report are on our website.

Please read FIELD NOTES on page 9.

Autumn is an exciting time of year, and on this tour we explore the Highland coastline to its fullest, offering some of the best migration-based birding available in Scotland. Our award-winning hotel is ideally situated and on this highly flexible itinerary our daily routine will very much depend on weather conditions and up-to-date bird news. Local knowledge is key, and our guides will choose the right day to visit sites accordingly, dedicating time to both land and sea. Resident populations are at their peak and with incoming migration, bird numbers and species variety are at their highest.

With TWO boat trips planned, exploring offshore waters both east and west, we have excellent chances of seabirds. Commoner, locally bred species can be abundant and on our pelagic trips 'chumming' brings the birds in close, the views of shearwaters, skuas and petrels often being excellent. Higher numbers are more likely in the Minch, and from elevated viewing decks on the ferry this stretch of water also offers excellent chances for cetaceans. Risso's and Common Dolphin, Harbour Porpoise and Minke Whale are all likely and in calm conditions and with good feeding opportunities, larger species such as Fin and Humpback Whale are possible. Day visits to the Moray Coast and Black Isle yield a variety of waders, seaduck, divers and grebes, while rich farmland ensures there is plenty to seek inland. The Aberdeenshire coast or Tarbat peninsula both support a variety of habitats, with some species rarely seen on other tours possible, and ‘drift’ passerines after easterly winds. Will we get lucky with a rarity or two?

With migration the priority, this is a unique tour. We do look for our Highland specialities including Crested Tit, Black Grouse and eagles, but do not plan to seek Ptarmigan in the high hills or elusive Capercaillie in the forests. Instead, we devote more time and choose the best days to look for seabirds, the best tides to check for waders and the best winds for passerines. We may single out an exciting rarity and be prepared for a change of plan for that one special bird! It’s an exciting time for keen birders to be out in the field, and our guides especially enjoy these days, so come and join them!

Seven nights at Mountview Hotel.

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THE ‘OUTER LIMITS’ ADVENTURE Birding the Highlands in peak migration time including a two-night stay on the Outer Hebrides!

12 SEPTEMBER – 19 SEPTEMBER 2026 19 SEPTEMBER – 26 SEPTEMBER 2026 18 SEPTEMBER – 25 SEPTEMBER 2027

Prices from: £1895pp

No single supplement. Full details and a Trip Report are on our website.

Please read FIELD NOTES on page 9.

A real adventure, including two nights in the island wilderness of Lewis, Harris and Skye. With Black Grouse, Ptarmigan, Golden and White-tailed Eagle, Crested Tit and Scottish Crossbill, seabird flocks, migration all around the coast and the possibility of rarities, this is a unique and very exciting holiday.

In the Caledonian pinewoods, there are good numbers of Crested Tit with roaming Scottish Crossbill also in small flocks. Golden Eagle, Peregrine, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel are in the glens and the Red Deer rut reaches its peak.

We make a three-day visit to the northern Outer Hebrides, frequently chosen by guides and guests as one of the highlights of the Heatherlea year. We scan for Manx Shearwater, Great and Arctic Skua, Storm Petrel, Gannet, auks and more from our ferry. Sooty Shearwater, Leach’s Petrel, Pomarine and Long-tailed Skua, Grey Phalarope plus Minke Whale, Bottlenose, Risso’s and Common Dolphins, Harbour Porpoise and Grey and Common Seal are all possible too. On Harris, we may see eagles and checking sheltered bays for seaduck may reveal rare Surf Scoter, King Eider, three diver species and Slavonian Grebe. On Lewis, we visit headlands for seabirds, waders, Twite and migrant passerines, walk the woods for Hebridean races of Wren and Song Thrush and target boggy lochans for American vagrants. We may get falls of southbound migrants with Pink-footed Goose, Snow and Lapland Bunting possible. Golden and White-tailed Eagles, Hen Harrier and Merlin are also frequently seen.

Back in Strathspey, Black Grouse are returning to the lek and we also visit the Moray Firth to search the concentrations of seabirds that make this coast such a magnet for birders. Common and Velvet Scoter, Long-tailed Duck and Red-throated Divers are all possible, as are many waders in autumn. Ptarmigan are our target on the mountain day and Snow Bunting may be seen.

Other wildlife should include Red Squirrel, Red and Roe Deer, Mountain Hare and other sea life.

Five nights at Mountview Hotel. Two nights at a comfortable hotel on the Outer Hebrides.

AUTUMN MIGRATION in the HIGHLANDS Southbound migration and Scottish specialities at an exciting time of year.

19 SEPTEMBER – 26 SEPTEMBER 2026 11 SEPTEMBER – 18 SEPTEMBER 2027

Prices from: £1695pp

No single supplement. Full details and a Trip Report are on our website.

Please read FIELD NOTES on page 9.

A fantastic holiday featuring the special resident birds and exploring migration on both the west and east coasts of the Highlands. With Northern breeders on the move, it is an exciting time, and we visit some of the best places and habitats for birdwatching on both land and sea. Close to our Highland base, we seek Ptarmigan, Black Grouse, Crested Tit, Osprey, Scottish Crossbill and more when bird numbers are at their highest as juvenile birds boost the local populations.

At a time in the birding calendar when anything can turn up and on a dedicated day, we explore the attractive Tarbat Peninsula. A destination rarely visited by birders, we have certainly enjoyed some great days here, one memorable ‘fall’ featuring scores of Pied Flycatcher, Redstart, Whinchat, a variety of warblers plus rarer Red-backed Shrike and Common Rosefinch in the same clump of bushes!

Noisy gaggles of Pink-footed Geese will be on the move, high-flying flocks a possibility on any day during this tour. We will also likely visit the Moray and Black Isle coasts, both of which maintain high densities of farmland birds such as Yellowhammer, Tree Sparrow and Linnet through the autumn months. With busy estuaries and bays nearby supporting arriving seaduck, waders and gulls, we always accumulate a high day-list on these coastal days.

A two-night stay on the West Coast gives us more time to search for top quality birds, including Golden and White-tailed Eagle soaring over mountainous ridges.

Three species of diver, seaduck, terns, auks and passerines including Twite are also possible, as are Otter on the shoreline. On our sea trip across the Minch we have chances of range of cetaceans, perhaps including Humpback and Fin Whale if luck is on our side. And while we want calm conditions for our crossings, storm driven seabirds can boost our daily tally with Sooty Shearwater, Storm and Leach’s Petrel, Grey phalarope, Sabine’s Gull, Great, Arctic, Pomarine and Long-tailed Skua among the possibilities. Absorbing birding during a busy period in the Scottish birding calendar!

Five nights at Mountview Hotel. Two nights at a comfortable hotel on the West Coast.

28 SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

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HIGHLANDS and the FAR NORTH in AUTUMN Great local birding and exciting migration in Caithness and north-east Highlands.

Prices from: £1695pp

26 SEPTEMBER – 3 OCTOBER 2026 25 SEPTEMBER – 2 OCTOBER 2027 2 OCTOBER – 9 OCTOBER 2027

No single supplement. Full details and a Trip Report are on our website.

Please read FIELD NOTES on page 9.

On this tour, we combine local specialities with rarely visited Caithness and nearby Sutherland, birdwatching at an exciting period when both residential birds and autumn migrants can be at their highest. A time of year when the seasons are on the change too, the autumn colours in our woodlands and the sound of Red Deer at the rut add to our enjoyment.

Locally, we search for Black and Red Grouse on the moors, and later in Royal Deeside - Ptarmigan whose plumage will be starting to turn white ahead of winter snows.

Crested Tit and (a variety of) Crossbills are likely in the woods, and in autumn the latter can be especially abundant following a good breeding season or cone crop. It is often one of the best periods of the birding year for raptors too. We have good chances of seeing Golden and White-tailed Eagle, Goshawk, Red Kite, Peregrine with Hen Harrier, Merlin and Short-eared Owl all possible during our time in Caithness.

On a three-day, two-night adventure to Caithness we explore habitats and lesserknown birding sites in the north-east corner of Mainland Scotland. Autumn migration will be in full flow, and depending on the prevailing winds, large numbers of birds and potential rarities can arrive from any direction. Well positioned to observe incoming Whooper Swan, geese and ducks, and we spend time checking hotspots, though any field or pool can host a rarity in this part of Scotland! Migratory seabirds are likely to feature, with Sooty Shearwater, Leach’s Petrel and any of the four skuas possible in onshore winds. A wide range of passerines will also be on the move south from Scandinavia, and we explore quiet valleys and headlands for chats, thrushes, flycatchers, warblers, finches and perhaps that magical rarity! It is an exciting time of year for birders, and the ‘far north’ is an exciting place to go birdwatching!

Five nights at Mountview Hotel, Two nights at a comfortable hotel in Caithness.

RAPTORS & GROUSE Prime time for these special birds and plenty more besides.

Prices from: £1795pp

3 OCTOBER – 10 OCTOBER 2026 2 OCTOBER – 9 OCTOBER 2027

No single supplement. Full details and a Trip Report are on our website.

Please read FIELD NOTES on page 9.

This is a superb time to come to Scotland – autumn migration is in full swing, the tree and heather colours are turning, and our target birds are at their highest numbers with all youngsters fledged. On this itinerary, we seek an ambitious list of birds within two genus groups – the raptors and the grouse! Dedicating time to the best sites to look for them, to maximise our chances, we include an overnight stay on magical Mull, a superb place to gain close views of many raptors in stunning Hebridean scenery!

The list of possible raptors is mouth-watering: White-tailed and Golden Eagle, Buzzard, Osprey, Red Kite, Hen Harrier, Peregrine, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel with chances of Merlin, Goshawk and Short-eared Owl. Our main grouse targets are Ptarmigan, Black Grouse and Red Grouse – the latter recently elevated to true species status! Capercaillie also occur in our forests, though increasingly scarce, an ‘incidental’ sighting on a forest trail is always a possibility. On one day we look for Ptarmigan in the high corries, and this is the time when their numbers peak, so we stand a good chance. Red Grouse are found commonly on the moors around our hotel in Nethy Bridge, while rarer Black Grouse should be active at lekking sites.

Other specialities inland include Crested Tit and Scottish Crossbill, supplemented by incoming winter visitors such as Fieldfare and Redwing. Other birds likely on our Mull adventure include Black Guillemot, Hooded Crow, Great Northern and Redthroated Diver, Slavonian Grebe, Goosander, Redpoll, Stonechat, Twite and more.

Autumn birding along the Moray and Black Isle coasts is particularly enjoyable, as newly arriving winter migrants complement any late to leave summer birds. Likely are rafts of Common Eider, Goosander, Red-breasted Merganser plus returning Long-tailed Duck, Common and Velvet Scoter. Wader flocks of Turnstone, Bartailed Godwit, Knot, Redshank, Dunlin and Ringed Plover may contain Ruff, Greenshank or Grey Plover, and we search for any rarities within reach having seen Pectoral, Baird’s and White-rumped Sandpiper on previous Raptors and Grouse tours! In farmland habitats, building flocks of Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting, Linnet and Tree Sparrow attract Merlin, the winter stubbles good for geese flocks and herds of Whooper Swan too.

Six nights at Mountview Hotel. One night at a comfortable hotel on Mull.

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Photo: Pete Walkden

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HIGHLANDS and SKYE in AUTUMN A superb celebration of Autumn across the Highlands, featuring two nights on the stunning Isle of Skye!

10 OCTOBER – 17 OCTOBER 2026 9 OCTOBER – 16 OCTOBER 2027

Prices from: £1895pp

No single supplement. Full details and a Trip Report are on our website.

Please read FIELD NOTES on page 9.

Autumn on Skye is magical from mountaintop to sea, and perhaps the best time for eagles as young birds make the most of autumnal winds. Waders move through in good numbers and moorland birds have formed flocks, ranging on the coast.

Back home in Strathspey, specialities and newly arriving thrushes, geese and waders provide superb birding during a classic week.

An early morning visit to the Black Grouse lek will get us off to a great start, and later, a walk in the nearby Abernethy Forest may produce Crested Tit and Scottish Crossbill. Moorland specialities include Peregrine, Red Grouse, Merlin and Hen Harrier, with Goosander and Dipper on the rivers.

Heading towards Skye, we work slowly west via mountainous Torridon with its long sealochs and quaint villages, favoured coastlines for Otters, waders and wildfowl. In autumn on Skye, magical low light and changing weather give us picture-postcard views around every turn, with concentrations of Golden and White-tailed Eagles and good chances of Hen Harrier and Merlin. Divers will be returning to the coastline, with good numbers of Great Northern in particular, and a wide range of birdlife including Black Guillemot and Twite.

In the hills, we concentrate on Ptarmigan, whilst rutting deer add further interest.

Local birding gives excellent chances of Siskin, Lesser Redpoll, Bullfinch and woodland species, already in winter flocks. Nearby fields often hold freshly arrived Redwing and Fieldfare and flocks of finches and buntings may contain Brambling.

Autumn along the Moray Coast can be stunning. Rafts of seaduck include Velvet and Common Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Eider and Red-breasted Merganser. We search for rarities, which in recent years have included Surf Scoter, King Eider and (just once), Steller’s Eider. Geese will be in good number, and waders should include Purple Sandpiper, Turnstone, Bar-tailed Godwit, Knot, Dunlin and Ringed Plover.

With luck, farmland will be busy, with chances of Grey Partridge, Corn Bunting and perhaps Whooper Swans. A marvellous feast of autumn birding!

Five nights at Mountview Hotel. Two nights at a comfortable hotel on Skye.

HIGHLAND AUTUMN BIRDING A real birding adventure across the Highlands, including two nights in bird-rich Aberdeenshire!

17 OCTOBER – 24 OCTOBER 2026 16 OCTOBER – 23 OCTOBER 2027

Prices from: £1595pp

No single supplement. Full details and a Trip Report are on our website.

Please read FIELD NOTES on page 9.

Exciting ‘local’ birding plus a three-day adventure to remotest Aberdeenshire, one of the best yet most under-watched birding counties in the UK! We cover all habitats from mountain to sea, giving a full flavour of how good birding can be in the Highlands in autumn. Particular focus is given to the key spectacle of large numbers of wildfowl recently arrived from breeding grounds. We enjoy the numbers and look closely for rarities hidden amongst the commoner species!

With big rafts of seaduck, fields full of geese and a good range of migrant and resident birds, this is an unforgettable week.

An early morning visit to the Black Grouse lek will get us off to a great start. Later, a walk in the nearby Abernethy Forest for Crested Tit and Crossbill is followed by a search for moorland specialities, including Peregrine, Red Grouse, Merlin, Hen Harrier and Golden Eagle. Mountain Hare, Raven, and White-tailed Eagle are frequently seen.

We head east to the Ythan estuary, where goose flocks can be in the thousands, perhaps containing rarities such as Snow or Red-breasted Goose. Vast rafts of Common and Velvet Scoter are possible, with good chances of rarer Surf, Black or White-winged Scoter and King Eider. More usual are Great Northern and Redthroated Diver and seabirds, sometimes being chased by a late Pomarine or Great Skua. Waders include Purple Sandpiper, Turnstone, Bar-tailed Godwit, Knot, Dunlin and Ringed Plover and just about anything can turn up. Barred Warbler was one of the highlights from our 2025 tour! Passerines originating in Scandinavia can arrive en masse in east winds and in favourable conditions we spend time in coastal scrub searching for them.

We work the under-watched Loch of Strathbeg carefully. Often there is a bigger autumn birdlist here than at Titchwell or Minsmere! Scarce wildfowl are regular, and we spend time looking through ducks in particular. In arable farmland we hope to find Grey Partridge, Corn Bunting and Tree Sparrow, and in busy harbours Iceland and Glaucous Gull. Royal Deeside, famous for Balmoral Castle, is good for crossbills, Goshawk and Golden Eagle and moors hold Red Grouse and a few Mountain Hare.

On high hills we search for Ptarmigan and rarely fail to find them. Snow Bunting are possible too, especially when the tops are snow covered.

Five nights at Mountview Hotel. Two nights at a comfortable hotel on the East Coast.

30 SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

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SCOTTISH WILDLIFE in LATE AUTUMN Highland specialities and late-autumn migrants on the East and West Coast.

Prices from: £1495pp

24 OCTOBER – 31 OCTOBER 2026 23 OCTOBER – 30 OCTOBER 2027

No single supplement. Full details and a Trip Report are on our website.

Please read FIELD NOTES on page 9.

Late autumn is an exciting time in the Highlands, as key resident species are augmented by winter visitors and large numbers of birds are on the move on our coasts. Following the breeding season, local birds are at their highest densities and with incoming geese, seaduck, waders and passerines all settling in for the winter, or pausing on their southward journeys, it is a busy time of year! On this tour we target all these birds, including any rarities within reach, finding time to enjoy mammals, such as rutting Red Deer in the hills, plus Otter and dolphins on the coast.

Flexibility is key, and we make the best use of available daylight to explore the best areas and build a high bird-list. On shorter autumn days, Highland specialities can be easier to see, Red Grouse being a new target since their recent elevation to species status. Black Grouse return to their lekking grounds, and Crested Tit and Scottish Crossbill are active in the forest. Ptarmigan are moulting in quiet mountain corries and eagles patrol winter territories, with younger, wandering birds also in evidence. Golden and White-tailed Eagle are both possible and we have every chance of Hen Harrier, Goshawk, Merlin as well as owls at dusk.

On the Black Isle, Moray and Aberdeenshire coasts, goose flocks are a feature with Pink-footed and Greylag Goose both numerous. Glaucous and Iceland Gull may be found in the harbours, and after northernly storms Little Auk, Grey Phalarope and other seabirds may be encountered too. In sheltered bays, building flocks of Common and Velvet Scoter, Long-tailed Duck and Eider may also contain a rarity, with Surf Scoter and King Eider both seen by previous Heatherlea groups at this time of year. Rarities are possible from the east too, and in the right conditions falls of passerines may include Waxwing, Yellow-browed Warbler or something even rarer among their number. Our 2025 group enjoyed superb views of Eastern Nightingale in Aberdeenshire on this tour - anything is possible at this great time of year!

Seven nights at Mountview Hotel.

NEW! HIGHLANDS and the EAST NEUK of FIFE Autumn in the Highlands and exciting migration in East Fife.

31 OCTOBER – 7 NOVEMBER 2026 30 OCTOBER – 6 NOVEMBER 2027

Prices from: £1695pp

No single supplement. Full details are on our website.

Please read FIELD NOTES on page 9.

A new holiday taking in Highland favourites and an east coast migration hotspot, with two nights away in Fife. The term ‘Neuk’ is a Scots’ word for nook or corner, and in this case refers to a strip of the coastline stretching from Elie to Kingsbarns.

A bird-rich peninsula, both for resident species and extending out into the North Sea beyond adjacent counties, eastern most Fife is a region of Scotland well worth exploring.

From our Highland base, we look for Red and Black Grouse, Golden and Whitetailed Eagle, Crested Tit and crossbills. And while coastal locations are often better for observing migration, by October swans and geese may be found in local fields while berry-laden trees can be covered in winter thrushes. In the mountains, Ptarmigan will be beginning to transform into white, winter plumage, while in the harshest conditions Snow Bunting may leave the hills for feeding stations at lower levels.

And by spending two nights in Fife, great days in the field are newly available to Heatherlea. We explore a variety of habitats, focusing on coastal scrub for migrant passerines in favourable easterly winds, conditions which can also be good for seawatching. The Fife Ness headland, Kilminning and Crail may all be worth attention, especially if a large ‘fall’ is on the cards. Lower Largo and nearby harbours can be good for seaduck, scoter flocks in particular worthy of attention, with rare White-winged, Stejneger’s and Surf Scoter all identified in recent years alongside regular Common and Velvet Scoter. The Eden estuary is one of the best sites on the whole Scottish east coast for wildfowl and waders, while interior farmland supports a good number of species in decline elsewhere. And with the East Neuk enjoying an increasing track record for rarities, this exciting new tour is likely to become a firm favourite for years to come!

Five nights at Mountview Hotel. Two nights at a comfortable hotel in Fife.

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SOLWAY FIRTH A winter wildfowl spectacular on the Solway coast of Dumfries and Galloway!

7 NOVEMBER – 12 NOVEMBER 2026 6 NOVEMBER – 11 NOVEMBER 2027

Prices from: £1695pp

Single supplement: £150 Max. 7 clients. Full details and a Trip Report are on our website.

A vast, internationally important area for wildfowl, the Solway Firth offers great birding especially in early-winter. Locations such as Caerlaverock come alive with tens of thousands of incoming Barnacle and Pink-footed Geese, and we scour the flocks for rarities such as Red-breasted, Richardson's and Snow Goose. At the daily feed, the spectacle of wild Whooper Swan is something to both see and hear too!

RSPB Mersehead also supports large numbers of Barnacle Goose and wintering ducks including Pintail and Shoveler. Feeding stations are a good place to look for Reed Bunting, Yellowhammer and Tree Sparrow. We will need to be lucky to connect with large Starling murmurations, though we hope to see the flocks wheeling around as the light fades. Merlin, Sparrowhawk, Hen Harrier and Peregrine are often attracted to this spectacle, and we might get lucky with Barn and Tawny Owl too.

Westward at Loch Ryan we seek sea-duck and focus our attention on flocks of Scaup, Common Scoter, Eider with a few Long-tailed Duck and Red-breasted Merganser likely among them. Wintering divers and grebes add further interest, with Great Northern, Black-throated and Red-throated all possible, as is Slavonian Grebe and sometimes Red-necked Grebe. Pale-bellied Brent Goose winter around the estuaries, where waders include Purple Sandpiper, Turnstone, Knot, Dunlin, Bartailed Godwit and Ringed Plover. Rough grassland nearby supports Hen Harrier, Merlin and the odd Short-eared Owl at roost.

At a range of other inland wetland sites, we check the diving duck for regular Ringnecked Duck and Smew. A wintering population of Greenland White-fronted Geese are spread around a few reserves, and later at a local Red Kite feeding station, you can expect a very close first-hand experience of these gregarious birds. A small population of Willow Tit still resides in the region, and though in decline we check known locations and up to date news for this major prize. In the Galloway hills we look for locally scarce Golden Eagle, a raptor on the increase as it attempts to establish itself in the region. Goshawk, Merlin, Peregrine and Raven are also present in open ground, and we also look for Siskin, Redpoll, Dipper, Grey Wagtail, Redwing, Fieldfare and Common Crossbill on this early-winter Heatherlea favourite.

Number of centres 1. Please note this departure does not stay at the Mountview Hotel.

CAIRNGORMS and COASTS in LATE AUTUMN Highland specialities and late autumn migrants on the East and West coast.

7 NOVEMBER – 14 NOVEMBER 2026 6 NOVEMBER – 13 NOVEMBER 2027

Prices from: £1395pp

No single supplement. Full details and a Trip Report are on our website.

Please read FIELD NOTES on page 9.

As Autumn changes to winter, this is a wonderful time to visit the Cairngorms and northern Scotland. Combining some of the best of autumn birding with activities from our popular winter tours, we will see wildlife ranging from Scottish specialities to late migrants on the coasts. The evenings drawing in, we enjoy true Highland hospitality in the Mountview Hotel, with a roaring log fire and a great selection of local whiskies, gins and dinner made from local produce – the perfect end to a bird filled day in the field!

We divide our time between local hotspots (and a few hidden gems) in the Cairngorm National Park, as well as two or three different sides of the Scottish coast. In the Caledonian pinewoods an early target will be Crested Tit, which can afford great views as the weather changes. Crossbills will also feature, though separation of Common, Scottish and Parrot Crossbill is an almighty identification challenge! We enjoy the wild, open moorlands looking for raptors including Golden and White-tailed Eagle, with Peregrine, Goshawk and Hen Harrier also possible. Red and Black Grouse are important targets, the latter becoming more active at lekking sites as winter approaches. We dedicate time searching the mountains for Ptarmigan, and if they have already moulted into white plumage and snow levels are low, this can be one of the easier times of year to locate them. Snow Bunting are another possibility, as are Dipper around the rivers and a range mammals including Red Squirrel, Brown and Mountain Hare, Red and Roe Deer.

We visit the Moray and Aberdeenshire coast for rafts of wintering seaduck, waders on the mudflats and any late migrants blown in by north-easterly winds. Common and Velvet Scoter, Scaup, Eider and Long-tailed Duck are all possible, as is an autumn rarity such as Surf Scoter or King Eider. Sea-watching can yield Little Auk, Grey Phalarope, Iceland and Glaucous Gull, the latter often found in harbours alongside roosting Purple Sandpiper too.

Farmland passerines are likely to include Yellowhammer, Corn Bunting and Tree Sparrow and if conditions are favourable for birds on the move, coastal bushes can be full of incoming Redwing, Fieldfare, Brambling, Goldcrest and perhaps something rarer like a Waxwing or Pallas’s Warbler?! The autumn colour will be another highlight, meaning there will always be plenty to see on this itinerary!

Seven nights at Mountview Hotel.

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SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

tel: 01479 821248

email: info@heatherlea.co.uk

web: www.heatherlea.co.uk

FO NE R W 20 27

NEW! BIRDING the NORTH COAST 500 in AUTUMN Resident and migratory birding along Britain’s most iconic and scenic routes.

11 SEPTEMBER – 18 SEPTEMBER 2027

Prices from: £2295pp

Single supplement: £275.

Full details are on our website. Max. 7 clients.

Since its inception, the NC500 has become a firm favourite of the travel blogger, the adventure-seeker, and those who enjoy spectacular and wild scenery in the far north of the UK mainland.

This new Heatherlea tour takes the blueprint of our successful spring trip and places it in the quieter autumn period, where the lower number of camper vans and car clubs are replaced by the potential to find our own rarities and migrants in some of the most under-watched locations in Scotland! The incredible scenery is still there, and we will travel all the way around the extremities of Sutherland and Caithness as we visit the Duncansby Head, Dunnet Head, John O’Groats and Strathy Point looking for passing cetaceans and seabirds; we go into the vast and unique Flow Country where raptors hunt and waders have congregated following a breeding season on the moors; we visit little-known areas of scrub and forest tucked away between picturesque bays, sea lochs and rocky mountains where passage migrants may have taken shelter; and we intend to search the Applecross peninsula where we seek Ptarmigan and eagles as well as driving the legendary Bealach na Ba road.

Resident birds of prey are active at this time of year, and we hope to obtain good views of Golden and White-tailed Eagles as well as Hen Harrier and maybe Shorteared Owl and Merlin over the moorland areas. In the right winds, seawatching from the various headlands en route should produce Arctic and Great Skuas, Manx and Sooty Shearwaters, Storm Petrel, divers, auks, large numbers of Kittiwake, Fulmar and Gannet; and after storms, there may even be Sabine’s Gull, Balearic, Great or Cory’s Shearwater, Leach’s Petrel, Pomarine or Long-tailed Skua as well.

We also search all the popular wildlife-watching spots north of Inverness, incorporating estuaries and beaches in to the route to see waders and duck (possibly even some scarce species here too, with King Eider and Surf Scoter regularly encountered in Ross-shire), and Otter always a possibility in the calm backwaters.

We don’t follow the NC500 route for its entirety, often choosing to take detours and alternative options to see the most species and the most spectacular views of the north-west.

Number of centres: 3. Please note this departure does not stay at the Mountview Hotel.

NEW! STRATHSPEY WALKING & WILDLIFE in AUTUMN A new itinerary exploring the Cairngorms in beautiful autumn colours by foot.

18 SEPTEMBER – 25 SEPTEMBER 2027

Prices from: £1595pp

No single supplement. Full details are on our website.

Please read FIELD NOTES on page 9.

Following in the footsteps of our successful summer Walking & Wildlife tour, this is a new itinerary for the all-round naturalist that enjoys exploring places at a slower pace. September often enjoys the best weather of the year in Strathspey occasionally cool, misty mornings burn off as the mild autumnal air meets the cool waters of the River Spey to reveal clear blue skies and the perfect light and ground conditions for some wonderful wildlife sightings.

As with all Heatherlea walking holidays, this week is all about spending more time in the local vicinity, exploring the flora and fauna and local habitats of Strathspey at a leisurely pace, where we can appreciate the bird and mammals for longer, find animal tracks and signs, discover late-summer plants, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. All this amidst the beginning of the autumn colours, with fading purple moorlands and birch leaves slowly turning gold.

We will be walking between four and eight miles each day, mainly on former droving routes, old railway lines, former military roads or on marked footpaths.

Most walks will be on level or undulating terrain, with the odd steeper trails, but we will ensure that nobody gets left behind or misses any of the action! We will take a packed lunch out with us, plan our days based on the conditions, and possibly even fit in some additional birding on the way back to the hotel if time allows, so we don’t miss out on any good species!

We hope to see many of the Scottish speciality birds - crossbills and Crested Tit in the woods, Golden and White-tailed Eagles overhead, Ptarmigan on the high tops, Black Grouse on the moorland edge, and maybe even a lingering juvenile Osprey learning to fish in a local loch. Roe and Red Deer, Red Squirrel, Bottlenose Dolphin, Mountain and Brown Hares can be expected, and maybe even Otter or Pine Marten as we wander along riverbanks or through the extensive pine forests.

We will also be running a moth trap on several nights with autumn catches in the Highlands often including species hard to find further south, and if the temperatures are warm, there should be some late butterflies and dragonflies on the wing as well – a real natural history treat!

Seven nights at Mountview Hotel.

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SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

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EXPLORE THE ISLANDS Favourites amongst guests and guides alike, the Scottish islands are simply stunning, and we have years of experience visiting the best offshore wildlife watching locations in the country. Many of our holidays are unique, and we are constantly evolving our itineraries, all designed to give you the best wildlife at the best time of year. The Northern Isles, Western Isles and the Southern Hebrides all provide sensational experiences. Fancy seeing Corncrake on Iona? How about shearwaters as you cruise to Canna? Thousands of geese being harassed by eagles on Islay? You don’t even need a car to visit some of the most beautiful and wildlife-rich places on Earth, we take care of your travel arrangements by including transfers from Nethy Bridge on many of these adventures.

our regular e-newsletters. If you have any questions, please contact us, we will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Emma, Fleur, Jolene, Sarah, Abbie, Holly & Mark are here to help.

Most island holidays begin in Nethy Bridge (with the exception of tours to Shetland, where we convene in Aberdeen), with courtesy transfers to ferry points, saving you money. This is often the most economical way to visit the remotest parts of Scotland – Heatherlea make it easy and give you real savings.

You may book an extra night’s stay at either end of your holiday, and drivers can leave vehicles safely parked at Mountview Hotel free of charge. Please note that extra nights are rarely available within Mountview Hotel, which has only twelve guest rooms. Our near neighbours in the Nethy Hotel and Nethy House Café B&B are within easy walking distance, and we can transfer luggage on request. See ‘Getting Here is Easy’ on p8 for suggestions to help you reach Nethy Bridge.

These holidays are ideal if you want to see some of the rarest and difficult-to-find birds of the British Isles. Some holidays target specific species, including Corncrake, Red-necked Phalarope, or Chough, though on all the islands we are also interested in mammals (especially Otter and cetaceans), insects, flora and more. We take time to enjoy the scenery as well as the wildlife - after all, we are visiting some of the most beautiful places on the planet! We move at a leisurely pace, giving you time in the evenings before a relaxed dinner, though we may move slightly more quickly when rare migrants and vagrants are nearby!

If using public transport, we provide a courtesy transfer service between Aviemore and The Mountview Hotel. We pick-up at 16.30 hours and 19:30 hours, on SATURDAYS ONLY. If arriving by public transport on a different day, you can transfer to your overnight hotel by taxi or bus (please contact us for up-to-date taxi details). Drop-offs are available at the end of your trip to Aviemore train Station – contact our office for more details.

We have a maximum number of seven guests per guide for most holidays. This means more personal attention, and more time with your guide to help you get the best possible sightings. Heatherlea is a small company run BY birders FOR birders, where our clients really do come first. Come and see!

As an alternative you can join the holiday at a point closer to our destination if that is more convenient - Oban, Fort William and Uig on Skye are regular meeting points on some itineraries, and Aberdeen Airport is the usual meeting point for flights to Shetland.

For more details, including a Trip Report from any of our recent holidays, see our website www.heatherlea.co.uk or sign up to receive

SHETLAND

NORTH RONALDSAY

ORKNEY OUTER HEBRIDES

ST KILDA

SKYE

Combination holidays

ABERDEEN

CANNA

You can take any SCOTTISH ISLAND holiday singly, but most are conveniently arranged to be enjoyed alongside either a Heatherlea week in The Highlands, or a second holiday elsewhere on the islands. If you combine weeks, you make good use of time and minimise travel expenses too. Many Heatherlea clients choose this option, and there are lots of possible combinations - please check the dates of each individual holiday.

More Details We can’t put everything in this brochure, there just isn’t space! To read a ‘Tour Info Pack’ or a ‘Trip Report’ with more information, please visit www.heatherlea.co.uk

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tel: 01479 821248

NETHY BRIDGE

COLL TIREE

MULL

COLONSAY SOLWAY FIRTH

ISLAY

email: info@heatherlea.co.uk

web: www.heatherlea.co.uk

HOLIDAYS … ‘for birders’ As you look through the Scottish Isles holidays, you may notice some holidays in spring and autumn are suffixed with ‘for birders’… We have several itineraries where we concentrate particularly on the birds which can take your British list to new heights, and these are designated ‘for birders’…

The Scottish islands are wonderful for wind-blown rarities and sometimes ‘mega’ birds, perhaps never before or very rarely seen in the UK. Many Heatherlea birders have enjoyed exceptional birding on the islands, where we always expect the unexpected!

Sometimes these rarities are trapped at observatories where we can observe them closely at leisure, are available in roadside locations, or are found in open fields or on the open sea. At other times, birds are flighty or in places which might be difficult to reach or where visibility is hampered by dense vegetation, and then we change plan, move more quickly to find them or spend longer searching for them or waiting for them to reappear. You may need a reasonable level of mobility to appreciate these holidays to the full.

At all times, we observe the Birdwatchers’ Code of Conduct, following common sense and good practice in the interests of both the wildlife and wildlife enthusiasts.

Specific ‘for birders’ holidays go to the Outer Hebrides, North Ronaldsay and Shetland! Our exceptional guides have considerable experience in finding rare birds in Scotland. Mark Warren was previously employed on Fair Isle and as Warden at North Ronaldsay Bird Observatory (where Heatherlea’s George Gay is now Warden), Aidan Branch worked at North Ronaldsay Bird Observatory, Peter Cosgrove works in conservation on Shetland, and Mike Coleman, Holly Page, Chris Rodger, Scott O’Hara and Toby Green have been birding Scotland’s outlying islands for many years.

Group sightings and reports from the field are regularly posted onto our social media channels, so keep in touch with our sightings by subscribing today!

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SCOTTISH ISLANDS

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HEBRIDEAN ISLAND EXPLORER A combination tour with top wildlife experiences, key archaeological sites and stunning island scenery.

2 MAY – 8 MAY 2026, 23 MAY – 29 MAY 2026 1 MAY – 7 MAY 2027

Prices from: £2495pp

Single Supplement: £250 Max. 7 clients. Leader (2026) Holly Page (1st Departure), Chris Rodger (2nd Departure).

An archipelago of mixed habitats featuring rugged mountains, peat moorland, pristine sandy beaches, freshwater lochs and the distinctive machair, the Outer Hebrides are undoubtedly some of the most beautiful islands in Scotland! On this new tour, we enjoy the best wildlife experiences, alongside key archaeological and historical sites and some lesser-known places and islands within the Hebridean chain. We explore by land and sea, taking two brand new boat trips, seeing Harris and its forgotten villages from a different perspective, and the wildlife inhabiting the islets and skerries to the east of Benbecula.

The Hebrides are full of birds at this time of year. Breeding wildfowl, waders, passerines, gulls, terns, raptors and passing migrants can all be watched side by side here at a range of easily accessible sites. Our boat trips will be firm highlights, and sightings from these unique sailings may include Golden and White-tailed Eagle, Great Northern, Red-throated and Black-throated Diver, auks including Black Guillemot, Red Deer, Otter, seals, cetaceans and more! On dry land in the Uists and Benbecula, it is the best time to look for newly arrived, vocal Corncrake while the grass is still short. Raptors will feature, with Hen Harrier, Merlin and Short-eared Owl popping up just about anywhere! Breeding passerines include Corn Bunting, Twite, Skylark and Wheatear, while summer-plumaged waders around the coasts include Golden Plover, Black and Bar-tailed Godwit, Dunlin, Sanderling, Knot, Purple Sandpiper and Turnstone, with chances of Ruff and Dotterel too.

This is a relaxing tour, with three nights at each of our two centres on the Hebrides with a little time on Skye and the Scottish Mainland as we travel too. On Lewis amidst stunning mountain scenery, we walk among the Standing Stones at Callanish and visit Dun Carloway Broch, the Blackhouse at Arnol and Lewes Castle.

On Benbecula and the Uists, we plan to visit many new places, perhaps including the Bronze Age site at Cladh Hallan and if lucky, may catch a glimpse of St Kilda on a fine day. There is certainly something for everyone on this fabulous Outer Hebrides itinerary!

Number of centres: 2.

NORTH RONALDSAY and ORKNEY in SPRING for birders Brilliant Spring birding at our favourite migration outpost!

9 MAY – 15 MAY 2026 8 MAY – 14 MAY 2027

Prices from: £1895pp

Single Supplement: £160 Max. 6 clients. Leader one from the Heatherlea team.

This holiday features the best of Orkney in spring, including the fabulous migration outpost of North Ronaldsay. The birding potential here is tremendous, who can forget the 2017 Red-winged Blackbird or the 2019 Mourning Dove! – both enjoyed

by Heatherlea groups! We hope to tap into prime-time spring passage, when this tiny island is a magnet for large numbers and a great variety of birds.

We transfer from Heatherlea to mainland Orkney with our ferry crossing offering a variety of seabirds. Our first full day in the field will be spent birding Mainland Orkney, where we hope to find nesting birds including Red-throated Diver, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl and an abundance of waders. We will take in some of the seabird colonies and if we get word of any scarce migrants or Orca nearby can be flexible to try and target them too.

The short (15-minute) flight to North Ronaldsay, in the eight-seat Islander plane, offers a unique opportunity to see the beautiful Orkney Islands from above. We stay at the Bird Observatory, the perfect base where we can witness and learn about the daily ringing and bird census throughout our stay. Our birding schedule will be dictated by weather on a largely flat island, with good roads and easy access to most ‘hotspots’. In the right conditions, fantastic falls of Scandinavian-bound migrants can arrive, with Tree Pipit, Pied Flycatcher, Redstart and a wide variety of warblers and finches. Scarcities including Dotterel, Wryneck, Bluethroat, Redbacked Shrike, Icterine Warbler, Lapland Bunting and Common Rosefinch may be found during this period. We have timed our visit with one of the best periods for both migrants and rarities – our tours have certainly been lucky in the past! Local breeding birds include Twite, Black Guillemot, Raven, Arctic Tern and Fulmar, while thousands of migrant waders can be present with huge flocks of Turnstone, Purple Sandpiper, Dunlin, Knot and Sanderling lining the beaches, mostly in stunning summer plumage.

Please note that this is a ‘for birders’ tour, principally focused on finding and identifying rare birds of our own. For those who would like a more general tour of North Ronaldsay & Orkney, we recommend our Orkney Island Explorer (p38) or Orkney in High Summer (p44) holidays.

Number of centres: 2.

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OUTER HEBRIDES in SPRING Superb spring birding on the southern Outer Hebrides.

9 MAY – 15 MAY 2026, 16 MAY – 22 MAY 2026 8 MAY – 14 MAY 2027, 15 MAY – 21 MAY 2027

Prices from: £2095pp

Single supplement: £220 Max. 7 clients per leader. Leaders (2026) Holly Page & Alex Rhodes (1st Departure), Jenna Berry & Simon Davies (2nd Departure).

This cracking holiday celebrates the tremendous birding available here in spring.

We stay for six nights on the Outer Hebrides and popular target species include Corncrake, both eagles, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl, four skuas, waders in summer colours, Otter and perhaps the first returning Red-necked Phalarope or lekking Ruff on the islands of South Uist, Benbecula, and North Uist. We also target any rarities on the southern Hebrides during our visit, and these can be special; Black-billed Cuckoo, White-winged Tern, Snowy Owl, Blyth’s Reed Warbler, Rose-coloured Starling, Arctic Redpoll, Buff-breasted Sandpiper and American Wigeon have all been recorded in recent years, and Dotterel are possible too – a great six days!

We drive across the famous Skye Bridge, travelling through the island to Uig. Seawatching as we cross The Little Minch to Lochmaddy might include skuas, Manx Shearwater and Fulmar, Gannet, Black Guillemot and the other breeding British auks are expected.

Everyone who has ever joined this holiday has seen Corncrake, and we target this special bird almost as soon as we arrive. Corn Bunting, Ringed Plover, Meadow Pipit and Skylark make the machair a special habitat – full of song! Summerplumaged Great Northern Diver are likely, as are ‘real’ Rock Dove and Raven. Arctic Skua breed, Great Skua are usually seen, and in westerly winds often see passage of Pomarine and Long-tailed Skua offshore, sometimes by the hundreds – unforgettable! Gull numbers are good, with a scattering of scarcities thrown in, such as Iceland and Glaucous Gull. Mountains hold both Golden and White-tailed Eagle, meadows and fields support Hen Harrier and Short-eared Owl, and we often watch Otters playing on the coastline. Rare and delicate Red-necked Phalarope are expected from the middle of the month, and other waders should include Whimbrel, both godwits, and thousands of Dunlin, Knot, Sanderling and Turnstone, many in summer plumage. We return via Skye, before driving to Nethy Bridge on Friday evening after a feast of birds! We stay in comfortable en-suite accommodation throughout.

Number of centres: 1.

MULL, IONA and the TRESHNISH ISLES Eagles, Puffins, Otters and more …

Prices from: £1895pp

12 MAY – 16 MAY 2026 11 MAY – 15 MAY 2027

Single supplement: £350 Max. 7 clients. Leader (2026) Barry Embling

Mull is a wildlife paradise, with higher densities of Golden and White-tailed Eagles than anywhere else in Britain, plus Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl, Raven and a range of northern moorland species. The fields hold many waders, including Snipe, Golden Plover, Curlew, Lapwing and Oystercatcher, and we always plan to spend time Otter watching. All this amongst magnificent scenery, featuring towering cliffs, picturesque shorelines, rocky foreshores, and beautiful pristine beaches.

The coastal habitat is extra special, and we enjoy a thrilling boat trip to the Isle of Staffa, where we have enough time to visit Fingal’s Cave, scanning for Great Skua too. Later, we go to the tiny isle of Lunga, where the ‘Puffin experience’ is one of the best in the British Isles. Passing right by the burrows, the birds are tolerant, and a careful birder can enjoy views at just a few feet. Further along, other auk species, Shag and gulls can be safely appreciated at close range. Photographers will love this! A quiet walk away from the main cliffs and we may hear Twite, Rock Pipit and Wheatear singing. From the boat, we enjoy the breeding seabirds at ‘their level’ perhaps seeing Kittiwake, Manx Shearwater Arctic Tern and perhaps tiny Storm Petrel or cetaceans too As well as thoroughly exploring Mull itself, including some lesser-known hotspots, we visit the small island of Iona. Any lingering Great Northern Diver will be superb in summer finery, and an absorbing day should once again include both eagle species and perhaps Otter. The grassy fields on Iona hold Corncrake, the meadows around the Abbey often a favoured location. There can be up to 20 males calling, and although we can’t guarantee a sighting, we are often rewarded with a glimpse or two and should hear the birds rasping. On recent trips we have seen Common Dolphin, Minke Whale, Killer Whale, Basking Shark and even a Bearded Seal – a truly exciting holiday.

Number of centres: 1.

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SCOTTISH ISLANDS

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SHETLAND ISLAND EXPLORER A thorough tour of the Shetland Isles, including visits to Unst, Noss and the famous Mousa Broch!

16 MAY – 23 MAY 2026, 23 MAY – 30 MAY 2026 15 MAY – 22 MAY 2027, 22 MAY – 29 MAY 2027

Prices from: £2395pp

Single supplement: £320 Price excludes flights from Aberdeen to Sumburgh. Max. 7 clients.

Leader (2026) Scott O’Hara

Shetland is rugged, windswept and wild, yet superb when explored in late spring, when long evenings give way to an ethereal twilight known as the ‘Simmer Dim’.

There will be lots of highlights on this trip. We stand on the very far north of Unst, with views past white rocks covered with nesting Gannets to the lighthouse at Muckle Flugga, the most northerly British islands. Another day, we stand by the lighthouse at Sumburgh, Shetland’s most southerly tip, with views to Fair Isle. In between, our time is devoted to these islands of rolling hills, jagged sea-cliffs and secluded sheltered havens for wind-blown birds. We also take several spectacular boat trips to visit the more remote offshore islands, all busy with birds.

The Shetland Isles are the summer home to some of the biggest seabird colonies in Britain. At this time Gannet, Puffin, Guillemot, Razorbill and Black Guillemot number over half a million in total. Offshore Kittiwake, Common and Arctic Tern are harassed by marauding Great and Arctic Skua to relinquish their catch. The (endemic) ‘Shetland’ Wren is common, as are breeding Wheatear, Meadow and Rock Pipit and Twite. Moorland lochs host Red-throated Diver in stunning breeding plumage, plus wildfowl and waders. Two birds of national significance which breed here are Whimbrel and Red-necked Phalarope, both with very small populations but we have every chance of finding them at known sites.

Many guests list a visit to the Storm Petrel colony on Mousa as their highlight. To stand in the best-kept Iron-Age broch in the world at dusk, as tiny Storm Petrels flit around and churr from the walls and stone beaches, is truly magical. Shetland is a very good place to see Otters, Common and Grey Seal, while cetaceans including Harbour Porpoise, Minke Whale and Orca occur annually, and we will follow up on reports if nearby.

We take two dedicated birding boat trips plus several scheduled ferries as we cover the birdlife of at least six islands. You will visit Fetlar, Mousa and Noss (nonlanding), as well as birding extensively on Unst, Yell and Mainland. Truly a holiday for the ‘island explorer’, as we witness some of the most impressive scenery and wildlife in the country; a fantastic experience in the long, northern summer.

Number of centres: 2.

ORKNEY ISLAND EXPLORER A grand tour of the Orkney Islands.

30 MAY – 6 JUNE 2026 29 MAY – 5 JUNE 2027

Prices from: £2295pp

Single supplement: £195 Max. 6 clients. Leader (2026) Holly Page.

This dedicated trip to Orkney is a wide-ranging exploration of these fabulous islands. The main focus is on birding, though scenery and archaeology are important too on this enjoyable holiday. Hen Harrier and Short-eared Owl will be settling to breed, and Peregrine and Merlin hunt along the meadow fringes.

Eight species of duck, including locally uncommon Shoveler and Pintail plus a variety of waders, including breeding Black-tailed Godwit, Snipe and Water Rail also frequent these areas. We visit seabird cliffs and see waders, divers and passerines, including Twite, plus Brown Hare and Common and Grey Seal.

Island hopping is a key feature of this thorough exploration of Orkney. We visit Westray for its special seabirds, Rousay is famed for archaeology and Hoy is unique in the archipelago; three very different islands all with very different habitats and associated flora and fauna. On Mainland, we have many options selecting the best sites for increased variety, dedicating time to the excellent Birsay Moors, the Loons RSPB and other great wildlife hotspots known to our guides.

Another highlight will be our ‘Islander’ flight to the tiny island of North Ronaldsay, famed for its seaweed eating sheep. We stay at the Bird Observatory, a perfect base to work closely with the wardening team and learn about ‘island life’. In previous years, we have seen scarce migrants including Red-backed Shrike, Golden Oriole, Nightjar, Icterine or Marsh Warbler, Bluethroat, Common Rosefinch and even a summering Grey Phalarope. It isn’t all birding though, and we have plenty of time to enjoy the unique feel of this enchanting small island.

On this holiday, we also visit some of the finest archaeological sites in Britain. The World Heritage Site settlement of Skara Brae is a must-see, as are Maes Howe, the 6-metre high Standing Stones of Stenness and the 5,000-year-old Ring of Brodgar.

All entry fees are included in your holiday price and we will also plan to visit the Italian Chapel, Scapa Flow Museum and historic Kirkwall for its sites and for a spot of souvenir hunting in the narrow lanes.

Number of centres: 2.

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WILDLIFE OF ARGYLL & INNER HEBRIDEAN ISLANDS An exciting tour for all natural history enthusiasts.

Prices from: £2395pp

6 JUNE – 13 JUNE 2026 5 JUNE – 12 JUNE 2027

Single supplement: £460 Max. 7 clients. Leader (2026) Toby Green.

Scotland's west coast is a haven for wildlife in summer, and the middle weeks of June in particular offer much for the all-round naturalist. On this new and exciting holiday, we enjoy all this area's flora and fauna, including birds, mammals, butterflies, dragonflies and both night- and day-flying moths. On this tour, we visit exciting places on the mainland in Argyll, and seven islands near Oban, including rarely visited Lismore, Easdale and the Isle of Seil. Better known are Mull for its eagles and Otters, Staffa for spectacular geology while the ’Puffin experience’ on Lunga is arguably the best in the UK. Iona with its imposing Abbey is green and lush in June, and Corncrake is a possibility on our visit here.

Around the greater Oban area, rare Chequered Skipper and Marsh Fritillary butterflies and scarce dragonflies including Beautiful Demoiselle, Hairy Dragonfly, Large Red, Blue-tailed and Common Blue Damselfly, plus Northern and Downy Emerald are all targets! On Mull, we look for Keeled Skimmer, rare Transparent and Slender Scotch Burnet Moth, the latter endemic to Mull and neighbouring Ulva.

We plan to run a moth trap overnight whenever we can too.

Birdlife is naturally abundant around Argyll’s coast and islands. Raptors will be well represented with both Golden and White-tailed Eagle, Hen Harrier and Shorteared Owl likely. Divers in summer plumage, breeding waders, including Greenshank and Golden Plover and woodland songsters, such as Wood Warbler, Cuckoo, Redstart and Spotted Flycatcher also feature among our birding targets.

Otters may be encountered anywhere and an exciting boat into the Firth of Lorn for cetaceans and seals, passing the unpopulated Gravellach Isles and the famed Corryvreckan whirlpool will be a highlight. A great new tour for the natural history all-rounder celebrating the vast range of birds, mammals, insects, wildflowers and the Islands of Argyll.

Number of centres: 2.

NEW! MULL ISLAND EXPLORER A wildlife and cultural exploration of Mull and its neighbouring islands.

Prices from: £2295pp

6 JUNE – 12 JUNE 2026 5 JUNE – 11 JUNE 2027

Single supplement: £495 Max. 7 clients. Leader (2026) Barry Embling

Mull is the second-largest island in the Inner Hebrides and the fourth-largest in Scotland. Despite this, it still retains the remote feeling that makes the Scottish Highlands so special. It is easy to see why it is a wildlife lover’s paradise with more Golden and White-tailed Eagle occurring here than anywhere else in Britain and with breeding Hen Harrier, Merlin and Short-eared Owl too, raptors will be at the fore. During this holiday, we take our time exploring the island thoroughly, visiting areas previously unexplored on Heatherlea tours. A highpoint is sure to be a trip to the enthralling island of Lunga, its seabird colonies at point-blank range a firm highlight. The ‘Puffin experience’ is perhaps the best in the British Isles, and as we pass right by the burrows the birds are inquisitive by nature and often allow views from just a few feet, at your feet! On Staffa, we marvel at the fascinating geology carved out by the sea, and on Iona, the iconic Abbey is impossible to ignore as we listen for any late Corncrake. In a first for Heatherlea, we will also spend some time on the community-owned island of Ulva, home to more enigmatic wildlife and several millennia of history.

As part of our visit to this unique island, we take a boat trip where we hope to see White-tailed Eagle fish from the water. A photographers dream!

Mull is famous for its Otters, and we hope for great views, as many Heatherlea guests have enjoyed over the years! Lesser-known areas inland may produce Common Crossbill and Tree Pipit on plantation edges, breeding warblers, including Wood Warbler, Redstart and Spotted Flycatcher in the ancient oak woodlands and Dipper and Grey Wagtail on flowing streams. A range of Orchids, including Greater and Lesser Butterfly, Heath Spotted and Northern Marsh Orchid may be flowering, offering a subtle sense of perspective to the spectacular hills all around. Dragonflies might include Golden-ringed and Keeled Skimmer and several species of butterfly including Large Heath and Marsh Fritillary are possible. We dedicate time to geology, history and folklore as well as the wildlife that makes this area so iconic!

Number of centres: 1.

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SCOTTISH ISLANDS

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NEW! SHETLAND & ORKNEY A highlights tour of both Shetland and Orkney!

11 JUNE – 20 JUNE 2026 10 JUNE – 19 JUNE, 17 JUNE – 26 JUNE 2027

Prices from: £2795pp

Single supplement: £395 Max. 7 clients. Leader (2026) Chris Rodger.

Redesigned for 2026 - join Heatherlea on this fabulous holiday as we explore the most northerly parts of Britain. We start with a thorough tour of Shetland, moving onto a highlights tour of Orkney, witnessing some of the most impressive scenery and wildlife in the country, as well as indulging in the culture, history and archaeology of these ancient lands. A truly fantastic experience in the long northern summer.

We travel from Aberdeen via ferry and explore south Mainland, including a seawatch, where we hope to see Puffins, and have a chance of Minke Whale, Harbour Porpoise and Orca. A visit to local lochs should produce Red-throated Diver and skuas, breeding Golden Plover, Whimbrel and Curlew, Black Guillemot, Twite and ‘Shetland’ Wren. We make a late evening visit to the Storm Petrel colony on Mousa, a spectacular show of sight, sound and smell!

You can expect close-up views of Gannet, Guillemot, Razorbill, Puffin and Kittiwake by the thousand, and it is the sheer numbers which impress the most.

Confiding Great and Arctic Skua are present, and Harbour Porpoise are likely from land or boat. We make ferry trips to Unst, the most northerly inhabited island, and Fetlar too, where dainty Red-necked Phalarope may be seen. Both are good for Otter, and at Hermaness from the 400ft high cliffs we overlook the lighthouse of Muckle Flugga and around 140,000 breeding seabirds! At another site we look for Edmondston’s Chickweed (Shetland Mouse-ear), one of the world’s rarest plants, endemic to Shetland.

After a great few days on Shetland watching birds in the ‘simmer dim’, we transfer to Orkney, an entirely different archipelago, where Hen Harrier and Short-eared Owl quarter moorland in search of Orkney Vole, and Peregrine and Merlin hunt waders and passerines along the meadow fringes. Uncommon breeders include Shoveler and Pintail, Black-tailed Godwit and Snipe, with Water Rail on inland pools. Rich in archaeological interest, the six-meter high Standing Stones of Stenness, Ring of Brodgar and 5,000-year-old Skara Brae are must-visit sites, and we also plan to include Maes Howe, Scapa Flow, the Churchill Barriers and the Italian Chapel as we explore these amazing islands.

Number of centres: 3.

NEW! DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY in SUMMER Great wildlife in the south-west corner of Scotland, including the islands of Arran and the Ailsa Craig.

12 JUNE – 19 JUNE 2027

Prices from: £2395pp

Single supplement: £320 Max. 7 clients. Leader one from the Heatherlea Team.

This is a fantastic new holiday, taking in the wildlife delights of south-western Scotland. Based in Dumfries and Galloway, we are well placed to explore birding hotspots such as the Mull of Galloway, Loch Ryan, the Galloway Forest and moors even the coast as far north as Ayrshire. We spend a full day visiting Arran, while a boat trip to view the seabird cities on the Ailsa Craig will be another highlight.

Looking to the west, the mountainous island of Arran rises proudly from the Firth of Clyde. An island with good access, the ‘figure of eight’ road network allows us to pick the best places to scan the upland areas for Golden Eagle, Hen Harrier, Merlin, Short-eared Owl and Red Deer during our day trip. The rocky coastline is a good place to look for Otter, Grey and Common Seal, sheltered bays hold a few divers, grebes and summering Shelduck while a range of passage waders are likely on the muddy beaches.

A boat trip to the Ailsa Craig will be especially memorable, a rare opportunity to view the spectacular Gannet colony, the third largest in Britain! Other seabirds will include Guillemot, Razorbill and Kittiwake, with smaller numbers of Fulmar and Shag. A handful of Puffin may also present, and we look out for seals, cetaceans and other marine wildlife during our trip.

Birding on the mainland, we take some lovely walks though the ancient oak woods, a habitat which is home to breeding Wood Warbler, Pied and Spotted Flycatcher and Redstart. Common Crossbill are likely in newer plantations, and on one night we go out in search of Nightjar, a very rare summer breeder in Scotland.

On the moors we look for Whinchat, Stonechat, Wheatear and reptiles such as Adder. Raptors such as Golden Eagle and Goshawk are also possible on the edges of the Galloway Forest, while the region is something of a stronghold for Red Kite too.

Number of centres 1.

40 SCOTTISH ISLANDS

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INNER HEBRIDES from CANNA to IONA An island-hopping adventure on the West Coast of Scotland.

Prices from: £2395pp

19 JUNE – 26 JUNE 2026

Single supplement: £320 Max. 7 clients. Leader Dave Pearce.

This exciting journey through the Inner Hebrides takes you to seven beautiful islands, Canna, Eigg, Muck, Mull, Staffa, Lunga and Iona. We also visit remote Ardnamurchan, and travel through the scenic west coast between Mallaig and Morvern, a wild area of spectacular natural beauty. The wildlife is truly outstanding, and our days will be filled with seabirds, eagles, Otters and cetaceans. The holiday is relaxed and we stay at three centres as we make our way south from Mallaig to Mull.

We enjoy a day exploring Canna by foot, looking for eagles, skuas and other birdlife of the basalt cliffs, sea caves, green meadows, stacks and sandy shores.

Minke Whale is an important target on an unforgettable boat trip across the sea to Eigg and Muck, and Basking Shark, Manx Shearwater, Black Guillemot, Raven, and maybe a tiny Storm Petrel ensure a wildlife day to remember! We may see ‘real’ Rock Dove, Hooded Crow, Red-throated Diver, thousands of Guillemot, Razorbill, a few Puffin, lots of Gannet, Kittiwake... birds all the way! The Ardnamurchan peninsula is often overlooked, yet blessed with wonderful wildlife, and we have access to remote wilderness sites here, where we seek Otter.

On Mull, a true wildlife paradise awaits and with more eagles than anywhere else in Britain, we can expect excellent views along with Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl, Raven and a range of northern moorland species. It is also excellent for flowers and insects, with a good range of species, including Marsh and Dark Green Fritillaries. We enjoy another thrilling boat trip, first visiting the Isle of Staffa, where we can see Fingal’s Cave and also scan for breeding Great Skua. Any lingering Great Northern Diver will be superb in summer finery and continuing on to the tiny isle of Lunga next, the ‘Puffin experience’ is one of the best in the British Isles! Finally, we visit Iona, where the grassy fields around the ancient Abbey hold Corncrake. There can be up to 20 males calling, and although we can’t guarantee a sighting, we should hear the birds rasping and may get lucky with a glimpse or two!

Number of centres: 3.

NORTH WEST SCOTLAND EXPLORER From mountain top to the sea, a thorough exploration of Scotland’s remote north-west.

Prices from: £2195pp

20 JUNE – 26 JUNE 2026 19 JUNE – 25 JUNE 2027

Single supplement: £360 Max. 7 clients. Leader (2026) Alex Rhodes.

This is an exciting itinerary, taking in the most underexplored and least populated corners of the British Isles. Featuring Lewis and Harris at the top of the Outer Hebrides and North-West Mainland Scotland together for the first time, both are widely regarded as two of the most picturesque landscapes in Europe. We explore each thoroughly, the wildlife here reflecting the rich variety of the landscape, from Golden Eagle and Ptarmigan on high mountain tops, birdfilled meadows and croft-land to the bustling seabird colonies on offshore islands.

A holiday requiring a good level of fitness, two or three walks over undulating landscapes or rough ground get us to the more remote, and best places, for wildlife. We explore the dramatic coastline of the North-west Highlands, including its very tip at Cape Wrath. Touted as “Scotland’s Last Wilderness”, the bay at Kearvaig is stunning, and on the cliffs at Clo Kearvaig a small sea-bird colony with Kittiwake, Puffin, Guillemot, Razorbill and Shag are present. In lateJune, the grasslands and flower-rich machair will be full of wild-flowers, a botanists treat! We also visit the bustling seabird island of Handa, where we experience the sight and spectacle of over 150,000 seabirds.

The mountains and moors of Assynt where the landscape here is recognised as a Geopark for its diverse geology and sees us going through several National Scenic Areas as we tour around. We cap it all with an exploration of the wildlife-rich, large island of Lewis and Harris. Our birding will be varied with raptors including eagles, a range of waders, perhaps including Red-necked Phalarope, divers in summer plumage, scores of seabirds and plenty of passerines. The holiday is also timed so that floral diversity will be at its highest, including numerous orchids and scarce plants. Otters, seals and cetaceans are all likely too and we make time to enjoy our stunning surroundings and visit historic sites of importance. From the mountain top to the sea, a perfect new tour for the intrepid Heatherlea explorer!

Number of centres: 2.

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OUTER HEBRIDES SUMMER EXPLORER An exciting new tour to the Hebrides, featuring TWO boat trips and some less-visited islands.

26 JUNE – 2 JULY 2027

Prices from: £2595pp

Single Supplement: £275 Max. 7 clients. Leader one from the Heatherlea Team.

This is a real adventure, working our way from the Butt of Lewis at the top of the Hebridean chain, enjoying great wildlife and some rarely visited places all the way down to South Uist. It is a brilliant time to visit the archipelago, as young birds, including waders, take their maiden flights and an abundance of raptor chicks reach the point of fledging too. We explore the land, where breeding birds are busy and southbound migration is just starting, and the sea, where seabirds will be abundant and we have excellent chances of marine mammals.

Dividing our time between Lewis, Harris, Benbecula and the Uists, we spread out into remote areas to search for a variety of wildlife. Raptors will feature, with Golden and White-tailed Eagle, Hen Harrier, Merlin, Peregrine and Short-eared Owl all likely. Other key birds include Red-throated and Black-throated Diver, Black Guillemot, Golden Plover, Greenshank, Great and Arctic Skua, Common, Arctic and Little Tern, Corn Bunting and Twite. We look for Red-necked Phalarope at the quietest lochs and have chances of Corncrake, and though a sighting at this time of year is less likely with the grass long, we should still hear them. We enjoy all wildlife on this tour, looking out for Otter and seals off the coasts and appreciate the wildflower machair which should be in full bloom by now!

Travelling by boat is one of the best ways to explore the Hebrides, and with two scheduled boat trips (plus two ferry crossings) in the itinerary, we will certainly be busy! We plan to land on Taransay, a beautiful and isolated island, great for wildlife and best known for featuring in the Castaway reality series over 20 years ago! We also visit key historic sites, including the Callanish Standing Stones, explore the truly wild Uig peninsula for eagles and seabirds and look out for cetaceans in the Minch from Tiumpan Head and during ferry crossings. As well as favourite places Heatherlea have been visiting for many years, our adventure takes us to a number of rarely visited islands, so come and join us on this fabulous new holiday to the Outer Hebrides!

Number of centres: 2.

COLL and TIREE in SUMMER A leisurely exploration of two contrasting Inner Hebridean islands whilst they are at their botanical best.

29 JUNE – 4 JULY 2026

Prices from: £2195pp

Single supplement: £220 Max. 7 clients. Leader Alex Rhodes.

A delightful holiday visiting two of Scotland’s remotest and most westerly islands. We will pick our sites carefully based on tide, wind and weather, enjoying a relaxed paced, natural history exploration of two hidden gems!

Basking Shark is an important target, our visit coinciding with the best time for this strange and impressive large fish. The waters around Coll and Tiree hold some of the highest numbers in the UK, and we may also see them from ferries between Oban and the islands. Seawatching can be excellent too, and our ferry journeys may also produce Storm Petrel, Manx Shearwater and many auks – excitement all the way!

On Coll, we look for Otter, breeding Hen Harrier and also plants of the machair.

The island has an abundance of orchids, with Pyramidal and Frog being key target species, and Common Centaury, Field Gentian and Grass of Parnassus sought too.

A full day here will be spent looking for wildlife, from waders in bright summer plumage, to insects of the machair, including rare Great Yellow Bumblebee and very rare Red-shanked Carder Bee. During our transfer to Tiree, we again look out for Basking Shark, cetaceans and seabirds, arriving on a breathtakingly beautiful island with a ‘big sky’ feeling.

Orchids again feature on ‘the machair’ along with Lesser Meadow Rue and other sandy specialists. Seabirds, Corncrake, waders, passerines, rare plants and insects there is so much to see and do on Coll and Tiree! Both islands have a high density of nesting waders and, with young having fledged, most will be in large postbreeding flocks, which can harbour rarities. Corncrake will still be present, though this late in the season are harder to find in tall grass, being less vocal or territorial having attracted a mate. We do, of course, still have a chance, taking an optional evening drive, listening out for their rasping calls and for Spotted Crake which has bred previously on Tiree. The holiday begins and ends in Oban.

Number of centres: 2.

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SHETLAND WILDLIFE in SUMMER A wide-ranging natural history holiday at the height of summer.

Prices from: £2595pp

4 JULY – 11 JULY 2026 3 JULY – 10 JULY 2027

Single supplement: £295 Max. 7 clients. Leader (2026) Mike Coleman Price excludes flights from Aberdeen to Sumburgh.

With so much to do and see, summer is a superb time to visit Shetland. On this wide-ranging natural history tour there is something for all and our varied itinerary will be of interest to birdwatchers, general wildlife enthusiasts, botanists and island baggers alike.

During the holiday, you will see some of the most densely populated seabird colonies in the country. Gannet, Shag, Puffin, Guillemot, Razorbill, Black Guillemot, Kittiwake, Arctic Skua, Common and Arctic Tern are all represented, some in abundance. An evening excursion to the Storm Petrel colony on Mousa will be an exciting highlight, as will a special boat trip to wild Foula off the west coast. There, the waters offer much potential for cetaceans and we also plan to cruise under the sheer cliffs, plus explore on foot the home of the largest Great Skua colony in Britain!

Freshwater lochans host breeding Red-throated Diver and we seek rare breeding waders including Whimbrel, Golden Plover and delicate Rednecked Phalarope. Shetland is a good place to see both Otter and Grey Seal, while rare plants could include Oysterplant and Edmunston’s Chickweed, the latter growing only on Unst! We take in all the flora and fauna we encounter, with plenty of opportunity for scenic photography as we go.

We intend to see as much of the rugged archipelago as possible, and this tour is definitely one for the island bagger, visiting eight islands with dedicated trips to Mousa, Foula, Yell, Unst, Fetlar, Noss, Bressay and Mainland Shetland. At a relaxed pace, we take in some of the fascinating historical, cultural and archaeological heritage of the islands within Shetland. We plan to visit the Jarlshof site, Mousa Broch, a replica Viking longboat and longhouse on Unst and see the town of Scalloway, the ancient capital and home to the Shetland Bus operation during the Second World War. In July, long evenings give way to an ethereal twilight, known as the ‘simmer dim’ – Shetland really is a fantastic place to experience the long, northern summer! Number of centres: 2.

ULTIMATE OUTER HEBRIDES The complete ‘grand tour’ of the Outer Hebrides, from the rugged north to the scenic south.

Prices from: £2895pp

4 JULY – 13 JULY 2026 3 JULY – 12 JULY 2027

Single supplement: £450 Max. 7 clients. Leader (2026) Barry Embling.

A complete ten-day tour of the Outer Hebrides, from the Butt of Lewis at the northernmost point, to Mingulay at the southern end of the island chain. A comprehensive tour through the isles in high summer, we pay special consideration towards natural history, including birds, cetaceans, insect life, abundant flora and also key historical and cultural sites, all at a leisurely pace.

Lewis is a fascinating island, internationally important for divers, Greenshank, eagles and other raptors. We head to the northernmost point, the famous Butt of Lewis, a superb seawatching spot, then work our way down the west coast calling in at Dun Carloway broch and the Standing Stones of Callanish. We explore minor roads looking for Golden and Whitetailed Eagle, also taking to the water to explore the coastline and sealochs thoroughly. With luck we may connect with cetaceans and perhaps our first Otter and seals. Harris is a scenic gem with a different feel to Lewis, with a full range of rugged habitats, long sweeping beaches and dune systems. We spend a full day exploring and have good chances of Raven, Peregrine, both eagles and perhaps a dashing Merlin.

Our ferry to the southern half of the Outer Hebrides takes a slow journey through islets in the Sound of Harris. We spend a morning on Berneray, and head south to Balranald RSPB reserve on North Uist. Famous for its nesting waders, rich machair and seascapes, this is a favourite place on our Hebridean adventures. We take a boat trip down to Mingulay, the largest of the uninhabited islands at the extreme south of the Outer Hebridean archipelago. Superb for seabirds and general scenery, this promises to be an exciting day on the water.

On South Uist we look for Otter and Hen Harrier, continuing south one afternoon to Eriskay, another beautiful island now joined by a causeway. We travel by ferry to Barra. This island of rich, white sand backed by vibrant green crofting land dotted with outcrops of rock is perhaps one of the most photogenic destinations in Scotland. Finally, we take the ferry from Barra to Oban, with good chances of Minke Whale or a Basking Shark enroute. Number of centres: 4.

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ORKNEY in HIGH SUMMER The wildlife, history and culture of Orkney.

18 JULY – 25 JULY 2026 17 JULY – 24 JULY 2027

Prices from: £2295pp

Single supplement: £195 Max. 6 clients. Leader (2026) Holly Page

Orkney is superb in summer, and this island-hopping trip throughout the archipelago will be full of highlights. Botanists will be delighted at tiny and rare Scottish Primrose (in their second flowering period) and other flowers in coastal locations, whilst insect lovers can enjoy rare Great Yellow Bumblebees at the same time! Birding is good throughout, with an extra special opportunity to see Storm Petrel at close quarters.

We transfer from Heatherlea to Orkney via ferry, watching for seabirds and cetaceans from the open deck. Once we arrive, we begin wildlife watching and visit the wonderfully crafted Italian Chapel. Our next few days will see us island hopping, taking in the full range of Orcadian habitats on fertile Westray, where we enjoy the Gannet colony at Noup Head and Puffins at another site. On Hoy, we walk to view the famous ‘Old Man’ stack and have excellent chances of seeing breeding Hen Harrier and Red-throated Diver, and if lucky White-tailed and Golden Eagle too, both having recently returned after a lengthy absence. On Mainland Orkney, post-breeding waders, Twite and raptors, including Merlin are top targets and we visit many of the finest archaeological sites in Britain - from the 5,000-year-old Skara Brae settlement to the immaculate Maeshowe, Broch of Gurness, the Standing Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar -perhaps the most iconic. All entry fees are included, and we also visit Scapa Flow and the Churchill Barriers with time in Kirkwall or Stromness for their respective historic sites, or a spot of souvenir hunting in the narrow lanes.

An exciting part of this holiday is our trip to North Ronaldsay, beginning with an eight-seater Islander flight, offering a unique opportunity to see the Orkney Isles from above. Here we hope to see Storm Petrels, and our visit coincides with the period for ringing studies, where large nightly catches, perhaps of over 100 birds, might include a rare Leach’s Petrel too! An unforgettable experience, though netting sessions are weather dependent. The birding is always great here and summer rarities have included Great and Cory’s Shearwater, Roseate Tern, Spoonbill, Pacific Golden Plover, Lesser Yellowlegs, Pectoral Sandpiper, Grey Phalarope, Sabine’s Gull, White-winged Black Tern and Two-barred Crossbill - on North Ronaldsay anything is possible! Number of centres: 2.

MULL & ARDNAMURCHAN WILDLIFE SPECTACULAR Birds, mammals and more in a West Coast wilderness.

25 JULY – 1 AUGUST 2026 24 JULY – 31 JULY 2027

Prices from: £2395pp

Single supplement: £295 Max. 7 clients. Leader (2026) Aidan Branch.

On this exciting holiday, we explore the wild Ardnamurchan peninsula and ‘Magical’ Mull thoroughly, in an appreciation of all its wildlife! Two great destinations Heatherlea know well, we dedicate time to mammal watching, with butterflies, dragonflies, moths and plants likely to feature too, and of course a range of fabulous birdlife.

Ardnamurchan is one of the most beautiful and wildlife-rich parts of Western Scotland. The region’s dramatic scenery often takes centre stage, but it is a haven for wildlife too, especially mammals, with as many as 15 species possible. Pine Marten are more common here than anywhere else and though still tricky to find, we have every chance of seeing them coming to bait - and in comfort too!

Cetaceans, including Minke Whale, may be seen on our boat trip to Muck, where we plan to land and explore the wildlife of this lovely little island. Among the birds, we expect good views of Golden and White-tailed Eagle, Merlin, Blackthroated and Red-throated Diver and perhaps breeding Greenshank.

Relocating to Mull, it is easy to see why this large island is a wildlife lover’s paradise. More Golden and White-tailed Eagle occur here than anywhere else in Britain and with breeding Hen Harrier, Merlin and Short-eared Owl too, raptors will be at the fore. During this holiday, we also visit the enthralling island of Lunga, the ‘Puffin experience’ perhaps being the best in the British Isles! On Staffa, we marvel at the fascinating geology carved out by the sea, and on Iona, we listen for any late Corncrake. Mull is famous for its Otters, and we hope for great views as many Heatherlea guests have enjoyed over the years!

Two destinations for wildlife enthusiasts of all levels, we plan to run a moth trap whenever we can and with dragonflies, butterflies and scarce plants, including orchids, also featuring, there is something for everyone on this fabulous tour.

Number of centres: 2.

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NEW! THE KINTYRE PENINSULA Southern Argyll plus the fantastic islands of Arran and Gigha.

Prices from: £2395pp

31 JULY – 7 AUGUST 2027

Single supplement: £320 Max. 7 clients. Leader: One from the Heatherlea team.

At the south end of Argyll and Bute, the regions known as Knapdale and Kintyre are very much an under-appreciated haven for wildlife, just waiting to be explored! On this new tour we wildlife watch in a relatively small area giving us plenty of time to enjoy everything we find at a leisurely pace. We spend time exploring all corners, as well enjoying day trips to the delightful islands of Arran and Gigha.

We visit Taynish NNR, a great place for breeding Wood Warbler, Redstart and butterflies. Loch Fyne and Loch Gilp are good for passage waders, gulls and terns and we take an evening walk for Beavers at one of their Scottish strongholds. We also visit Moine Mhor NNR, aka the ‘Great Bog’ for species such as Grasshopper Warbler, Whinchat and Beautiful Demoiselle. The Kintyre Peninsula is long and narrow, stretching just 30 miles from its southernmost point to the adjoining region of Knapdale. Seabirds, such as Gannet, Manx Shearwater and Shag may feature as we explore the southern end of the peninsula, with Peregrine, Wheatear, Stonechat, Rock Pipit and others likely as we enjoy a walk out to the Mull of Kintyre Lighthouse.

Arran is a lovely mountainous island in the Firth of Clyde and a great place for raptor watching. Golden Eagle, Hen Harrier, Merlin and Short-eared Owl are all possible in the uplands, with a range of other birds plus Red Deer, Grey and Common Seal also likely during our day trip. An exciting boat journey into the Gulf of Corryvreckan to view the famous whirlpool will be another highlight.

Taking in fantastic island views and wildlife along the way, White-tailed Eagle are a possibility here with chances of Harbour Porpoise, Bottlenose Dolphin and Minke Whale. We also visit the Isle of Gigha, a sparsely populated hidden gem off the west coast of Kintyre. A good place to scan the shore for Otter and seals, Eider, Red-breasted Merganser, Black Guillemot, Great Northern and Red-throated Diver are also likely.

Number of centres 1.

OUTER HEBRIDES in EARLY AUTUMN for birders A six-day birders’ tour of Lewis, Harris, Berneray, Benbecula and the Uists.

5 SEPTEMBER – 11 SEPTEMBER 2026 4 SEPTEMBER – 10 SEPTEMBER 2027

Prices from: £2095pp

Single supplement: £250 Max. 7 clients. Leader (2026) Dave Pearce.

Early autumn is excellent for migration within the Hebrides and is a fantastic, quieter time to visit. Waders may dominate, with an abundance of Dunlin, Knot, Sanderling, both godwits, moulting Golden Plover and more. Scarce migrants might include Grey, Phalarope, Pectoral and Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Dotterel and American Golden Plover. This time of year can also produce rare passerines, such as Barred Warbler, Rose-coloured Starling, Greenish Warbler, Red-backed Shrike, Common Rosefinch and Lapland Bunting.

The mouth-watering list of rarities found on these islands in recent times during this period includes Nearctic wanderers, such as Baird’s, White-rumped, Semipalmated, Spotted and Western Sandpiper, Long-billed Dowitcher, Wilson’s Phalarope and Lesser Yellowlegs. Also recorded have been Ring-necked Duck, Snowy Owl, Hoopoe, American Wigeon, Sabine’s and Laughing Gull and Britain’s first and only Purple Martin. We also investigate flocks of seaduck off Harris, where Surf Scoter might be found amongst the commoner species.

Birding starts on Skye, perhaps with a Golden Eagle whilst on the ferry to Lochmaddy. Fulmar, Gannet, Skuas, Black Guillemot and other auks can be expected, along with Storm Petrel, Manx and perhaps Sooty, Balearic or even Great Shearwater. The ferry through the Sound of Harris may produce divers at close quarters, seals and White-tailed Eagle. Harris is stunning, and we bird scenic bays and iconic beaches before continuing through to Lewis. Here we visit Tiumpan Head and the Butt of Lewis, alongside a network of shallow lochs, wader-rich bays and lochans. Even if migration is slower, we have Golden and White-tailed Eagle, Merlin, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl, rafts of seabirds, Eider,and divers to find. Not forgetting Hebridean races of Song Thrush and Wren and key species, such as Corn Bunting, Twite and Rock Pipit. Our itinerary will be flexible and we move around (within reason!) according to the best birding.

Number of centres: 2.

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NORTH RONALDSAY and ORKNEY in AUTUMN for birders Superb Autumn birding at a remote island outpost.

19 SEPTEMBER – 25 SEPTEMBER 2026 18 SEPTEMBER – 24 SEPTEMBER 2027

Prices from: £1895pp

Single supplement: £160 Max. 6 clients. Leader (2026) Chris Rodger

Only 29 miles from Fair Isle, North Ronaldsay is a wonderful migration hotspot, overlooked and under-explored! Few birders venture to this remote outpost, so expect peace and quiet with a strong sense of exploration, and depending on the predominant wind direction, birds from east or west.

In favorable conditions, passage migrants may include Willow, Garden and Wood Warbler, Pied and Spotted Flycatcher, Redstart, Whinchat, Tree Pipit and other common passerines. Island habitats are varied, offering fantastic wader passage and joining commoner species can be Greenshank, Blacktailed Godwit, Wood, Green, Common and Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint while regular Nearctic rarities have included American Golden Plover, Pectoral and Buff-breasted Sandpiper. Osprey, Marsh and Hen Harrier, Merlin and Short-eared Owl frequently visit too, and while there can be no guarantee of any particular species, North Ronaldsay is always surprising and very rewarding.

We work alongside the highly skilled Bird Observatory staff, who will be out birding and ringing, depending on the weather. We will have the option of joining in these activities most days. A completely different birding holiday destination, where in favourable weather and depending on the time of year, scarcities might include Red-backed Shrike, Richard’s Pipit, Wryneck, Bluethroat, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Barred, Icterine, Yellow-browed and Marsh Warbler, Common Rosefinch, Ortolan, Lapland and Little Bunting.

More extreme rarities might include Great Snipe, Citrine Wagtail, Pechora or Olive-backed Pipit, Radde’s, Greenish, Arctic and Lanceolated Warbler, Brown Shrike, Rustic Bunting and Arctic Redpoll. Seawatching can be exceptional, and the early date is traditionally a good time, when large movements of Sooty Shearwater, Storm Petrel and skuas can take place.

This is also the best time for Great, Cory’s and Balearic Shearwater.

Number of centres: 2.

SHETLAND in AUTUMN for birders Rarity hunting at the top of Britain!

19 SEPTEMBER – 26 SEPTEMBER 2026 26 SEPTEMBER – 3 OCTOBER 2026 25 SEPTEMBER – 2 OCTOBER 2027 2 OCTOBER – 9 OCTOBER 2027

Prices from: £2195pp

Single supplement: £295 Price includes all ferries. Price excludes flight from Aberdeen.

Max. 7 clients per leader. Leaders (2026) Holly Page & Aidan Branch.

This thrilling holiday offers the chance to see a variety of rare and scarce migrants amid spectacular scenery. We stay in two centres at either end of the Shetland Mainland, allowing us to spread our wings and locate highly desirable rare birds more easily. We will cover all the key birding locations for autumn migration, including the outer isles if the weather and ferry availability allow!

Possibilities are almost endless, with American and Siberian birds coming through on favourable winds, often at the same time! Previous goodies have included Blackburnian Warbler, Pallid Harrier, Surf Scoter, American Golden Plover, Buff-breasted, Spotted and Pectoral Sandpipers, Hudsonian Whimbrel, Grey Phalarope, Wryneck, Bluethroat, Red-backed and both Lesser and Great Grey Shrikes, Short-toed Lark, Pechora, Richard’s, Olivebacked and Buff-bellied Pipits, Citrine Wagtail, Red-breasted and Taiga Flycatchers, White’s Thrush, Swainson’s Thrush, Veery, Red-flanked Bluetail, Yellow-browed, Yellow-rumped, Marsh, Barred, Lanceolated, Arctic and Blyth’s Reed Warblers, Common Rosefinch, Little, Rustic and Lapland Bunting. A real feast of birding! Exactly what turns up depends upon the weather, so there are no guarantees, but we try and find our own birds and twitch good ones as we travel around the islands. If the wind is in the east, then large falls of finches, thrushes and crests are also likely.

Please note that this is a Birders tour, principally focused on finding and identifying rare birds of our own, with frequent trips to see the rarities others have found. We will have some time for cultural, historical and retail requests, but birding comes first on this particular holiday. For those that want a more general tour of Shetland, we thoroughly recommend our Shetland Island Explorer (p38) or our Shetland and Orkney (p40) holiday.

Number of centres: 2.

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OUTER HEBRIDES in AUTUMN for birders Rarity hunting in the Outer Hebrides, birding South Uist, Benbecula, North Uist, Berneray, Harris and Lewis!

Prices from: £2195pp

3 OCTOBER – 9 OCTOBER 2026 2 OCTOBER – 8 OCTOBER 2027

Single supplement: £250 Max. 7 clients. Leader (2026) Dave Pearce.

The Outer Hebrides are famous for rarities in autumn, and this is a real birders’ treat, as we seek wind-blown rarities at a great time of year. A good amount of our effort will be spent looking for rare birds, checking patches of cover, ditches and gardens and we also work through the flocks of waders, ducks or passerines, as vagrants hide amongst their more common cousins.

Our recent finds have included a good number of American vagrants following westerly gales, with White-rumped, Baird’s, Pectoral and Spotted Sandpiper, American Golden Plover and Lesser Yellowlegs.

If winds are from the east, Yellow-browed Warbler, Rose-coloured Starling, Arctic Redpoll and Red-breasted Flycatcher occur annually. Almost anything is possible here, with incredibly rare birds recorded at this time in recent years, including Wilson’s Warbler, Hermit Thrush, Buff-bellied and Olive-backed Pipit, Long-billed Dowitcher, Least and Semipalmated Sandpiper, Snowy Owl, Redeyed Vireo and Ovenbird. If migration is slower, superb resident Golden and White-tailed Eagle, Hen Harrier, Merlin and Twite (and not forgetting Otters), are all there to entertain! Regular, expected migrants at this time of year include all three divers, Long-tailed Duck and scoter, Snow and Lapland Bunting, Jack Snipe and good numbers of Purple Sandpiper, Golden Plover and Sanderling, with Whooper Swan and Barnacle Geese arriving from the north.

With the Atlantic Ocean to scan, and ‘The Minch’ to cross twice, we are sure to pick up a good list of seabirds, with Sabine’s Gull, Sooty Shearwater and Pomarine Skua perhaps featuring alongside Storm Petrel, Manx Shearwater, auks and skuas. Cetaceans have included Minke Whale and Common and Bottlenose Dolphin. Our exact itinerary will be based on your guides’ judgement regarding wind, tide and recent sightings. With stunning autumnal light on the rugged landscape, we are sure of a memorable trip.

Number of centres: 2.

ISLAY and JURA Brilliant autumn birding on stunning Hebridean islands.

Prices from: £1945pp

17 OCTOBER – 22 OCTOBER 2026 16 OCTOBER – 21 OCTOBER 2027

Single supplement: £360 Max. 7 clients. Leader (2026) Alex Rhodes.

Islay is a beautiful island, with soft rolling scenery and a wonderful variety of birdlife. We explore the large goose flocks of the fields and RSPB Loch Gruinart and expect to see many thousand Barnacle and Greenland Whitefronted Geese. The sight and the noise is absolutely unforgettable! We might also find Brent (pale-bellied), Greylag, Pink-footed and perhaps rarities like Snow, Red-breasted and Richardson’s Cackling Goose of which all have been seen in the last few years. Our mobile-hide minibus will be invaluable here!

Britain’s most northerly Chough population breeds on Islay, and we should see these birds floating on the breeze at close quarters. There are many ducks here, including a large overwintering raft of scaup, and we should see Long-tailed Duck, Common Scoter, Teal, Wigeon, Mallard, Shelduck, Tufted Duck and perhaps Slavonian Grebe. Wader species of interest should include Golden Plover, Bar-tailed Godwit, Snipe, Curlew, Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Turnstone, Sanderling and Purple Sandpiper. We search the bays for all three diver species, Black Guillemot and other auks, and perhaps an early Glaucous or Iceland Gull. The duck concentrations may receive an unwelcome visit from a Hen Harrier, and we will watch out for the island’s local Golden Eagle, which often soar over remote crags. Other raptors found on Islay include White-tailed Eagle, Peregrine, Merlin, Buzzard, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk.

We watch the weather, tide table and ferry timings, and select a day to visit Jura. Much more rugged and inhospitable than Islay, Jura is well worth a visit for the scenery alone and is rightly renowned for its large population of Red Deer, Hen Harrier and White-tailed Eagle. We also search for Otter along the coastline and use local knowledge to stake out any rarities which may be around – anything can happen on the Scottish islands!

Number of centres: 1.

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WELCOME TO THE REST OF THE UK For many years we were asked to run trips away from our Highland base, and every year we add new itineraries across the UK, bringing a taste of Heatherlea to new areas. Many of our guides discovered their love of birds in the places where they grew up - Yorkshire, Lancashire, Kent, Wales, Cornwall, Somerset - so returning home to share their local knowledge is literally a busman's holiday!

On these holidays, we fully delve into the local area, visiting the well-known birding hotspots, reserves, bird observatories, as well as the remote, little-known corners where birding is excellent, but the hordes are absent.

As with our Scottish Island trips, each holiday has a maximum number of seven guests per guide, meaning more of that personal attention and even more sightings! All of the wider UK holidays are ideal for birders and general wildlife enthusiasts alike, as many of the trips will take in the diverse flora, mammal, and insect life of the areas we visit, and we’ve also been known to throw in some culture and history as well at times!

There are also some autumnal ‘for birders’ trips to Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly – the hassle-free way to visit the traditional location for congregations of birders eager to find the next major rarity blown into the picturesque archipelago from across The Atlantic or from Eastern Asia.

Group sightings and reports from the field are regularly posted onto our social media channels, so give us a follow and keep up to date on our sightings!

For more details, including a Trip Report from any of our recent holidays, see our website www.heatherlea.co.uk. If you have any questions, please contact us, we will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Emma, Fleur, Jolene, Sarah, Abbie, Holly and Mark are here to help.

NEW! WALES in WINTER SHORT BREAK A short break focusing on the best sites in North Wales taking advantage of the winter season and its birdlife 28 JANUARY - 1 FEBRUARY 2027

Prices from: £1595pp

Single supplement: £195 Max. 7 clients. Leader Alex Rhodes

Discover the magic of winter birdwatching in north and west Wales, where the colder months bring an exceptional array of birds and wildlife to some of the region’s most dramatic and atmospheric landscapes. From sweeping coastlines and tranquil lakes to fast-flowing rivers, rugged mountains, open moorlands and characterful woodlands, each habitat within and around the famous Eryri National Park offers its own unique birding treasures. On this brandnew short break, we make the very most of this rewarding season with three expertly guided days in the field. Our varied itinerary includes the rich coastal and wetland habitats of Ynys Môn (Anglesey), the striking cliffs, beaches and headlands of the north coast and Great Orme, plus the diverse landscapes of western Gwynedd and Ceredigion, as we track down the region’s most iconic winter birds in a bumper, action-packed trip.

Large winter flocks are a hallmark of the season, whether it’s tidal roosts of waders and wildfowl, rafts of Common Scoter and Red-throated Divers offshore, or groups of grebes feeding in sheltered bays. As the daylight fades, we witness nature at its most captivating: Starling murmurations swirling across the dusk sky and impressive corvid roosts gathering in noisy, swirling masses with Raven adding their deep, croaking calls to the evening soundscape.

In the woodlands, the broad-leaved forests lie silent and bare in this season, yet this only aids our search for the notoriously elusive Hawfinch perched high in the treetops. A small remnant population of Willow Tit continues to cling on here, frequenting known feeding stations across the moors. Away from the Celtic rainforest, we delve into coniferous plantations in search of Crossbill and the jewel-like Firecrest and perhaps, if fortune favours us, we may encounter a sitefaithful Great Grey Shrike staking out a patch of clear-fell.

Wales’s only wintering flock of Greenland White-fronted Geese remains a much-cherished local treasure, though now sadly declining and increasingly difficult to connect with. In contrast, large numbers of Pale-bellied Brent Geese more than make up for the former’s scarcity, feeding widely across the region’s estuaries and shallow bays. The rich intertidal waters surrounding the Menai Straits support an abundance of wintering species, while no trip to this part of Wales would be complete without admiring the aerial acrobatics of the charismatic Chough, swooping and looping effortlessly above the cliffs. Join us for an unforgettable winter wildlife experience set against some of Wales’s most breathtaking scenery. Number of centres: 1.

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NEW! WINTER BIRDLIFE of DEVON & DORSET Winter birding on the English Riviera.

Price from: £2295pp

24 JANUARY – 31 JANUARY 2026 23 JANUARY – 30 JANUARY 2027

Single supplement: £320 Max. 7 clients. Leader (2026) Barry Embling

Dorset and Devon are classic and exciting destinations for winter wildlife, where the abundance of habitats combined with the local milder climate provide a haven for many overwintering divers, grebes, winter duck and waders, as well as some sought-after residents and the chance of some rarities. Our flexible two-centred itinerary is designed to maximise our lists, even though the pace will be relaxed and walking will be fairly easy.

We’ll spend two days exploring Thomas Hardy country, with a superb choice of scenic locations and many habitats ranging from cliffs, woodland, heathland, dunes, farmland, reedbeds and estuary. Slavonian and Black-necked Grebe both winter in Poole Harbour, as does Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a few Spotted Redshank, and there is now a resident White-tailed Eagle! We’ll take the ferry to the remarkable and peaceful Brownsea Island, home to Spoonbill, Avocet, and a population of Red Squirrel.

We’ll look for Hen Harrier and Merlin over the heathland, and at Arne we’ll be visiting one of the country’s premier nature reserves - where Dartford Warbler and Woodlark can be seen in a patchwork of habitats. Portland is a famous migration watchpoint with its observatory jutting out six miles into the English Channel. Purple Sandpiper is regularly seen here, Black Redstart overwinters, and the Bill itself can provide excellent seawatching at any time of year. Two reserves in the heart of Weymouth hold Bearded Reedling, Cetti’s Warbler, Kingfisher, Water Rail and Blacktailed Godwit, and often some winter surprises, with Iceland Gull and Bittern both present in recent times.

We then head to the beautiful coastline of Devon, including Dawlish Warren where the pools and scrub may hold a scarce Siberian Chiffchaff or Water Pipit and Shorteared Owl and Snow Bunting often occur in winter. We also have quiet riverside sites to look for Beaver, in an area where they are beginning to gain a good foothold.

On the ‘English Riviera’, we’ll visit various coastal sites for Cirl Bunting, a species that’s made a remarkable recovery recently, and other highlights may include displaying Goshawk, which we’ll certainly try to see on clearer days and as conditions allow, Hawfinch, or a vagrant Lesser Scaup or Ring-necked Duck at Slapton Ley. Number of centres: 2

FOREST of DEAN and the SOMERSET LEVELS Excellent winter birding, including some difficult and highly sought-after UK species.

21 FEBRUARY – 28 FEBRUARY 2026 20 FEBRUARY – 27 FEBRUARY 2027

Prices from: £2295pp

Single supplement: £350 Max. 7 clients. Leader (2026) Barry Embling

An opportunity to enjoy some of the best winter birding in England, as we search for elusive and sought-after forest species, and also seek wintering waders and wildfowl in estuary and wetland locations. Rewarding birding in three fascinating and very different habitats in the south-west of England.

We first visit the Forest of Dean, around 35 square miles of mixed woodland nestled between the River Severn and River Wye on the Gloucestershire/Welsh border. The Forest holds some of the oldest Oak woods left in England and is arguably the best place in the country to see Hawfinch and Goshawk, two of the UK’s hardest-to-find breeding species.

In March, resident Hawfinch numbers are boosted by continental wintering birds.

They favour a small number of favourite feeding places, thereby increasing our chances of seeing them. The Forest also holds perhaps the highest density of Goshawk in the country, and the birds will be starting to display at this time. We know ‘secret’ places to find these elusive species, often overlooked by visiting birders, and local contacts will also be useful for up-to-date information. The Forest of Dean also supports an established population of over 200 free-living British Wild Boar; this is probably the best place to see them in the country.

Next, we explore the Severn estuary, an excellent place for wintering wildfowl and waders, and we may see Greenland White-fronted Geese, Bewick's Swan, godwits, raptors and more. We visit WWT Slimbridge, Peter Scott's flagship reserve, and Symonds Yat viewpoint, home to a resident pair of Peregrine.

In the Somerset Levels, we'll be looking for wintering wildfowl and wetland species, including Bittern, Water Rail, Marsh Harrier, thousands of wintering duck, Little and Great White Egret, Pochard, Shoveler, Gadwall, Teal and Goldeneye amongst many others. We will also be looking for the population of Common Crane which call the levels home, and of course the UK's largest Starling roost, with up to a million birds, which if attacked by raptors will go into their mesmerising murmuration, a truly unforgettable experience!

This holiday starts in Gloucester and ends in Bridgwater. Number of centres: 2.

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CORNWALL in SPRING Migrants and rare breeders on the beautiful Cornish coast.

16 APRIL – 23 APRIL 2026 15 APRIL – 22 APRIL 2027

Prices from: £1995pp

Single supplement: £130.

Max. 7 clients. Leader (2026) Toby Green.

Join us for great birding in Cornwall, one of the most under-watched counties in the UK! Its 400 miles of superb coastline, steep cliffs, beautiful valleys and estuarine habitat all offer good birding. Based in Penwith in the far west, we explore many birding sites with northbound summer migrants high on our agenda. Seabirds, wildfowl, waders and passerines will feature, and if lucky we may connect with a rarity, there are many possibilities.

Our schedule will be flexible around up-to-date local bird news and of course the weather. April is a great time to visit, and extensive knowledge of all the birding hotspots and lesser-known sites gives us great chances. Key sites include Marazion Marsh, a wetland site for wildfowl and waders. ‘Valley birding’ will begin at Porthgwarra, the most south-westerly point of Mainland Britain, and here we search for migrants, checking patches of trees and scrub. Passing Cuckoo, Ring Ouzel, Wheatear, Whinchat, Redstart, Pied and Spotted Flycatchers, hirundines, pipits, finches, thrushes and a variety of warblers are all possible. Land’s End is one of the best birding locations in the UK. Isolated bushes and scrub are sparser than in the valleys, and the track record for rarities here is incredible, with Dotterel, Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Common Crane, Black Kite, Montagu’s Harrier, Alpine Swift, Snowy Owl, Woodchat, Red-backed and Brown Shrike, Hoopoe, Golden Oriole, Short-toed Lark, Tawny and Red-throated Pipit, Western Subalpine, Melodious and Icterine Warbler, Ortolan and Little Bunting all recorded in recent springs!

We visit the Lizard Peninsula where Chough famously first made their return and Dartford Warbler are found. We also enjoy a boat trip into Mount’s Bay where Gannet, auks including a few Puffin, Fulmar, Kittiwake, Manx Shearwater, Arctic Skua and terns are likely to be around. Seals, cetaceans and perhaps Basking Shark may be encountered, and we may even see peculiar Sunfish or frantic Atlantic Bluefin Tuna. A great trip!

A special feature will be our search for Cirl Bunting. With a very small and rangerestricted population, this is a rare and difficult to see bird in the UK. The species is now breeding again in parts of southern Cornwall and we make a special effort to see them. Number of centres: 1.

ISLES OF SCILLY in SPRING Birds, wildlife and island culture in stunning surroundings akin to the Mediterranean!

24 APRIL – 30 APRIL 2026 23 APRIL – 29 APRIL 2027

Prices from: £2495pp

Single supplement: £330 Max. 7 clients per leader. Leaders (2026) Toby Green and Martin Elliott

The Isles of Scilly are without doubt one of the most stunning and idyllic parts of the United Kingdom, a ‘must-visit’ location boasting a diverse range of wildlife opportunities. 28 miles south-west of Land’s End, with shallow waters and a climate more akin to the Mediterranean, this is a fabulous place for birding as migrants move north. On this spring itinerary, we stay on the largest Island, St Mary’s, visiting the four other inhabited islands on daily excursions. The Scillies are famed for attracting rarities at any time of year, and while we plan to birdwatch at a more leisurely pace than our … for birders … tour in autumn, we may see attractive Mediterranean overshoots such as Hoopoe, Golden Oriole, Night Heron or Woodchat Shrike.

On Tresco, entry to the world-famous Abbey Gardens is included, home to over 20,000 exotic plants, many of which will be beginning to bloom at the time of our visit. We also bird along beaches for Sanderling, Dunlin, Turnstone, Greenshank, Whimbrel and Mediterranean Gull. If time allows, we venture to Castle Down, where Merlin and Peregrine may be hunting, and Golden Plover, Wheatear, Stonechat, pipits and wagtails may be found on moorland between two ruined castles.

Bryher and St Martin’s are quieter places, offering superb birdwatching potential while the views out over the reefs from tiny St Agnes are spectacular. During a special boat trip to a sixth island, uninhabited Annet, Puffins will be a highlight, as these enchanting birds settle down for their breeding season, with other seabirds, seals and perhaps cetaceans also featuring.

Northbound migrants can be varied, and in the right conditions large numbers of birds can make landfall resulting in exciting birdwatching. Famed for rare and scarce vagrants, the possibilities are endless and Wryneck and Red-rumped Swallow are regularly recorded each spring.

The trip will run at a relaxed pace, with time to enjoy the scenery and beauty of each island (and a local ice cream and Cornish Pasty too!) as well as its wildlife.

Our guides are experienced here and a flexible approach as we explore on foot allows us to make the most of each island within the archipelago.

Number of centres: 1.

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WILD NORTHERN IRELAND The Giant’s Causeway & wildlife of Rathlin Island- a natural history tour of Northern Ireland.

Prices from: £2795pp

25 APRIL – 2 MAY 2026 24 APRIL – 1 MAY 2027

Single supplement: £420 Max. 7 clients. Leader Andy Jones

This tour is a lovely introduction to the wildlife of Northern Ireland with, of course, a large chunk of geology when we visit the world-famous basalt columns at the Giant’s Causeway in Co. Antrim. We’ve timed our visit to greet the arriving spring migrants and be on hand to view the spectacular seabird colonies on remote Rathlin Ireland.

This is a two-centre tour, with three nights spent near Portrush, Co. Antrim on the northern coast and four nights near Newcastle, Co. Down, where the Mourne Mountains sweep down to the sea. We have a flexible itinerary and our site visits will include the majestic Causeway Coast, Rathlin Island, the lakes of Fermanagh and the UK’s largest lake of Lough Neagh. The mountains and coast of Co. Down are spectacular as are the well-known birding sites around Strangford Lough.

An exciting aspect of this tour is our visit to Rathlin Island. It has Northern Ireland’s largest seabird colony and we expect great views of the breeding Guillemots, Razorbills and Puffins at the RSPB West Light Seabird Centre.

Kittiwakes add to the clamour, Fulmars patrol the cliffs and there’s always the chance of Chough as we walk the nature trails looking out for Corncrake, breeding snipe and Irish Hare. It’s a grand day out.

Lough Neagh and the lakes of Co. Fermanagh provide us with some splendid birding opportunities. At Lough Neagh we plan to visit the nature reserves at Oxford Island for breeding wildfowl and Tree Sparrows and Portmore Lough for its Common Terns, breeding Lapwings and the amazing courtship ritual of Great Crested Grebes.

We’ll find time to take an upland walk in the Mourne Mountains, the most extensive area of heathland in Northern Ireland, and look for species including Red Grouse and Ring Ouzel, with Peregrine and Raven nearby. We should encounter Whinchat and Wheatear and will also spend some time botanising — rare Irish Lady’s Tresses and Alpine Clubmoss occur here. The coast of Co. Down is very beautiful and has some great birding spots. Dundrum Bay is great for waders and Stranford Lough is well known for its wildfowl and geese.

Number of centres: 2.

NORTH WALES in SUMMER Anglesey, Bardsey and Snowdonia National Park.

Prices from: £2295pp

27 MAY – 3 JUNE 2026 29 MAY – 5 JUNE 2027

Single supplement: £280 Max. 7 clients. Leader (2026) Barry Embling

North Wales is rich in wildlife, and we explore by both land and sea on this exciting holiday, dividing our time between coastal locations and the famous Snowdonia National Park. Habitats are varied and we visit estuarine hotspots, coastal bays, beaches, freshwater lakes and the spectacular bird-rich islands of Anglesey and Bardsey. Inland lakes, fast flowing rivers, forest and mixed woodland, open moors and Snowdon Mountain itself offer different opportunities on this enjoyable tour.

Anglesey is a large island of great excitement, and at South Stack, Puffin, Black Guillemot and other seabirds are to the fore, with Chough, Raven and Peregrine overhead. Later, we visit an internationally important site for rare Roseate Tern.

Bardsey is a fascinating, bird-rich island noted for its Manx Shearwater colony. We plan to land on this beautiful island and explore by foot. We enjoy the Puffins, listen out for Chough and search the scrub and bushes for passerines and any late migrants.

Conwy’s Great Orme has a growing reputation for good birding, with a number of migrant and scarce birds recorded recently. We walk around the headland where Chough may be seen before checking the waders on the nearby estuary and pools for Curlew Sandpiper and Little Stint.

We visit Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales, and may take the train to the summit for stunning views, Ring Ouzel, Wheatear, Raven and Peregrine. The mountain is also home to rare Alpine plants, including the aptly named Snowdon Lily. If we spend less time on the mountain, attractive wooded valleys with fast flowing streams hold Dipper, Ring Ouzel, Grey Wagtail, Redstart, Spotted Flycatcher, Tree Pipit, Common Sandpiper and more.

Picturesque Welsh Moors hold a substantial Black Grouse lek, where we hope to see displaying birds. Breeding Red Grouse, Ring Ouzel, Whinchat, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Stonechat and a few Twite are also present. A day at RSPB Ynys-Hir gives chances to see deciduous woodland specialists including Wood Warbler, Pied Flycatcher, Redstart, Cuckoo, Jay, Nuthatch, Marsh Tit and Lesser Redpoll. Number of centres: 1.

Can be combined with our South Wales in Summer holiday for a full Wales experience.

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SOUTH WALES in SUMMER Great birding on land and sea, in southern Wales.

6 JUNE – 13 JUNE 2027

Prices from: £2195pp

Single supplement: £395 Max. 7 clients. Leader: One from the Heatherlea Team

South Wales is a lesser-known birding holiday destination just waiting to be explored! A region with much to offer, a strong diversity of habitats, easy access and remarkably varied landscape - and of course a great many birds. We begin in the east near the Welsh Border in Monmouthshire, before relocating to Pembrokeshire in the far southwest. Both centres are ideally located to enjoy their respective birds and wildlife, with much to see in between too on a planned day exploring the Gower peninsula.

In Monmouthshire, we visit extensive ancient woodlands, coastal wetlands, the uplands so typical of Wales and the nearby Black Mountains, which lie on the fringes of the Brecon Beacons National Park. From our centrally located accommodation, we look for moorland species, such as Red Grouse and Wheatear and explore the unique ‘fridd’, a mixed scrubby and open bracken hillside habitat, where Cuckoo, Whinchat and Meadow Pipit may be found. Specialist woodland birds will be searched for, including Woodcock, Nightjar, Redstart, Wood Warbler, Pied Flycatcher and Firecrest.

We also pay a visit to the Gower peninsula on our tour. A beautiful and distinctive landscape with special local birds, such as Chough and Dartford Warbler. The many nature reserves will be looking at their best, with wildflowers showing well at this time of the year.

Scenic Pembrokeshire is always an exciting place to visit, especially as it is such a long way from anywhere. Most well-known for its famous seabird colonies on the offshore islands, we plan to visit three of these - Skomer, Grassholm and Ramsey.

We hope to land on Skomer and Ramsey, exploring these magical places on foot, both of which are famed for their Puffin and Manx Shearwater numbers. While not landing, by taking a boat around Grassholm the glistening white of over 39,000 pairs of Gannet will be quite the spectacle – a certain highlight among our seabird experiences! Time will also be spent exploring the mainland wildlife hotspots, visiting lakes, beautiful coastal bays and estuaries, with stops at favoured nature reserves and, if time allows, notable historic sites.

Number of centres: 2.

NEW! DORSET & HAMPSHIRE featuring the NEW FOREST A natural history tour taking in all wildlife, including range restricted species on the English South Coast.

19 JUNE – 26 JUNE 2027

Prices from: £2495pp

Single supplement: £320 Max. 7 clients. Leader: One from the Heatherlea Team

Benefitting from a mild climate, Hampshire and Dorset are two of the most wildlife diverse counties in the whole of England supporting numerous rare species. In a variety of habitats from the chalk downlands and cliffs, ancient woodlands, wetlands and the tidal coast, we look for key birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, dragonflies and a range of interesting plants.

Covering an area of almost 220 square miles, the New Forest National Park supports unique habitats lost to time in other parts of the UK, and as such is a vital part of our native biodiversity. We dedicate several days to exploring key sites at a relaxed pace, looking for special birds including Dartford Warbler, Honey Buzzard, Hobby, Woodlark, Wood Warbler, Redstart, Tree Pipit, Spotted Flycatcher and Firecrest. Wildlife watching doesn’t just take place in the daytime, and on one evening we go out to look for Nightjar, Woodcock, Snipe and Tawny Owl. We also watch out for Fox, Badger, while the New Forest is also home to 14 of the 18 species of bat found in the UK, of which three are nationally rare. The region is well-known for its reptiles with good chances to encounter any of the six species which occur here. Rare and scarce insects may include Marbled White, Marsh Fritillary, Adonis and Silver-studded Blue Butterflies as well as Beautiful Demoiselle, Southern, Scarce Blue-tailed, Small Red and White-legged Damselfly.

Rare plants are another possibility with Musk, Bee, Pyramidal and Chalk Fragrant Orchid perhaps in bloom, taking time to appreciate our attractive surroundings and of course the famous New Forest Ponies too!

On the Hampshire coast we visit a range of estuarine and wetland sites, all offering great birding with Avocet, Black-tailed Godwit, Kingfisher, Marsh Harrier, Bearded Tit and Cetti’s Warbler among the possibilities. We travel west into Dorset on one day, to enjoy a fabulous boat trip around Poole Harbour where Spoonbill, Little Tern, Mediterranean Gull, Osprey, recently introduced Whitetailed Eagle and Common Seal might feature. On another we take the ferry across to the Isle of Wight, primarily to search for Glanville Fritillary on the chalk cliffs but Peregrine, Raven and Wheatear are likely to be present too, and we have more chances to look for reptiles on the heathland.

Number of centres: 1.

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NEW! ISLES OF SCILLY PELAGIC - SEABIRDS & MORE! A seabird spectacular, with multiple pelagic opportunities into the much-famed Scilly waters!

Prices TBC

13 AUGUST – 18 AUGUST 2027

Single supplement: TBC Leaders: Toby Green & Martin Elliott

Ever since early seabird fanatics realised the importance of the waters surrounding the Isles of Scilly archipelago, the history books are being re-written each summer with their continued exploration. On this new tour we plan to join up to three Pelagic excursions (totalling somewhere between 12 and 20 hours at sea) and in doing so, have multiple chances of some exciting encounters with shearwaters, petrels, skuas and plenty more!

At a time of year when migrant seabirds are on the move within the Atlantic, regularly encountered species include Fulmar, Manx, Balearic and Sooty Shearwater, European Storm-Petrel, Great and Arctic Skua, Kittiwake, Shag, Puffin, Guillemot and Razorbill. Among these we hope to encounter scarcer species, and there is no better place in the UK to try and see Great and Cory’s Shearwater, Wilson’s Petrel and Sabine’s Gull. Anything really can turn up, Scopoli’s Shearwater is now identified annually, while a mouth-watering list of other recent rarities includes Red-footed and Brown Booby, South Polar Skua, Fea’s ‘type’ Petrel and Barolo Shearwater. Cetaceans may feature and Bluefin Tuna are far more increasingly sighted in these waters, often linked to seabird feeding frenzies.

Aside from being a Mecca seabird destination, autumn begins early in the Southwest and on the Isles of Scilly, so we have chances of good birding on dry land too. While the pelagic trips will be scheduled to take advantage of the better weather conditions, there will be some time to explore St Mary’s and perhaps other islands during this tour. Birds of all types will be on the move, the prevailing winds dictating what might be seen around the island’s wetlands, beaches and in areas of tree cover. Migrant passerines including summer warblers, Wheatear, Whinchat, Redstart, Pied and Spotted Flycatcher may be grounded, perhaps with something scarcer like a Wryneck among them? Following westerly winds Nearctic shorebirds become more of a possibility, species such as Lesser Yellowlegs, Pectoral, Semipalmated Sandpiper and Solitary Sandpiper having been recorded during this time period. Naturally there will be ample opportunity to take in relaxing ambiance of island life too. Scilly really is one of the most beautiful, and special places in the UK while an afternoon cream tea is a another must on this tour! Number of centres 1.

WALES in AUTUMN Autumn birding along the entire stretch of the wild West Coast of Wales!

Prices from: £2195pp

26 SEPTEMBER – 3 OCTOBER 2026 25 SEPTEMBER – 2 OCTOBER 2027

Single supplement: £295 Max. 7 clients. Leader (2026) Alex Rhodes

Wales is a great place for birdwatchers, yet with so many headlands, picturesque valleys, tidal estuaries, and wetland sites, it can often feel under-watched.

Autumn is an exciting time to visit, and on this two-centre tour we explore the entire west coast traveling from north to south either side of Cardigan Bay. A flexible itinerary offers the best chances of seeing the greatest variety of birds, be it searching the bushes for passerines, watching waders and wildfowl on the estuaries or scanning offshore for passing seabirds. West Wales is full of birding potential!

Starting in the north, on Anglesey, flocks of Chough are likely around the cliffs, Black Guillemot in the harbours and there are some great wetland reserves on this accessible, large island. We spend time looking for migrant passerines around the Llyn in the north and the Marloes peninsula in Pembrokeshire, while Strumble Head is one of several classic sea-watching locations on the west coast. In the right conditions, all four skuas, Leach’s and Storm Petrel can be seen, while rarer congeners may pass with the masses of post-breeding Manx Shearwater. Conwy’s Great Orme has a growing reputation for good birding, with scarce birds including Dotterel, Wryneck and Lapland Bunting recorded in recent autumns. The nearby RSPB reserve, and a selection of sites close to Bangor, offer great potential for waders, gulls and terns and it is well worth checking for scarcer species or vagrants of Nearctic origin.

Islands are another major part of the western coastline, especially when it comes to birds and we plan to visit at least one during this tour. Bardsey offers the best connections and will be our first choice, with a good range of habitats and we can work closely with the Observatory team as we spend the day exploring. It may also be possible to day trip Skomer, Skokholm or Ramsey should there be any birds of interest there, as was very much the case in autumn 2023 after an unprecedented arrival of Nearctic passerines across the Welsh islands!

Number of centres 2.

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WEST CORNWALL in AUTUMN for birders Exciting autumn migration and rarity hunting in a beautiful county!

2 OCTOBER – 9 OCTOBER 2026 1 OCTOBER – 8 OCTOBER 2027

Prices from: £1945pp

Single supplement: £150 Max. 7 clients. Leader (2026) Toby Green

West Cornwall is a birder’s playground, with a strong reputation as one of the best British birding counties in autumn. The Penwith peninsula at the ‘end of the land’ is ideally placed as a filter for southbound migrants and rarities, and with beautiful valley habitats and rugged coastline, it’s one of the great places for birdwatchers to explore. October is a great time to visit, and our guides have extensive knowledge of all the birding hot spots, plus a few hidden gems enabling us to enjoy migration over both land and sea. Our daily schedule will be flexible, planning days around local, up-to-date bird news and of course the weather. Based in the far west, we shouldn’t need to travel much either, with great sites such as Porthgwarra, Cot Valley, Nanquidno, Land’s End, Hayle, Marazion and Drift Reservoir nearby, there is great birding on our doorstep. We plan to visit the Lizard Peninsula one day, where Choughs famously made their return to the county, while heading to the North coast, an inland reservoir or a Southern Estuary won’t be ruled out either if desirable birds are on offer!

Species possibility is broad, depending on the prevailing weather and indeed an element of luck. Birds vary every year, but Africa-bound passerines including a variety of warblers, Redstart, Wheatear, Whinchat, Pied and Spotted Flycatcher should be encountered, along with Firecrest, Black Redstart and migrant thrush, finch, lark and pipit flocks. We might find our own Wryneck, Red-backed Shrike, Yellow-browed Warbler, Red-breasted Flycatcher or perhaps something even rarer from the east. Winds from the west might yield an American wader or something really 'mega', recent examples being Grey Catbird, Red-eyed Vireo, Hermit Thrush, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Black-and-white Warbler and Britain’s first Alder Flycatcher.

Sea-watching can be excellent and watching from western headlands in onshore winds we could connect with Balearic, Sooty, Great and Cory’s Shearwater, Leach’s and European Storm-Petrel, Sabine’s Gull and Grey Phalarope as well as all four skuas! A further boat trip into Mount's Bay gives us another chance of closer views, and possibly cetaceans too. A tour which promises exciting birding, relatively mild weather and great coastal scenery in a massively under-watched part of the UK! Number of centres: 1.

We have timed this holiday so it may be combined with our Isles of Scilly for birders trip for the ultimate south-west birding experience!

ISLES OF SCILLY in AUTUMN for birders An exciting birding tour of the Isles of Scilly - visiting St Mary's, Bryher, Tresco, St Martin's and St Agnes!

10 OCTOBER – 17 OCTOBER 2026 9 OCTOBER – 16 OCTOBER 2027

Prices from: £2595pp

Single supplement: £395 Max. 14 clients. Leaders (2026) Toby Green & Holly Page

Steeped in birding folklore, the Isles of Scilly are one of the ‘must-visit’ places in the UK. Shallow waters, golden sands and a climate often more akin to the Mediterranean, it’s a fabulous place to be when birds are on the move. The Scillies are in prime position to receive migrants heading south and also storm driven vagrants from all directions. Birders visiting the islands since the ‘70s have been responsible for finding a number of ‘British firsts’, particularly those of Nearctic origin. We will be especially flexible and our daily activities will depend largely on up-to-date bird news. We will do our best to follow up on sightings as and when they happen, but at the same time, we’ll select a different island to explore daily in order to see as much of the Scillies as possible during your holiday. Our guides are experienced here and will choose the best time to visit St Mary’s, St Agnes, Tresco, St Martin’s and Bryher, to make the most of the weather and bird news on any given day.

The birdwatching can be fantastic and with a roll call of such ‘megas’ from previous Octobers including Blyth’s Pipit, Dusky Thrush, Caspian Stonechat, Pallid Swift, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Red-flanked Bluetail, multiple Red-eyed Vireos, Blackburnian Warbler, Eastern Yellow Wagtail, Sora, American Herring Gull, Caspian Tern plus Britain’s second Pale-legged/Sakhalin Leaf Warbler, we’ll be hoping for something special on our next trip. Prevailing weather dictates which rare or scarce birds arrive, no year is the same. Solitary Sandpiper, Cream-coloured Courser, Snowy Owl, Wryneck, Little Bunting, Richard’s, Red-throated, Olivebacked and Buff-bellied Pipit, Yellow-browed, Blackpoll, Barred and Melodious Warbler are among the regularly recorded scarcities.

General birding will expect us to encounter up to 100 species of a wide variety, from seabirds, to migrating waders, wildfowl and gulls. We’ll see plenty of passerines and land-birds on their way south plus regular scarcities. It’s a holiday where truly anything is possible!

Number of centres: 1.

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tel: 01479 821248

email: info@heatherlea.co.uk

web: www.heatherlea.co.uk

LANCASHIRE and THE WIRRAL Spectacular birding in late autumn.

Prices from: £1895pp

19 OCTOBER – 25 OCTOBER 2026 18 OCTOBER – 24 OCTOBER 2027

Single supplement: £270 Max. 7 clients. Leader (2026) Aidan Branch

Autumn sees a fascinating and often spectacular migration of wintering birds to the wetlands and grasslands of north-west England. Wildfowl and waders will be moving around and passing through, as we visit Leighton Moss, Morecambe Bay, the Ribble Estuary, Martin Mere and The Wirral peninsula. The variety and sheer numbers of waders and wildfowl will give us constantly changing birdlife at the larger reserves, with plenty of opportunity for grey winter-plumage wader identification.

Whooper Swan, Ruff, Black- and Bar-tailed Godwit, Great and Little Egret, Pink-footed and Greylag Goose, Gadwall, Pintail, flocks of Wigeon and Teal, and maybe an occasional rarity, such as American Wigeon graze on the saltmarshes; and Redbreasted Merganser and Eider may be drifting offshore. Raptors include both Barn and Short-eared Owl, Peregrine, Merlin and both Marsh and Hen Harrier; and a range of wintering woodland passerines include Marsh Tit, Nuthatch, Tree Sparrow, Lesser Redpoll and Siskin. Fieldfare and Redwing will be exploiting winter berry crops, and we may find Waxwing or other Scandinavian migrants, including Brambling, Twite, Cetti’s Warbler and Kingfisher in exposed stretches or marginal wetland; and we may encounter Red Deer, Roe Deer and Otter too.

You will visit reserves managed by RSPB, WWT and Lancashire Wildlife Trust, and all are supported by our visits, as your entry fee is included if you are not already a member.

This is a two-centre holiday. Our first base is located at a lovely hotel on The Wirral, with views over the Dee estuary to North Wales. Both Marsh and Hen Harrier can be seen from the hotel balcony and we are within easy reach of RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands and the northern coast of The Wirral.

Our next accommodation is located in a quiet backwater and is a great base to head north or south to Lancashire's nature reserves. We are directly on the towpath of Lancaster Canal’s Glasson Branch, and within easy walking distance of the River Conder, a small river which winds its way towards the mouth of the much larger River Lune, a few hundred yards away from our hotel. Greenshank, Shelduck and a range of other ducks and waders change places daily here, previous rarities on this trip include Lesser Yellowlegs, Long-billed Dowitcher and Glossy Ibis!

A relaxing and rewarding break as autumn turns to winter, featuring many of the migrant and resident birds which characterise this part of the UK. Number of centres: 2

NORTHUMBERLAND in WINTER A winter wildfowl and wader spectacular in one of the most beautiful counties in England.

31 OCTOBER – 6 NOVEMBER 2026 30 OCTOBER – 5 NOVEMBER 2027

Prices from: £1995pp

Single supplement: £325 Max. 7 clients. Leader (2026) Jenna Berry

Northumberland is one of the most picturesque and unspoilt corners of England and is home to some of the UK’s premier winter wildfowl and wader sites. This slow-paced single-centre holiday takes in the highlights of the coast, islands, farmland and forest of this beautiful region, with a range of birds and wildlife on offer, and including visits to iconic cultural and historical sites along the way.

Beautiful sweeping coastal bays play host to hundreds of waders, such as Bar-tailed Godwit, Sanderling, Knot and Purple Sandpiper. Offshore we should find growing rafts of Eider, Long-tailed Duck and potentially both Common and Velvet Scoter. Winter thrushes should be arriving in good numbers and there is a good chance of rarities such as Waxwing, Snow Bunting and Twite.

The Northumberland Wildlife Trust has a number of reserves in the area such as Druridge Pools, Cresswell Pond and Hauxley. The latter is home to a colony of Tree Sparrow and Willow Tit can regularly be seen on the feeders. The lakes and pools in the area should hold increasing numbers of wildfowl such as Teal, Wigeon and Goldeneye.

We head south to RSPB Saltholme and, if weather and tide allows, north to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, where wintering geese should include flocks of Brent, Barnacle and Pink-footed.

A visit to Kielder Forest and Kielder Water in winter can be good for forest and wetland birds, with Whooper Swan and Crossbill possible and maybe even a Red Squirrel. Our return takes us along the Military Road running parallel to Hadrian’s Wall where we may have time to walk a section.

We also explore the coastline just to the north of Newcastle, visiting St Mary’s Island where we cross the causeway at low tide. At this time of year the Grey Seals will be having their pups and we should get good views of the colony here. Waders are present here in good numbers with Turnstone, Ringed Plover and Sanderling highly likely plus a large wintering flock of Golden Plover. The scenery alone in Northumberland is spectacular, but pair this with the fabulous bird life available here and this promises to be a special break. Number of centres: 1 Facebook: heatherleabirdwatching

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EXPLORE OVERSEAS For over two decades Heatherlea has applied the same formula that makes our Scottish holidays so popular to our overseas departures creating wonderful experiences in more and more exotic destinations!

All itineraries are planned carefully around the best wildlife opportunities, and our relaxed, informal holidays are great fun.

Whether we are searching for Bee-eaters in Spain, Ibisbill in The Himalayas, Antbirds in South America, Polar Bears in the Arctic or Cheetah in Africa, every holiday is carefully planned to give you a memorable wildlife adventure, in comfort, and with excellent support.

Our overseas holidays are created with care to offer great birding and wildlife, led by capable guides who really look after you. Most holidays include at least an element of local guiding, and we always seek to add the personal touches that make all the difference, with many trips led by one of our regular Heatherlea guides travelling from the UK. With more than seven guests on a trip, there will usually be two guides! Every holiday offers rewarding and exciting days in the field, and good quality accommodation and meals, with a real flavour of the country we are visiting.

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Our less-intensive approach to holidays is ideal for those who want to relax whilst enjoying excellent wildlife watching, and wherever possible we organise early or late activities on an optional basis – definitely not remaining on-the-go from dawn to dusk! We take sensible breaks when in very hot places and regular comfort stops on every holiday. It is important to us that everyone in the party sees the bird or animal, and we often seek to get better views for all rather than chase the next ‘tick’.

On ‘long-haul’ holidays, it is particularly important to choose an operator with good back-up services. With Heatherlea, hotels, meals and activities are usually booked directly in the destination country, helping to guarantee smooth running, and we employ hand-picked and very experienced local ground agents that will enhance your holiday, particularly when we need to find difficult-to-see wildlife.

We have developed a fantastic network of partners throughout the world, with the emphasis firmly on personal attention. To further enhance the experience, we often include extras which others might invite you to pay yourself - departure taxes, tourist taxes, tips to hotels, a night walk, or a boat safari through prime habitat. The cost of these things can be significant, so if comparing similar itineraries, take them into account!

tel: 01479 821248

email: info@heatherlea.co.uk

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WHY CHOOSE HEATHERLEA OVERSEAS?

HEATHERLEA GIVES YOU MORE!

The most important part of any wildlife holiday is the guest experience.

Heatherlea invest in many things to help you get the best:

4 If you would like more information on a certain holiday before you book, you can download a copy of the ‘Trip Report’ which includes a copy of the bird list and species seen on the previous year’s departure.

Trip Reports can be downloaded from our website – just visit the appropriate holiday page at www.heatherlea.co.uk and help yourself, or ring us on 01479 821248 or email info@heatherlea.co.uk to request a copy. More information on each holiday and full booking details are on our website.

4 We have been organising birding and wildlife holidays for 35 seasons and have a highly experienced and capable office team. Heatherlea is your complete wildlife holiday provider, and our team can organise all your pre-flight and other travel needs, so you book the right services, at the best price. See next page for details!

4 Many holidays include content which might not seem important before you book but will make a difference when you arrive – examples include an opportunity to enjoy taverna meals in Greece, internal flights in Peru, Mexico, India and Nepal, and many more.

4 A copy of the ‘Tour Information Pack’ will be issued when you book, including information to help prepare for your holiday. Sections headed ‘Flights’, ‘Entry Requirements’, ‘Field Clothing’ and ‘Walking’ will help you to plan – you will be very well informed!

4 A ‘feel’ of the country we are visiting is an important part of our holidays. This may mean wine-tasting in Chile, traditional lunches in Asia, tasting the fresh products in a cacao plantation in Trinidad, or tea at a Saharan community in Morocco. We don’t lose birding time, just offer a little extra so you can enjoy a rounded holiday experience.

4 A ‘Final Information Pack’ will be issued prior to travel, containing flight tickets, Guide contact details, airport hotels, accommodation in the destination country including relevant websites, plus health and other useful information you might need whilst abroad.

4 Often our holidays include things which others might invite you to pay yourself, for instance Departure Taxes and tips to hotels. Please check when comparing!

4 All elements of our holidays are sold under our own licence, ATOL 6113. Heatherlea also hold full Tour Operator Insurance for your added protection. Book holiday extensions through us, and your ATOL protection is extended even further.

4 Heatherlea overseas holidays have a maximum of 12 clients per trip, putting the emphasis on personal service, and helping you get the best possible experience.

4 Low initial deposit secures your holiday for most destinations if booking over 12 months in advance.

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OVERSEAS

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THE HEATHERLEA PRE-FLIGHT SERVICE ENJOY A PRE-FLIGHT AIRPORT HOTEL and LOUNGE!

QUALITY ASSURANCE

Virtually all Heatherlea overseas holidays which include flights also include an overnight airport hotel and lounge before you fly, organised

by Heatherlea as part of our pre-flight service. We will contact you as your holiday approaches to confirm details and any other services you might require. To benefit, book with Heatherlea!

All elements of our package holidays are sold under licence (ATOL 6113). We have a highly experienced and capable team, and our specialist knowledge will help you get exactly the right services, at the best available price. We offer all your airport needs with just one call, so to save time and money choose Heatherlea, your complete wildlife holiday provider.

Don’t forget, when comparing Heatherlea with others.

4 Pre-flight airport hotel INCLUDED Heatherlea selects your airport hotel from our approved shortlist. All offer good en-suite accommodation, evening meals and readily 4 Pre-flight airport lounge entry INCLUDED available car parking and transfers to the terminal should you require it. 4 Car parking, upgrades, in-flight special diets ORGANISED AT COST PRICE 4 Departure tax (several long-haul destinations) INCLUDED PRE-FLIGHT AIRPORT LOUNGE 4 Birding Field Guide (destinations not covered by Collins) INCLUDED We want your holiday to start early - unwind before you fly! A busy airport terminal is hardly the ideal place to relax, and by the time 4 Max 6 clients per guide on most holidays. you've bought food, drinks, newspapers and a magazine to pass the The list goes on! time, it can prove expensive too. Why not choose the comfort of an HOLIDAY PLANNING WITH HEATHERLEA airport lounge, where you can relax for up to three hours before your flight? We adjust your final invoice downwards if you don’t require the We know our clients like to plan their holidays ahead but have concerns about committing to tours financially so far in advance. With Heatherlea you can note pre-flight hotel, or if an airport lounge is unavailable.

Most of our lounges offer ample free drinks and snacks, magazines and your interest and reserve tours over 12 months away without obligation. Just newspapers, WiFi, TV and comfortable seating amid quiet surroundings, email or phone us with the departure you are interested in, and we will in a secluded getaway from the crowded terminal. If travelling on your provisionally reserve your place(s). We will keep in touch, so you are fully up to date with any new developments relating to your chosen tours. No payment is flight, your Heatherlea guide will be there for an optional chat after required until one year before each tour, giving great flexibility. everyone has checked-in, and you can get to know your fellow

PRE-FLIGHT HOTEL

travellers or just sink into an armchair – the choice and comfort are yours. We will confirm arrangements and include any necessary admission tickets in your ‘Final Information Pack’. If you've never used an airport lounge before, you don't know what you're missing – just don’t get too comfortable and forget to catch your flight!

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With Heatherlea, the Field Guide is free!

Our unique Pre-flight Service offers you more, and for long haul departures in this brochure, the leading bird book relevant to the holiday is included in your holiday price. We include one copy with each room booked. With some titles costing around £50, this is another benefit from Heatherlea which saves you money.

tel: 01479 821248

email: info@heatherlea.co.uk

web: www.heatherlea.co.uk

From ABERDEEN to the ARCTIC A unique combination of Polar Bear, Whales, Pack Ice and British Birding!

NORTH SPITSBERGEN – in the REALM of THE POLAR BEAR! Early spring wildlife in the arctic realm.

27 May – 5 June 2026 23 May – 1 June 2027 Prices from £4145pp (based on sharing a twin cabin) Leader: (2026) Andy Jones plus leaders from Oceanwide Expeditions

5 June – 12 June 2026 1 June – 8 June 2027 Prices from £5495pp (based on sharing a twin cabin) Leader: (2026) Andy Jones plus leaders from Oceanwide Expeditions

An unforgettable adventure visiting some of the most remote and inaccessible northern locations of the North Atlantic. Amidst awe-inspiring scenic landscapes, we enjoy multiple 'bucket-list' wildlife experiences, combining spring migrants on Fair Isle with cetaceans and seabirds of the north Atlantic Ocean and the thrill of Polar Bears, Walrus and Arctic birding on Svalbard. Our journey begins in Aberdeen, where we embark the MV Ortelius for our voyage to the far north! Various cabin types are available, suitable for all budgets plus there is the option to extend your tour with an extra day and night on Svalbard for land-based wildlife watching. An Arctic adventure for lovers of all wildlife, this is a truly unique and rewarding holiday! This tour can be combined with our North Spitsbergen voyage.

This voyage focuses on the pack ice of north Spitsbergen and should allow many opportunities to spot whales, polar bears, seabirds, walruses, and other such wildlife. At the end of a long Arctic winter, spring is starting to awaken.

The climate, however, still clings to the cold: ice-covered mountains, snowswept shores, temperatures around –4° C (25°F). It’s a good time to experience the last of the winter scenery, and with a little luck, also see Polar Bear, Walrus and seals into the bargain. Birding is fascinating, with cliffnesting birds arriving daily, and many birds seen in the coastal areas, on the water and on the wing. Join this cruise as an independent tour or combine with our Aberdeen to Arctic voyage for an adventure of a lifetime!

NEW! AZERBAIJAN

ARMENIA Relaxed Eastern European birding in a quiet, un-spoilt environment.

Superb Western Palearctic birding in a spectacular setting!

2 May – 13 May 2026 1 May – 12 May 2027 Prices from: £3495pp Single Supplement: £295

12 June – 23 June 2026 Prices from: £4995pp Single Supplement: £290 Leader: One from the Heatherlea team, joined by experienced local guides.

Max. 12 clients.

Leader: Jozef Leestmans plus experienced local guide.

Max. 12 clients.

Over 350 birds have been recorded in historical, picturesque Armenia, 200 of which are breeding, and on this holiday, we target a number of far Eastern European specialities. Among those we aim to see are White-headed Duck, Caucasian Black Grouse, Caspian Snowcock, Eastern Imperial Eagle, Lammergeier, Levant Sparrowhawk, Armenian Gull, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, Radde’s and Alpine Accentor, White-throated Robin, Finsch’s and Red-tailed Wheatear, Semi-collared Flycatcher, Western and Eastern Rock Nuthatch, Caucasian Mountain Chiffchaff, Green Warbler, White-winged Snowfinch, Crimson-winged Finch, Grey-necked Bunting and many more. A comprehensive tour of key habitats and locations with around 180 species likely, ranging from Armenian specialities to northbound migrants – a fantastic tour full of variety!

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On this exciting new tour, we spend time in the beautiful Shirvan and Gizilagaj National Parks, the mighty Caucasus mountains, and the Nakhchivan enclave - a true hidden gem nestled between Turkey and Armenia. Range restricted Caspian Tit is a key target, and there are good chances of Caucasian endemics and specialities like Great Rosefinch, Whitewinged Redstart, Caucasian Snowcock and Caucasian Grouse, the latter even possible from one of our hotels! We enjoy great birding throughout, with Lammergeier and Shikra amongst many possible raptors, alongside Bluecheeked Bee-eater, White-throated Robin, Red-tailed and Finsch’s Wheatear, Crimson-winged, Trumpeter, Desert and Mongolian Finch, Grey-necked Bunting. Range restricted mammals are also possible, including Eastern Tur, Goitered Gazelle and Eurasian Wolf.

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BULGARIA in AUTUMN

BULGARIA & NORTHERN GREECE

Brilliant birding along the Via Pontica - spectacular migration on the Black Sea coast!

Great spring birding from the Bulgarian Mountains to Lake Kerkini in Greece.

12 September – 19 September 2026 4 September – 11 September 2027 Prices from: £2495pp Single supplement: £190

9 May – 18 May 2026 8 May – 17 May 2027 Prices from: £2695pp Single Supplement: £245

Leader: One from the Heatherlea team plus experienced local guides.

Max. 12 clients.

Leader: (2026) Mark Warren plus experienced local guide. Max. 12 clients.

An exciting holiday for the spectacular annual migration of thousands of raptors, pelicans, storks and passerines along the Black Sea flyway, known as the Via Pontica. Habitat variety makes Bulgaria one of Europe’s richest birding countries, a high bird-list likely as we explore the hills, forests, interior wetlands and the famous Black Sea coast. Raptor migration can be especially impressive with large numbers of Honey Buzzard, Short-toed, Booted and Lesser Spotted Eagle, Black Kite, Montagu’s Harrier, Red-footed Falcon and Levant Sparrowhawk on the move. Dalmatian and White Pelican are likely, as are passage waders and during ‘falls’ the bushes and farmland can be full of warblers, chats, shrikes, larks, pipits, wagtails, buntings and more! A fabulous holiday for beginners and experts alike.

A fabulous ten-day birding tour combining the highest mountains of Southwestern Bulgaria and the famous wetlands of Northern Greece.

Between 180 - 200 species are possible, from scarce residents, passage migrants and hard-to-see eastern species. Our birding routine varies daily, as we aim to see most European woodpecker species, plus Hazel Grouse, Pygmy Owl, Spotted Nutcracker, Alpine Chough and Wallcreeper in the mountains. Northern Greece is famous for its coastal lagoons and big lakes, hosting large numbers of Dalmatian and White Pelican, Pygmy Cormorant, Greater Flamingo and others. The strong Mediterranean influence benefits species such as Great Spotted Cuckoo, Olive-tree and Eastern Orphean Warbler, Masked Shrike, Western Rock Nuthatch and plenty more.

CROATIA

CYPRUS

A unique spring birding tour in the Balkans.

Exciting Mediterranean birding for Cypriot endemics and migrants.

4 April – 11 April 2026 Prices from: £3295pp Single Supplement: £230

18 March – 25 March 2026 25 March – 1 April 2026 24 March – 31 March 2027 Prices from: £2195pp Single Supplement: £180

Leader: Gerard Gorman Max. 7 clients.

Leader: (2026) Chris Rodger. Max. 7 clients.

This relaxed tour, featuring a highly original itinerary, visits three scenic protected areas, a rarely birded offshore island and the country's largest natural freshwater wetland. Key birds include Pygmy Cormorant, Ferruginous Duck, Rock Partridge, Sombre Tit, Western Rock Nuthatch, Alpine Chough, Scops Owl as well as a host of herons, egrets, waders, terns, raptors, woodpeckers and passerines. While great birding is the priority, the Balkans also support a wide variety of reptiles, spectacular butterflies (some of them endemic) and dragonflies. Attractive scenery and a wealth of botanical interest including rare orchids, ensure there is something for everyone in under-watched, yet stunningly beautiful Croatia.

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A fabulous birding destination, and this tour offers a great blend of soughtafter residents (including endemics) with spring migration. Over 360 species have been recorded in Cyprus, and staying in just one centre, we are well positioned to be flexible and visit hotspots on the west and south coast as well as the Troodos Mountain interior. Cyprus Scops Owl, Cyprus Wheatear and Cyrus Warbler are our endemic targets, and other sought-after birds include Black Francolin, Pallid Harrier, Eastern Bonelli’s, Eastern Olivaceous, and Rüppell’s Warbler, Semi-collared Flycatcher, Cretzschmar’s Bunting and Masked Shrike. Scarcities can often be recorded too, with Demoiselle Crane, Finsch’s and Hooded Wheatear in recent springs, while rarities such as Diederik Cuckoo was a real highlight for our 2023 group!

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email: info@heatherlea.co.uk

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CZECH REPUBLIC – SOUTH MORAVIA

NEW! ESTONIA in EARLY SPRING

A special Wallcreeper and Woodpecker short break!

Seabirds including Steller’s Eider and key woodland species.

25 February – 28 February 2027 Prices from: £1695pp Single Supplement: £160

20 March – 25 March 2027 Prices from: £1895pp Single Supplement: £140

Leader: Gerard Gorman Max. 7 clients.

Leader: Uku Paal Max. 7 clients.

An exciting short holiday to an underexplored region of Central Europe, ideal for busy birders who want to see some key European birds as winter turns to spring. Blessed with remarkably diverse habitats, all offer great birding potential, and all can be accessed in a short drive from our base.

Wallcreeper is a key target, a special bird which may be found at lower elevations in late winter. We have good chances to see woodpeckers with Black, Grey-headed, Middle Spotted and Syrian the priority of the seven species present. A variety of raptors, wildfowl and passerines are also likely, while a dusk encounter with Eagle Owl and a spectacular Long-eared Owl roost add to the excitement on this wonderful short break!

A brand new two-centre short holiday focusing on sea duck on the Baltic coast, and key species on the mainland. We visit Saaremaa Island - the largest of the Estonian islands, and one of the most reliable places in Europe to see Steller's Eider. Other sea-duck, plus divers, grebes, auks, waders and gulls are likely as we explore the coast, while on mainland Estonia, we look for Capercaillie and Hazel Grouse. A good time of year for woodpeckers, Ural and Pygmy Owl are possible and in open areas, skeins of Tundra Bean and Taiga Bean Geese, plus Common Crane, Rough-legged Buzzard, Whitetailed Eagle and a selection of passerines are all likely.

ESTONIA IN SPRING

ESTONIA in AUTUMN

A Baltic Birding Bonanza, superb Eastern breeding birds and thousands of Northbound migrants!

Migration in an Eastern European hotspot!

10 May – 17 May 2026 8 May – 15 May 2027 Prices from: £2295pp Single Supplement: £195

19 September – 26 September 2026 Prices from: £2295pp Single Supplement: £195 Leader: Uku Paal Max. 7 clients.

Leader: Uku Paal.

Max. 7 clients.

More than 200 species breed in Estonia, which together with a heavy passage make the country one of Europe’s best spring birding destinations.

The smallest and least populated of the Baltic states, roughly 10% of Estonia is legally protected for conservation reasons. Typified by coastal, wetland and forest habitats, we stay at three different locations giving us the best chances of finding specialities. Lekking Great Snipe will be a highlight and if lucky we will encounter Ural, Pygmy and Tengmalm’s Owl at dusk. Other likely birds include raptors, wildfowl, Smew, Red-necked Grebe, lekking Ruff, Capercaillie, Hazel Grouse, White-backed Woodpecker, Nutcracker, Citrine Wagtail, Thrush Nightingale, River and Icterine Warbler, Common Rosefinch and many more.

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At the end of their short summer, millions of Scandinavian birds begin their southward journeys, and Estonia is one of the best places to observe their migration. Numbers peak at the end of September and the sight of thousands of Common Crane, geese and swans will be a real highlight. We also make a special visit to the Kabli Bird Observatory, an important site for migrant passerines and forest birds. If lucky, this will coincide with when birds have arrived en masse, and the area teems with thousands of Chaffinch or Goldcrest. A stay on Saaremaa Island offers great sea-watching and we have several chances of Ural, Pygmy and Tengmalm’s Owl on night drives. A great autumn trip!

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FINLAND & NORTHERN NORWAY in WINTER

FINNISH LAPLAND & NORTHERN NORWAY

Winter specialities at Europe’s northern limit.

Scandinavian spring birding in the land of the midnight sun.

24 March – 29 March 2026 23 March – 28 March 2027 Prices from: £3095pp Single supplement: £295

15 May – 20 May 2027 Prices from: £3395pp Single supplement: £295 Leader: One from the Heatherlea team joined by experienced local guides.

Max. 12 clients

Leader: (2026) Jenna Berry joined by experienced local guides.

Max. 12 clients.

Finnish Lapland and Norway offer a unique environment for birding – incredible light, glistening air, and in late winter, a number of Arctic specialities including large rafts of King and Steller’s Eider can be easier to see here than anywhere else. As winter merges into spring, seabirds return to their clifftop breeding colonies on Hornøya Island, Brünnich’s Guillemot and Puffin both featuring. Other species we are likely to see are Hawk Owl, Gyrfalcon, White-tailed Eagle, Glaucous and Iceland Gull, Purple Sandpiper, Siberian Jay, Siberian Tit, Arctic Redpoll and Pine Grosbeak. There is also a chance of encountering the Aurora Borealis too on this lovely adventure to the far north.

FINLAND - LATE SPRING BIRDING

FINLAND – BEARS & WOLVERINES

Great birding with chances of all the northern specials!

A great opportunity to see and photograph some of Europe's rarest mammals.

13 May –19 May 2026 20 May – 26 May 2027 Prices from: £3645pp Single supplement: £300

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Life within the Arctic Circle will always be of interest to explorers and wildlife enthusiasts alike, and we divide our time between Finnish Lapland and the Varanger Peninsula, the latter situated some 400km inside the Arctic Circle. We seek speciality northern birds such as Gyrfalcon, White-billed Diver and Brünnich’s Guillemot on a boat trip to Hornøya Island, plus Siberian Jay, Siberian Tit, Pine Grosbeak and any available owls. Other key birds of the wildlife-rich Varanger Fjord region may include Long-tailed Skua, Golden Eagle, Rough-legged Buzzard, Horned Lark, Rock Ptarmigan and Dotterel. Breath-taking birding in a magical northern landscape where the sun barely sets!

26 May – 31 May 2027 Prices from: £3395pp Single supplement: £240

Leader: (2026) Andy Jones, joined by experienced local guides.

Max. 12 clients.

Leader: Experienced local guides Max. 12 clients.

An exciting and rewarding holiday targeting all the key bird species of Finland. With so much on offer there will be lots of highlights, none more so than the owls, with Great Grey, Ural, Hawk, Eurasian Eagle, Tengmalm’s, Longeared, Short-eared and Pygmy all possible. We also enjoy Ruff at their lek, raptors including Pallid Harrier and night singers including Thrush Nightingale and Blyth’s Reed Warbler. Northern forest specialities such as Hazel and Willow Grouse, Three-toed Woodpecker, Siberian Jay, Siberian Tit and Pine Grosbeak are likely, though the real draw is the list of eastern and northern species including Red-flanked Bluetail, Little and Rustic Bunting.

The Brown Bear is the largest predator in Europe, with males reaching up to 300 kilos in weight. The Wolverine is a solitary and rare animal, in Europe they are found only in northern Finland (where there are 270 - 300 animals), Sweden, Norway and Russia. This unique holiday offers an unforgettable opportunity to see both. Spending four nights in specially designed overnight hides provides unparalleled photographic opportunities. Entering in the late-afternoon and emerging the next morning we have excellent chances, while Wolf and Lynx have also been seen and daytime birds may include Capercaillie, Black-throated Diver, Siberian Jay, Hazel Grouse, Waxwing and others.

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tel: 01479 821248

email: info@heatherlea.co.uk

web: www.heatherlea.co.uk

NEW! FRANCE – SPRING in THE PYRÉNÉES ORIENTALES

FRANCE - CAMARGUE Wonderful early spring birding in the south of France.

Wonderful early spring birding in the south of France.

7 March – 14 March 2026 14 March – 21 March 2026 6 March – 13 March 2027 Prices from: £2295pp Single Supplement: £195

1 May – 8 May 2027 Prices from: £2295pp Single Supplement: £295 Leader: James Champion Max. 7 clients

Leader: (2026) James Champion. Max. 7 clients Camargue is a great destination at this time of year, combining winter specialities with the forerunners of spring migration. Wallcreeper is one of our top targets, and we visit known hotspots to search for this unique and beautiful bird. In similar terrain, we look for Alpine Accentor, Blue Rock Thrush, Eagle Owl, Citril Finch, Black Woodpecker and Bonelli’s Eagle. Out on the plains, Little Bustard and Pin-tailed Sandgrouse gather in winter flocks, while on the extensive marshes Greater Flamingo may be seen. Other birds might include Black-necked Grebe, Slender-billed Gull, Crag Martin, Southern Grey Shrike, Penduline Tit, Cirl and Rock Bunting - a tremendous start to your overseas birding year!

There is great biodiversity where the Pyrenees meet the Mediterranean, including many summer migrants heading north, as well as a wide variety of butterflies including Festoons and the spectacular Two-tailed Pasha. The flora of this attractive area is also impressive, especially the numerous species of orchids and other Mediterranean specialties. This holiday will cover both the high mountains, with their own unique birds, including eagles, vultures and other raptors, woodpeckers and high-altitude species, and southern European birds such as Greater Flamingo in their hundreds, Purple Swamphen, Penduline Tit and Bee-eater. The birds, butterflies and wildflowers in the scrubland and marshes around the coastal lagoons, coupled with the spectacular scenery of the high Pyrenees will thrill us during this varied and exciting holiday.

GEORGIA

GREECE – LESVOS

Eastern European breeding birds and migrants.

Eastern Mediterranean specialities and migrants.

19 April – 28 April 2027 Prices from: £3595pp Single supplement: £195

19 April – 26 April 2026 25 April – 2 May 2027 Prices from: £2195pp Single Supplement: £180

Leader: Jozef Leestmans joined by experienced local guides Max. 12 clients.

Leaders: (2026) Holly Page & Aidan Branch Max. 12 clients.

Lying on the Eastern Black Sea coast, between Turkey and Russia, Georgia is full of spectacular scenery and one of the fastest growing birding destinations in Europe. Birding along the Southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, avian highlights include endemic Caucasian Snowcock, near-endemic Caucasian Black Grouse, Eastern Imperial Eagle, Wallcreeper, Alpine Accentor, Mountain Chiffchaff, Güldenstädt’s Redstart, Red-fronted Serin and Great Rosefinch. At lower altitudes amidst the forests and wetlands we aim to see are Dalmatian Pelican, Pygmy Cormorant, Little Crake, Black Francolin, Krüper’s Nuthatch, Green Warbler, Semi-collared Flycatcher and many more as we explore this country of exceptional beauty.

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Lesvos is a classic destination, one of the 'must do' places for birders with an interest in spring migration. Around 150 species can be expected on this popular tour, including many of the most sought-after birds of Europe. As well as a wide variety of migrant herons, storks, waders, raptors, terns and passerines, we look for local specialities including Krüper’s Nuthatch, Middle Spotted Woodpecker, Sombre Tit and Cinereous Bunting. In the right conditions the turnover of birds changes daily, and rarities and impressive falls can often occur! Imagine seven Golden Oriole in one tree, or Long-legged Buzzard overhead - anything can happen with Spur-winged Plover, Eleonora’s Falcon, Olive-tree Warbler and Rufous – tailed Scrub Robin among the birds we may encounter.

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GREECE - SKYROS

HUNGARY in SPRING

Relaxed Spring birding on an unspoilt Greek Island in the heart of the Aegean Sea.

Fabulous spring birding in Hungary, from the Zemplen Hills to the Hortobágy National Park.

24 April – 1 May 2027 Price: £2595pp Single Supplement: £195

7 May – 14 May 2027 Prices from: £2395pp Single supplement: £245

Leader: One from the Heatherlea Team.

Max. 7 clients.

Leader: Gerard Gorman Max. 12 clients.

A favourite destination for Heatherlea, unspoilt by tourism and ideal for birders wanting to enjoy spring migration without the crowds. The island is smaller than Lesvos and the birds more concentrated, meaning that the pace here is distinctly relaxed with long lunches taken in the field or at a local taverna! Laying claim to the largest colony of Eleonora's Falcon in the world, our private boat charter under the cliffs to watch these aerial masters will be an unforgettable highlight! We should also see Yelkouan and Scopoli's Shearwater and Audouin’s Gull, while on land, Cretzschmar’s Bunting and Eastern Subalpine Warbler are both targets and raptors may include Montagu's and Pallid Harrier, Long-legged Buzzard, Bonelli’s Eagle, Levant Sparrowhawk and Lesser Kestrel.

On this wonderful itinerary, we visit three very different areas: the forests of the northern Zemplen hills, lowland grasslands of the Kiskunsag NP, and the lowland wetlands of the Hortobágy NP. Our Hungary in spring tour offers fabulous birding, featuring rare owls and woodpeckers sometimes at the nest, breeding wetland birds including marsh terns, waders and herons, speciality passerines with warblers, Bluethroat and reedbed specialists, key European targets such as Great Bustard, Lesser Spotted and Eastern Imperial Eagle, and passage migrants at a time of year when anything can turn up. A hectic and varied birding experience, particularly at lower elevations!

WINTER ICELAND – ORCAS, EAGLES & AURORAS

HUNGARY in WINTER SHORT BREAK A four-day break timed to see key residents and winter migrants.

A short break featuring marine mammals, geology and the Aurora Borealis!

22 November – 25 November 2026 Prices from: £1695pp Single supplement: £150

26 February – 1 March 2026 25 February – 28 February 2027 Prices from: £2295pp Single Supplement: £180

Leader: Gerard Gorman Max. 12 clients.

Leader: Andy Jones.

Max. 12 clients.

An early-winter tour taking us to the quaint historic town of Tata, at the heart of an internationally important passage and wintering area for wildfowl. Tour highlights will be thousands of Russian White-fronted Goose, plus ‘Eastern’ Greylag, Tundra and Taiga Bean Goose and maybe rarer Red-breasted and Lesser White-fronted Goose too. With very few leaves on the trees, this is also a great tour to try and see woodpeckers and Black, Grey-headed, Green, Middle Spotted, Lesser Spotted, Great Spotted and Syrian Woodpecker are all likely. Other birds should include Eastern Imperial Eagle, Rough-legged Buzzard, Pygmy Cormorant, Great Grey Shrike, Penduline Tit plus Long-eared Owl at a roost site. A lovely short birding holiday to suit most Heatherlea birders!

64 EUROPE

Based in Southern Iceland, this is a fabulous long, winter weekend to the land of fire and ice. In a relaxed setting amidst beautiful volcanic and snowy surroundings, we look for Gyrfalcon, Harlequin Duck, Barrow’s Goldeneye, White-tailed Eagle, Ptarmigan, Glaucous and Iceland Gull with a chance of Brünnich’s Guillemot, Little Auk and more. With a boat trip planned, we have good chance of an Orca sighting, plus we hope to see the incredible Aurora Borealis, or northern lights - an experience never to be forgotten! Glaciers, geysers, volcanoes, lava fields and dramatic waterfalls all add to the experience on this awe-inspiring birding and geological adventure!

tel: 01479 821248

email: info@heatherlea.co.uk

web: www.heatherlea.co.uk

NEW! SOUTH-EAST ICELAND – BIRDING, VOLCANOES & GLACIERS

ICELAND in SUMMER Birds, cetaceans and geology – ‘Complete Iceland’!

A gentle tour of geology and birdlife in SE Iceland.

22 May – 29 May 2027 Prices from: £3995pp Single Supplement: £525

29 June – 6 July 2026 28 June – 5 July 2027 Prices from: £4495pp Single Supplement: £725

Leader: Andy Jones Max. 7 clients.

Leader: Andy Jones Max. 12 clients.

A wonderful new holiday exploring the Southern and South-Eastern parts of Iceland, including a visit to the fabulous Westman Islands. Birding includes the world’s largest Puffin colony and Icelandic specialities, such as Harlequin Duck, Barrow’s Goldeneye, Gyrfalcon, Ptarmigan, Red-necked Phalarope as well as divers, waders, wildfowl, gulls and a few passerines. Around 60 bird species are expected, and our RIB boat trip takes us close to some of the largest seabird cities in the world! We also watch for whales and dolphins and take in a range of cultural delights from geysers, waterfalls, volcanoes and glaciers on this relaxing holiday.

Exploring dramatic landscapes, we seek Harlequin Duck, Barrow’s Goldeneye, Gyrfalcon, White-tailed Eagle, Great Northern and Red-throated Diver, Ptarmigan, Red-necked Phalarope, Whimbrel, Brünnich’s Guillemot, Snow Bunting and more, including rarities. We also visit the famous geysers at Geysir, take in other cultural highlights and with three whale-watching boat trips planned, this is an excellent tour for cetaceans. Likely are Harbour Porpoise, White-beaked Dolphin, Orca, Humpback and Minke Whale, while there are even chances of mighty Blue, Sperm, Fin and Sei Whale, and Bottlenose and White-sided Dolphin with so many marine mammals congregating in the food-rich waters of the North Atlantic. Summer really is a great time to experience the wildlife in the ‘Land of Fire and Ice’!

NEW! THE NETHERLANDS in WINTER

WHALES & WILDLIFE in NORTHERN NORWAY

Wildlife and culture, from the Rhine Delta in the south to the Oostvaardersplassen in the north.

Cetacean & bird watching in the Norwegian Fjords.

20 February – 27 February 2027 Price from: £2395pp Single Supplement: £195

13 November – 19 November 2026 12 November – 18 November 2027 Price from: £3895pp Single Supplement: £425

Leader: James Champion Max. 7 clients.

Leader: One from the Heatherlea team.

Max. 7 clients.

An extraordinary number of geese overwinter in the Low Countries - one of Europe’s great wildlife spectacles. Greylag, Taiga and Tundra Bean can be found among vast swathes of Barnacle and Greater White-fronted, as well as annual Lesser White-fronted, and maybe even Red-breasted, Snow or even Ross’s Goose! Amongst the polders, dunes and heathlands, we will also look for Shore Lark, other wildfowl (maybe some rarities too), harriers and Whitetailed Eagle cruise the skies, and divers, Red-necked, Black-necked and Slavonian Grebe linger offshore. There is also some culture - we stop off at the famous windmills at Kinderdijk, the birthplace of Vincent Van Gogh, and visit museums exhibiting his work, including at the Kröller-Müller – a gallery situated in the heart of the Hoge Veluwe National Park!

On the edge of the Arctic Circle, the Norwegian Fjords are both dramatic in their landscapes and the winter wildlife attracted to the area! A unique tour for Heatherlea, we enjoy a series of boat trips with excellent chances to see (and indeed photograph) Humpback, Fin and perhaps Sperm Whale too.

Birdlife out on the water includes Long-tailed Duck, Eider, Little Auk and Glaucous Gull with Eurasian Otter likely around the harbours too. Landbased wildlife is likely to include Golden and White-tailed Eagle with chances of Northern Hawk Owl, Waxwing, Three-toed Woodpecker, Crested and Willow Tit plus European Elk around the snowy forests. There’s also the Aurora Borealis to look for when the light fades!

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POLAND

NEW! POLAND in AUTUMN – BIRDS & MAMMALS

Birds of the Białowieza Forest and the Biebrza Marshes.

European Bison, Beaver & Wolf plus up to 9 species of woodpecker!

18 May – 25 May 2026 15 May – 22 May 2027 Prices from: £2895pp Single Supplement: £260

3 October – 9 October 2026 3 October – 9 October 2027 Prices from: £2795pp Single Supplement: £215

Leader: Gerard Gorman Max. 12 clients.

Leader: Gerard Gorman Max. 12 clients.

A brilliant destination for keen birdwatchers, our Polish itinerary has been carefully planned to make the most of two fantastic regions in the largely rural unspoilt north-east of the country. Across a range of habitats, key species include Aquatic Warbler, Three-toed, White-backed and Greyheaded Woodpecker, Hazel Grouse, Greater and Lesser Spotted Eagle, Whiskered and White-winged Tern, Citrine Wagtail, Red-breasted and Collared Flycatcher, Nutcracker and River, Savi’s, Barred, Icterine and Marsh Warbler. Pygmy and Tengmalm's Owl may also be seen at dusk, while special excursions to watch Great Snipe, Ruff and Black Grouse at the lek will be memorable. We might also encounter forest dwelling European Bison, Elk and Beaver in this enviable feast of wildlife!

This new tour to the forests and wetlands of eastern Poland features a rich variety of resident and migrating birds and iconic mammals. Indeed, few European destinations can rival this region when it comes to large mammals with European Bison in its stronghold, Beaver and Elk not uncommon and Wolf also doing well here. Our tour takes place in early October, a time when flocks of cranes, geese and waders are passing through in good numbers and resident birds such as Pygmy Owl, Nutcracker, Hazel Grouse and nine species of woodpecker, including the much sought after Whitebacked and Three-toed, often show well. With our highly experienced leader and knowledgeable local guides and trackers a rewarding holiday with wonderful wildlife watching awaits.

PORTUGAL in SPRING

PORTUGAL - AZORES

Iberian specialities and superb spring migration in Portugal

A lovely blend of birds, whales, plants and geology amidst incredible coastal scenery.

4 April – 11 April 2026 10 April – 17 April 2027 Prices from: £2495pp Single Supplement: £275

1 September – 8 September 2026 1 September – 8 September 2027 Prices from: £3395pp Single Supplement: £535

Leaders: (2026) Aidan Branch & James Champion Max. 12 clients.

Leaders: Andy Jones and Alex Rhodes. Max. 12 clients.

A mild climate and warm surrounding seas with steep Atlantic shelves between the islands make the Azores one of the best places in the world for whale and dolphin watching. We stay on three islands – Sao Miguel, Pico and Faial with two sea trips planned to watch cetaceans. We hope to see Sperm and Fin Whale, ‘beaked’ Whales as well as several species of dolphin.

Likely seabirds include Bulwer’s Petrel and Cory’s Shearwater, while other marine life can include flying fish, turtles and sharks. On dry land, endemic Azores Bullfinch together with island races of Buzzard, Chaffinch and Goldcrest are key targets, and with over 60 endemic plants, this is the ideal holiday for the all-round naturalist.

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With a warm climate, superb scenery and an impressive diversity of breeding birds, Portugal is a wonderful birding destination. We divide our time between the Algarve, including the Rio Formosa, and the ‘Steppe’ of the Alentejo region. An impressive array of raptors may be seen, with Bonelli’s, Booted, Short-toed, Spanish Imperial and Golden Eagle, Griffon and Black Vulture, Black-winged Kite, Montagu’s Harrier and Lesser Kestrel all possible.

Lesser known than neighbouring Spain, Portugal is arguably as good, if not better, a place, to watch Great Bustard displaying. Other Iberian birds include Audouin’s and Slender-billed Gull, Little Bustard, Collared Pratincole, Great Spotted Cuckoo, Roller, Iberian Green Woodpecker, Calandra, Thekla and Mediterranean Short-toed Lark, Western Black-eared Wheatear, Iberian Grey Shrike and Iberian Magpie.

tel: 01479 821248

email: info@heatherlea.co.uk

web: www.heatherlea.co.uk

ROMANIA & THE DANUBE DELTA Birding Romania by land and by 'floating hotel'!

SPAIN - ANDALUCIA for AUTUMN MIGRATION & IBERIAN SPECIALITIES

3 June – 10 June 2027 Prices from: £3195pp Single Supplement: £425

Raptors, storks and passerines on migration, plus key resident birds inland and on the coast.

Leader: One from the Heatherlea Team.

Max. 12 clients.

19 September – 26 September 2026 18 September – 25 September 2027 Prices from: £2395pp Single Supplement: £325 Leaders: (2026) Steve West & John Muddeman. Max. 12 clients.

The Danube Delta is the second biggest riverine delta in Europe. Home to large numbers of migrant and resident waterbirds, it is a great place for birding. With four nights on board our exclusive ’floating hotel’ house-boat and three nights on land, we enjoy the Danube’s special birds from different perspectives. Amongst our targets are Dalmatian Pelican, Pygmy Cormorant, Little Crake, every European species of heron, Levant Sparrowhawk, Longlegged Buzzard, Collared Pratincole, terns, eight species of woodpecker, plus Roller, Bee-eater, Isabelline and Pied Wheatear, Paddyfield Warbler, Penduline Tit, Rose-coloured Starling and many more. We also enjoy a flavour of the real Romania - friendly, relaxed and stunningly beautiful.

SPAIN for BIRDS AND BUTTERFLIES Relaxed days in Catalonia and south-east Aragon enjoying birds and butterflies.

More raptors migrate across the Straits of Gibraltar than at any other European site, thousands funnelling through the area on any given day in September. Watching from viewpoints on the Spanish side, Honey Buzzard, Black Kite, Egyptian and Griffon Vulture, Short-toed, Bonelli’s and Booted Eagle, Montagu’s Harrier and Lesser Kestrel can be numerous as can Black and White Stork, with Black Vulture and Black-winged Kite among the rarer possibilities. Local birds include Northern Bald Ibis, Marbled Teal, Whiteheaded Duck, Greater Flamingo, Audouin's and Slender-billed Gull, Lesser Crested Tern, Iberian Magpie and migrant passerines. A real feast of birds in a warm and inviting Mediterranean environment, with the excitement of a boat trip seeking Long-finned Pilot Whales, dolphins and seabirds.

NEW! SPAIN – CENTRAL PLAINS & PICOS de EUROPA Late spring tour for the birds of the mountains and plains of central Spain.

21 May – 28 May 2026 Prices from: £2395pp Single Supplement: £195

6 June – 13 June 2027 Prices from: £2395pp

Leader: Steve West.

Max. 7 clients

Leader: Steve West.

Max. 7 clients

A delightful late-spring holiday, enjoying birds and butterflies of this wildlife-rich Spanish region. Birds include some western European specialities such as Little Bustard, Black-bellied and Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, Lammergeier, Eurasian Griffon Vulture, European Eagle Owl, Iberian Grey Shrike, Alpine and Red-billed Chough, Rufous-tailed and Blue Rock Thrush, Black Wheatear, Citril Finch, and Rock Bunting. Rare and spectacular butterflies are our top targets and should include Apollo, Two-tailed Pasha, European, Spanish and Scarce Swallowtail, Cleopatra, Duke of Burgundy, Lesser Purple Emperor, Camberwell Beauty, Iberian Marbled, Mountain Small and Western Dappled White, Mountain Clouded Yellow, Knapweed, Niobe, Spotted, Glanville, Lesser Spotted and Queen of Spain Fritillary, Lefebvre’s, Pyrenees Grassy and Piedmont Ringlet, to name just a few.

This new tour visits the Sierras of Guadarrama, Gredos and Picos de Europa all with unique, jaw-dropping scenery and peaks over 2,000 metres, as well as the vast, sun-soaked cereal fields of the Central Spanish plains. Picos birds include Snowfinch, Lammergeier, Alpine Accentor, Alpine Chough, Water Pipit, Common Rock Thrush, and Wallcreeper; Guadarrama and Gredos entertain Citril Finch, Rock and Ortolan Buntings, and the azurcollis race of Bluethroat. Raptors include Black and Egyptian Vultures, eagles (including Spanish Imperial), and possible woodpeckers include Black, Middle and Lesser Spotted, Iberian Green and Wryneck. Passerines include a wealth of Mediterranean warblers and Iberian Grey Shrike, whilst the plains host Great Bustard, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Lesser Kestrel, Montagu's Harrier, Calandra Lark, Black-eared Wheatear and more.

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Single Supplement: £195

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SPAIN – BIRDING and LYNX

SPAIN - CATALONIA and SOUTH-EAST ARAGON

Endangered Iberian Lynx plus superb birding and wildlife watching in Coto Doñana and the Sierra de Andújar.

Superb spring birding from the Ebro Delta to the pre-Pyrenees.

9 January – 16 January 2027 Prices from: £2295pp Single Supplement: £295

22 April – 30 April 2026 Prices from: £2295pp Single Supplement: £325 Leaders: (2026) James Champion and expert local guide Sergi Sales.

Max. 12 clients.

Leader: John Muddeman Max. 7 clients.

The Iberian Lynx is a very special mammal and one of the most elusive wild cats in the world! On this popular tour we visit two classic Spanish destinations, giving more opportunities to see this beautiful, yet evasive cat which together with excellent birding makes for an enjoyable winter wildlife holiday. Seeking Lynx in the craggy sierras, we then head to the famous Coto Doñana wetlands. Likely birds include Marbled Teal, White and Black Stork, Red-knobbed Coot, Griffon and Black Vulture, Spanish Imperial Eagle, Iberian Magpie and Black Wheatear, while we may also see Wild Boar, Red and Fallow Deer, Mouflon and Otter as we explore.

This wonderful spring holiday in a picturesque but rarely-visited part of the Iberian Peninsula combines great birding at known hotspots with exploring under-watched locations for resident and migrant birds alike. Beginning in the Ebro Delta, waterbirds should include Audouin's and Slender-billed Gull, Gull-billed, Black and Whiskered Tern plus up to 25 species of wader! In the inland steppes we look for endangered Spanish Ibex alongside Little Bustard, Black-bellied and Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, Lammergeier and many more. Other birds of interest as we travel include Moustached Warbler, Black Wheatear, Iberian Grey Shrike, Iberian Green Woodpecker and Great Spotted Cuckoo, with an outside chance of Great Bustard, Dupont's Lark and perhaps even Wallcreeper.

SPAIN in EARLY SPRING

SPAIN - EXTREMADURA

Wallcreeper, Lammergeier, bustards, sandgrouse and much more!

Birds of prey, bustards, sandgrouse and brilliant Spanish spring birding.

7 March – 14 March 2026 14 March – 21 March 2026 6 March – 13 March 2027 Prices from: £2295pp Single Supplement: £250

18 April – 25 April 2026 17 April – 24 April 2027 Prices from: £2195pp Single Supplement: £250 Leaders: (2026) John Muddeman & Alex Rhodes Max. 12 clients.

Leader: Steve West Max. 7 clients.

This late-winter/early-spring holiday combines three famous habitats of the Iberian Peninsula teeming with speciality birds! Timing is important and at this time of year we look for altitudinal migrants in the Pyrenees, in particular Wallcreeper and Alpine Accentor, alongside resident Alpine Chough, Lammergeier and Citril Finch. In the paddyfields and wetlands of the Ebro Delta we look for a range of herons, ducks, and waders, plus Bluethroat, Moustached Warbler and passage Spotted Crake. Inland steppe and Mediterranean scrubland support Little Bustard, Egyptian Vulture, Bonelli’s Eagle, Great Spotted Cuckoo, Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, Stone Curlew, Iberian Green Woodpecker with chances of rare Dupont’s Lark on this great Spanish itinerary.

68 EUROPE

Featuring some of the best birding in Europe, many rare and endangered Iberian species alongside a host of migrants can be expected on this popular tour. Outstanding raptor watching will be a highlight, with all five Spanish eagles including endangered Spanish Imperial, and three vultures with Black, Egyptian and Griffon likely. We watch the spectacular breeding display of Great Bustard plus Little Bustard, Black-bellied and Pin-tailed Sandgrouse.

Other birds should include Purple Heron and Little Bittern, Collared Pratincole, European Eagle Owl, Bee-eater, Roller, Hoopoe, Rock Bunting, Iberian Grey Shrike, Alpine Swift, Tawny Pipit, Black-eared Wheatear, Great Spotted Cuckoo, Iberian Magpie, Spanish Sparrow and a long list of warblers.

You won’t believe how many birds there are in Extremadura!

tel: 01479 821248

email: info@heatherlea.co.uk

web: www.heatherlea.co.uk

SPAIN - MALLORCA

NEW! FUERTEVENTURA in SPRING Spring migration & Canary Island desert specialities.

Relaxed spring birding in the west Mediterranean Sea.

7 March – 14 March 2026 6 March – 13 March 2027 Price: £2395pp Single Supplement: £220

17 April – 24 April 2026 Prices from: £2295pp Single Supplement: £250 Leader: Barry Embling Max. 7 clients.

Leader: (2026) Holly Page. Max. 7 clients.

Fuerteventura is an exciting destination, where deserts dominate and every freshwater pool or lush-green ‘barranco’ is literally an oasis for migrant birds.

We seek residents including Houbara Bustard (Canaries sub-species and potential future split), Cream-coloured Courser, Barbary Partridge, Blackbellied Sandgrouse, Egyptian Vulture, Plain Swift, Trumpeter Finch and African Blue Tit (ultramarinus), the endemic Fuerteventura Chat, and Canarian endemic Berthelot's Pipit. In March, breeding activity is high among resident species, and migrants including Black-crowned Night Heron, Squacco Heron, Little Stint and Curlew Sandpiper, Slender-billed Gull, Montagu’s Harrier, Wryneck, Woodchat Shrike, Bluethroat, Western Subalpine and Western Bonelli’s Warbler may be watched alongside lingering, wintering Asian species such as Yellow-browed Warbler, Olivebacked Pipit and Little Bunting.

NEW! SLOVENIA BEARS & BIRDS

SWEDEN in AUTUMN – MIGRATION at FALSTERBO

Stunning scenery, birds and bears – a photographer’s dream!

Exciting southbound migration with raptors and more.

3 July – 8 July 2027 Prices from: £2695pp Single Supplement: £140 Leader: One from the Heatherlea team joined by experienced local guides.

Max. 8 clients.

A new Heatherlea itinerary in a new destination! This summer break amongst the picturesque scenery of Slovenia (one of Europe’s least-known jewels) is designed for capturing incredible photographs of memorable wildlife moments. We visit two hides (one by a water station, and one deep in the forest) as well as taking trips to the famous Križna Jama cave, the stunning Rakov Škocjan valley, and Lake Cerknica. As well as beautiful landscapes, one of the main photographic targets is Brown Bear, and July is the optimal time to see these large animals in great light, with excellent opportunities to take that ‘money shot’! Birding is also good, with Black Woodpecker, Boreal, Pygmy, Ural and Tawny Owls, European Bee-eater, Hoopoe, Green Woodpecker and Kingfisher all possible.

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This is an exciting time for birding in Mallorca and from our delightful base at a family-run hotel in the north of Mallorca, we are conveniently placed to visit the migration hotspots on this ever-popular tour. A vast array of birdlife awaits, and sought-after local birds include Black Vulture, Balearic and Moustached Warbler. Other key birds seen infrequently in the UK include Golden Oriole, Hoopoe, Bee-eater and Wryneck, while the range of raptors could include Eleonora’s and Red-footed Falcon, Honey Buzzard, Egyptian Vulture, Short-toed Eagle and many more. This easy-paced tour has a potential list of over 120 species and a major objective is for everyone to enjoy good views of as many of them as possible.

6 September – 12 September 2026 Prices from: £2595pp Single Supplement: £220 Leader: Mark Warren Max. 12 clients.

At Sweden’s south-westernmost tip, Falsterbo is one of the most iconic watchpoints in Europe! Each autumn, 500 million migrant birds pass through - it is the perfect location to witness birds on the move. An essential destination for the raptor enthusiast, in early-September thousands of kites, buzzards, harriers, hawks, eagles and falcons are recorded annually, often alongside Common Crane, White and Black Stork, the overhead spectacle can be incredible! Mixed scrub, scattered woodland, and fields around the watchpoint offer shelter for migrant passerines, with wildfowl, waders, gulls and terns on the move offshore bringing further variety. Autumn at Falsterbo can often mean birds everywhere and you will be amazed by their sheer number and the wonder of migration!

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EUROPE 69

NEW! ETHIOPIA

BOTSWANA A fantastic safari including the Okavango Delta and Victoria Falls.

Searching for the endemic birds and mammals of this enigmatic county.

15 November – 1 December 2026, 27 November – 13 December 2026 26 November – 12 December 2027 Prices from: £7095pp Single Supplement: £295

9 November – 27 November 2027 Prices from: £6995pp Single Supplement: £425

Leader: (2026) Mark Warren joined by expert local guides.

Max. 12 clients.

Leader: One from the Heatherlea team joined by expert local guides.

Max. 12 clients.

Botswana is one of the most desirable safari destinations in Africa and is full of wildlife. From Moremi, east of the Okavango Delta, our journey follows the Khwai River through Mababe where Leopard and Lion are common predators. We visit the desert-like Chobe, where we see Cheetah, Wild Dog and Hyena. Birding is excellent throughout, with 300+ species expected, some key targets including Slaty Egret, Kori Bustard and Rosy-throated Longclaw. On this unique safari for birds and big game, we travel with our luxury, mobile safari tents, staying in wonderful, personal wildlife locations and providing stunning sunrise and sunset opportunities. Our tour ends in stylish Victoria Falls, where we seek new birds and enjoy the falls themselves - one of the seven wonders of the world!

Ethiopia is a destination offering some of the most unique and rewarding wildlife watching on the entire African continent. Fast becoming one of Africa’s leading birding destinations, over 850 birds have been recorded in the country.

Our chief targets include Wattled Ibis, Blue-winged Goose, Harwood’s Francolin, Rouget’s Rail, Spot-breasted Lapwing, Yellow-fronted Parrot, Abyssinian Longclaw, Abyssinian Catbird, Ruspoli’s Turaco, Stresemann’s Bush Crow, Whitetailed Swallow, plus other key endemics and range restricted species. Exploring sites close to Addis Ababa, Awash National Park, the hot springs of Doho, Yabelo and the Bale Mountains National Park highlands, we have access to a diverse range of habitats with every chance of building a high bird-list. We hope to connect with rare mammals too - none more so than critically endangered Ethiopian Wolf which has a current population estimated to be as low as just 500 individuals!

GAMBIA

GHANA

A great introduction to African birding.

Excellent West African birding with Yellow-headed Picathartes & Egyptian Plover as top targets!

14 November – 24 November 2026, 21 November – 1 December 2026 13 November – 23 November 2027 Prices from: £3895pp Single Supplement: £325

5 February – 20 February 2027 Prices from: £5195pp Single Supplement: £650

Leader: (2026) Chris Rodger joined by expert local guides.

Max. 12 clients.

Leader: Peter Cosgrove joined by expert local guides.

Max. 12 clients.

Gambia offers the nearest rainforest jungle to the UK, easy access from London and some great locations to watch birdlife. This holiday is an introduction to African birding, and from three well-positioned centres we can explore a wide variety of habitats at leisure. We spend time around the coastal strip and enjoy a two-hour canoe trip through the mangrove swamp, with up to five species of kingfisher possible. Other birds may include Black Egret, Martial Eagle, White-faced Scops Owl, Senegal Coucal, Long-tailed Sunbird, Violet Turaco, hornbills, vultures, shrikes, parrots, waxbills, flycatchers, barbets, rollers, sunbirds. We keep an eye out for other wildlife, including some spectacular species such as Nile Monitor Lizard, Green Vervet and Red Colobus Monkey on this rewarding birding holiday!

Ghana offers all the core West African habitats and key locations, with over 760 bird species recorded. We visit include Kakum National Park, the Shai Hills and Ankasa Reserve, the Abrafo Forest and the superb Mole National Park. Birding is exceptional, with 12 of the 15 Upper Guinea Endemic bird species recorded in Ghana and highlights will include the legendary Yellowheaded Picathartes and stunning Egyptian Plover. Our itinerary is focused on birding at relaxed pace, though we will enjoy a big birdlist with many speciality species - Nkulengu Rail, Forbes Plover, Pel’s Fishing Owl, Black Dwarf Hornbill, Great Blue Turaco, Yellow-footed Honeyguide and Blackcollared Lovebird, African Pitta, Yellow-bearded Greenbul, Rufous-winged Illadopsis, Green-tailed Bristlebill, Yellow-winged Pytillia and Wilson’s Indigobird among the possibilities.

70 AFRICA

tel: 01479 821248

email: info@heatherlea.co.uk

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NEW! WILD KENYA & MASIA MARA

KENYA ULTIMATE WILDLIFE TOUR

Experience a wonderful bird and ‘Big Game’ holiday in the heart of Kenya!

A massive bird and mammal list including many East African endemics.

1 February – 10 February 2027 Prices from: £5995pp Single Supplement: £925

30 November – 14 December 2027 Prices from: £6495pp Single Supplement: £945

Leader: One from the Heatherlea team joined by local experts.

Max. 12 clients.

Leader: One from the Heatherlea team joined by expert local guides.

Max. 12 clients.

This wonderful new Kenyan itinerary is the ultimate ten-day safari for birds and general African wildlife in iconic destinations for wildlife lovers. We visit dramatic landscapes in the Rift Valley where habitats and birds change quickly, including the key sites of Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha and Nairobi National Park, and have now included the famous Masai Mara too – often described as the best reserve in the country! Incidental sightings and scheduled game drives across various parts of the Masai Mara savanna should produce Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Elephant, Giraffe (both Masai and Rothschild’s), Zebra, Hippo, Nile Crocodile, Warthog, Wildebeest, Cape Buffalo, White Rhino, Black Rhino, as well as classic African birds like Secretarybird, Crowned Crane, vultures and bustards amongst over 350 species!

Kenya has the second highest birdlist of any African country with 1000+ species recorded. We expect to see 450 of these, including sought-after Kenyan and regional endemics. We visit soda and freshwater lakes at Naivasha, Nakuru and Baringo, high and low altitude grasslands, the fabulous Samburu bush and savannah woodlands, Mount Kenya and the pristine Aberdare mountain areas, plus tropical habitats within the Kakamega Forest.

Targets include Snowy Barbet, Aberdare Cisticola, Grant’s Wood Hoopoe, Turner’s Eremomela, and Sharpe's Longclaw. Kenya is also the best place for birds such as Black-faced Sandgrouse, Olive Ibis, Somali Bee-eater, Jackson’s Hornbill, Taita Fiscal, Grey-crested Helmetshrike, Hartlaub’s Turaco and Moorland Francolin. Mammals will probably be seen most days, including the big five of Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Elephant and Black Rhino!

MOROCCO

NEW! NORTHERN MOROCCO & ZAIDA PLAINS

A big birdlist from the Atlantic and Atlas Mountains to the Sahara Desert.

Speciality birds of this unique country!

20 March – 30 March 2026, 22 March – 1 April 2026 21 March – 31 March 2027 Prices from: £2595pp Single Supplement: £200

1 May – 10 May 2027 Prices from: £2695pp Single Supplement: £200

Leaders: (2026) Mark Warren (1st departure) John Muddeman (2nd departure) joined by expert local guides. Max. 12 clients.

Morocco is a destination every birder should visit at least once in their lifetime! We cover desert, mountain, coast and wetlands, witnessing the spectacle of spring migration from Africa to Europe. Morocco has numerous specialities and near-endemics only found in the south of the Western Palearctic – it is a birder’s paradise! The habitats include stony deserts (hamada), sand dunes, lakes, rivers, estuaries and the immense Atlas Mountains, where we drive to 2600m. Among our targets are Houbara Bustard, Bald Ibis, Cream-coloured Courser, Lanner, Falcon, Black-bellied, Spotted and Crowned Sandgrouse, Pharoah Eagle Owl, Egyptian Nightjar, Levaillant’s Woodpecker, Pale Crag Martin, Tristam’s Warbler, Lesser Shorttoed, Thick-billed, Bar-tailed, Desert and Temminck’s Horned Lark, Moussier’s Redstart, Crimson-winged and Trumpeter Finch plus a range of other resident and passage species.

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Leader: One from the Heatherlea team joined by expert local guides.

Max. 12 clients.

On this birdwatching tour, we search for a number of challenging, range restricted Western Palearctic species at key locations in Northern Morocco and the Zaida plains. Boasting a surprising range of habitats, we begin on the Atlantic Coast where key resident and a range of migratory birds are present alongside one another. Important targets include Northern Bald Ibis, Small Buttonquail, Double–spurred Francolin and African Marsh Owl, with Blackcrowned Tchagra and a variety of waders, gulls and passerines featuring at coastal wetlands. In the Middle-Atlas Mountains we look for Levaillant’s Woodpecker and Atlas Flycatcher, and if lucky might encounter Barbary Apes. Small populations of Red-nobbed Coot, White-headed and Marbled Duck might be also found, while on the arid Zaida plains to the east, we hope to find rare Dupont’s Lark, as well as Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Seebohm’s and Red-rumped Wheatear plus other desert specialists.

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AFRICA

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NAMIBIA Experience fantastic wildlife and landscapes on this incredible African adventure!

19 September – 6 October 2026 18 September – 5 October 2027 Prices from: £7495pp Single Supplement: £475 Leader: One from the Heatherlea team joined by expert local guides.

Max. 11 clients.

Namibia is one of the most sparsely-populated countries in Africa, and has a splendid combination of exceptional and relatively accessible species in a variety of habitats, abundant game, superb scenery and excellent infrastructure. Although the country possesses just one true endemic - Dune Lark - there are several near-endemics easier to find here than elsewhere, including Herero Chat, Rüppell’s Korhaan, Gray’s Lark, Damara Rockrunner, White-tailed Shrike, Violet Woodhoopoe, Bare-cheeked Babbler, Rüppell’s Parrot, Carp’s Black Tit and Hartlaub’s Francolin. Big game includes endangered Black Rhino, Leopard, African Elephant, and our tour has been especially designed to offer a perfect blend of key birds plus a wide selection of African mammals, with extra time assigned to some of the best areas so you may enjoy at a relaxed pace. We visit the unique and spectacular sand dunes of the Namib Desert, coastal lagoons, and the best reserves and game-watching locations in the country – including the famous Okaukuejo, Namutoni and Halali waterholes and Etosha National Park to see large densities of mammals, including African Elephant, Black Rhino, Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Spotted Hyena, Black-backed Jackal, Wildebeest, Blackfaced Impala and Blesbok. Damara Dik-Dik is another target, and we have chances of rare and endangered Sable and Roan Antelope too. This is a superb African adventure, ideal for keen birders and those who want to enjoy mammals, scenery and the relaxed feel of this wonderful country.

SOUTH AFRICA- A BIRDING TOUR OF THE WESTERN & EASTERN CAPE

TANZANIA Birding and Big Game including Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.

A great birding and wildlife tour in a wide range of habitats.

29 April – 9 May 2027 Prices from: £5995pp Single Supplement: £575

26 August – 12 September 2027 Prices from: £6795pp Single Supplement: £595

Leader: One from the Heatherlea team joined by expert local guides.

Max. 12 clients.

Leader: One from the Heatherlea team joined by expert local guides.

Max. 12 clients.

South Africa hosts a diverse range of wildlife, and we hope to see many of the 34 endemic birds. We visit habitats in three climatic regions, beginning around the Cape Peninsula. Key birds include Cape Sugarbird, Cape Rockjumper, Ground Woodpecker, African Penguin and (weather depending) we take a pelagic trip for seabirds and cetaceans. From the Cape, we aim for Black Harrier and Southern Black Korhaan and rocky plain specialists in the Tankwa Karoo. Bontebok and De Hoop Reserve may give us Blue Crane, Denham’s Bustard and Cape Vulture, before we head east into The Garden Route and greener surroundings. Addo will provide an exciting climax, with day and night safaris seeking Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Caracal, Spotted Hyena, Black Rhinoceros, Aardwolf, Honey Badger, and some new birds.

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AFRICA

Tanzania is known for its vast wilderness and protected areas. We visit the most iconic wildlife destinations with a range of habitats, including Serengeti National Park - a safari mecca populated by Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Black Rhino (the big five), and the majestic Ngorongoro Crater, one of the wonders of Africa and a 'must visit' location. Other sites include Lake Manyara, Tarangire National Park, and we should also see Mount Kilimanjaro in fine weather. Species may include Tanzania Red-billed Hornbill, Fischer’s Lovebird, Usambiro Barbet and Karamoja Apalis alongside iconic species like Secretarybird, Kori and Black-bellied Bustard, Crowned and Martial Eagle, Saddle-billed Stork, Goliath Heron, Great Painted Snipe, Southern Ground Hornbill, Bare-faced Go-away-bird, Abyssinian Scimitarbill, Slate-coloured Boubou, and Steel Blue Whydah.

tel: 01479 821248

email: info@heatherlea.co.uk

web: www.heatherlea.co.uk

BRAZIL – THE PANTANAL

NEW! ARIZONA Fantastic spring birding across the Copper state!

Superb birding and mammals in the heart of Brazil.

5 May – 16 May 2026 Prices from: £6495pp

16 August – 28 August 2026 13 August – 25 August 2027 Prices from: £7295pp Single Supplement: £795

Single Supplement: £825

Leader: Peter Cosgrove plus experienced local guides.

Max. 12 clients.

Leader: (2026) Peter Cosgrove joined by experienced local guides.

Max. 12 clients.

Few places in the U.S. offer the remarkable combination of scenery, biological diversity, and experience like the sky island mountain ranges of Southeastern Arizona. These ranges rise from deserts and grasslands; the elevation changes afford rich biodiversity, rare in such a small geographic area.

This tour coincides with spring migration and spectacular residents like Elegant Trogon, Red-faced Warbler, and Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher range north here from Mexico and Central America. They arrive keen to set up breeding in this almost subtropical realm. On cool, shaded trails, walk between yucca, tall pines, and a host of plants more commonly seen on the Mexican plateau. With 550+ species recorded and spectacular scenery too, Arizona is one of THE premier birding destinations in North America.

Brazil's Pantanal is one of the world's largest tropical wetlands, a vast ecosystem and home to around 740 bird species, 150 mammals and 480 reptiles, making it one of the most wildlife-rich areas in South America. We target Jaguar, Giant Anteater and Giant River Otter, and a list of around 250 birds including Helmeted Manakin, Dot-eared Coquette, Cinnamon-throated Hermit, Hyacinth, Blue-winged, Red-shouldered, Red-and-green Macaw, Blueheaded Parrot, Swallow Tanager, Yellow-billed Blue Finch, Bat Falcon, Euler’s Flycatcher, White-backed Fire-eye, Yellow-tufted Woodpecker, Ornate HawkEagle, Russet-crowned Crake, Chapada Flycatcher, Collared Crescentchest, Rufous-sided Scrub Tyrant, Rufous-winged Antshrike, Shrike-like Tanager, Small-billed Tinamou, Sooty-fronted Spinetail, Coal-crested and Red Pileated Finch and Black-throated Saltator. A wealth of tropical wildlife awaits!

BRITISH COLUMBIA

NEW! SOUTH-EAST BRAZIL – THE ATLANTIC RAINFOREST

Birds and bears on the North-western frontier!

Exciting birding and endangered Maned Wolf in one of the most fragile habitats in the world!

15 August – 30 August 2026 Prices from: £8695pp Single Supplement: £1595

15 June – 1 July 2026 Prices from: £7995pp

Leaders: Aidan Branch plus experienced local guide Gavin McKinnon.

Max. 10 clients.

Single Supplement: £495

Leader: Pete Cosgrove plus experienced local guides. Max. 10 clients.

Despite having one of the world’s richest bird diversities, the Atlantic Rainforest in South-East Brazil is one of the most threatened habitats. The remaining protected areas have 900+ birds (140 are endemic and another 105 near endemic). We aim to see 350 of them, and by visiting these protected areas we will be actively supporting important conservation projects in the region. Staying at several eco-lodges, we watch for hummingbirds, tanagers and more at the feeders, and iconic target species include Fasciated TigerHeron, Dusky-legged Guan, Three-toed Jacamar, Red-and-white Crake, Black-capped Screech-Owl, Blue-billed Parrot, Cryptic Antthrush, Helmeted Woodpecker, Saffron Toucanet, Grey-winged Cotinga and Atlantic Royal Flycatcher. Maned Wolf is another key species, and we have two nights to see this elusive and rare mammal.

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Arguably the most breathtaking place to view wildlife in the Americas, the spectacular coastline and Canada’s Pacific islands are a land brimming with wildlife. Vancouver Island will be the main area of focus, home to iconic wildlife such as Black Bear, Orca, Grey Whale, Steller’s Sea Lion and Sea Otter – the ‘Vancouver big five’! Flocks of breeding-plumaged Surf and White-winged Scoters, Harlequin Duck and Pacific Diver are likely. On rocky shores Pacific Cormorant, Black Oystercatcher, Glaucous-winged and Thayer’s Gulls may be seen, and Pigeon Guillemot, Rhinoceros and Cassin’s Auklet and Marbled Murrelet will be on the water. The protected woodlands, regional and national parks also are home to Varied Thrush, Rufous Hummingbird, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Golden-crowned Sparrow and a range of American warblers.

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AMERICAS

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CAPE MAY FOR BIRDERS

NEW! CHILE & THE ATACAMA DESERT

Some of the best migration birding on the planet!

The spectacular birdlife of the Atacama and Altiplano regions of Northern Chile.

25 September - 4 October 2027 Prices from: £4995pp Single Supplement: £820

24 November – 9 December 2026 Prices from: £7695pp Single Supplement: £700

Leader: James Smith.

Max. 12 clients.

Leader: Andy Jones joined by experienced local guides.

Max. 12 clients.

Cape May is an iconic and exceptional location during autumn migration.

The narrow peninsula is a natural bird funnel, drawing in songbirds to a small area during their autumn. We expect 150 species, including 20+ attractive American warblers, such as Yellow, Pine, Palm, Blackpoll, Magnolia, Yellowrumped, Black-and-white, Black-throated Blue, Black-throated Green, Prairie, Tennessee and Cape May Warbler, Northern Parula, American Redstart and Common Yellowthroat! We look for waterbirds around the estuaries and beaches, including multiple sandpipers, four herons, Piping Plover, Willet, Marbled Godwit, and Short-billed Dowitcher. Seawatching can be productive, while the Cape May Hawkwatch platform is legendary and THE raptor capital of the Eastern Seaboard! A classic migration-based holiday for those who have dreamt of seeing a wealth of North American birds!

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A tour with breathtaking scenery, from the heights of the Andes with Andean Condor and Diademed Sandpiper-Plover to the west coast. We include two pelagic trips targeting six species of albatross, Humboldt Penguin, Peruvian Diving Petrel, Elliot’s and Markham’s Storm Petrels, endangered Peruvian Tern and spectacular Inca Tern! We visit the dry Atacama Desert (covering 5% of the national landmass), while on the fringes the Altiplano plateau we visit birding hotspots including Lauca National Park, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Birds we expect are endemics including Chilean Tinamou and Whitethroated Tapaculo, the endangered Horned Coot, plus three flamingo species, Puna Ibis, Puna Plover, Peruvian Thick-knee, Band-tailed, Rufousbellied and Grey-breasted Seedsnipe, Black-hooded Finch, Golden-spotted Ground Dove, Mountain Parakeet and Chile's smallest bird - tiny Chilean Woodstar.

CHILE

COLOMBIA

An ultimate exploration of this incredible country, concentrating on the unique birds and wildlife.

An exceptional birding tour from Colombia's Central and Western Andes to the endemic-rich Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.

13 October – 30 October 2027 Prices from: £9795pp Single Supplement: £1095

17 October – 2 November 2026 Prices from: £7695pp Single Supplement: £875

Leader: Rodrigo Tapia joined by one from the Heatherlea team with over 10 clients. Max. 12 clients.

Leader: Andres Trujillo Max. 12 clients.

Chile is simply picturesque and wonderful! We visit a range of habitats - the high Andes and arid desert, the Pacific islands, and the sub-Antarctic rainforests of Tierra del Fuego. Key species include Andean Condor, Diademed Sandpiper-Plover, Magellanic Plover, Torrent Duck, Upland Goose, Lesser Rhea, Least Seedsnipe, Austral Parakeet, Austral Pygmy Owl and the recently re-discovered Austral Rail. Tierra del Fuego has a huge colony of Magellanic Penguin alongside King Penguin, Magellanic Woodpecker, Patagonian Tinamou, and White bridled Finch. We have a chance of Puma and other rare mammals on this tour, a four-night stay on Chiloe Island, where we seek many endemic birds, and a pelagic trip with six albatrosses, Giant Petrels, De Filippi’s, White-chinned and Westland Petrel, Humboldt Penguin and Inca Tern.

More bird species have been recorded in Colombia than any other country in the world, and the diverse geography and landscape make a wonderful destination for the keen birder. We cover the eastern, central and western slopes of the Andes, the Magdalena Valley and the Santa Marta mountains, hoping for 500+ birds! With chances of 35+ endemics and some globally hard-to-find species, key targets include Yellow-eared Parrot, Brownbreasted Parakeet, Bogotá Rail, Velvet-fronted Euphonia, Stiles Tapaculo, Dusky Starfrontlet, Golden-fronted Whitestart, Silvery-throated Spinetail, Apical Flycatcher and Colombian Chachalaca, while we target many of the 23 Santa Marta endemics. Lekking Andean Cock-of-the-rock and Oilbird are also possible. Spectacled Bear and endemic White-fronted Tamarin Monkey are among the possible mammals.

AMERICAS

tel: 01479 821248

email: info@heatherlea.co.uk

web: www.heatherlea.co.uk

COSTA RICA CLASSIC

COSTA RICA CLASSIC - PLUS!

Our ever-popular Costa Rica tour.

An unforgettable 18-night adventure from the lowland tropical rainforests to the Caribbean coast.

9 January – 24 January 2027 Prices from: £6795pp Single Supplement: £995 Leader: One from the Heatherlea team joined by a Costa Rican expert.

Max. 12 clients.

Boasting more bird species per square mile than any other country on Earth, and 25% of the landmass protected, Costa Rica is paradise! This 'Classic Tour' explores a sample of the most biologically diverse areas for the very best experience. We anticipate seeing 300-400 species, including endemics. Key targets include Resplendent Quetzal, Sunbittern, cotingas, motmots, Slatybreasted Tinamou, toucans, orioles, and Clay-coloured Thrush - Costa Rica's national bird. 30+ Hummingbirds will delight too - an explosion of colour - including Black-crested Coquette, White-bellied Mountain Gem, Violet Sabrewing, Fiery-throated, Blue-chested, Volcano and Talamanco.

Other wildlife will include monkeys, sloths, bats, lizards, crocodiles, amphibians, turtles, snakes, masses of butterflies and a wealth of flora, making this ideal for the first-time visitor, or your first long-haul birding holiday.

The Classic Tour, plus three more nights! All our tours see a myriad of animal, bird, insect and plant life, but this one always allows us to add a few extra! Additional elements may include chances of Green Turtles hatching, more hummingbird sites, and more night forest walks for owls and nocturnal wildlife. Potentially different birds may include White Hawk, Bat Falcon, Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer, Baird’s Trogon, Thicket Antpitta, Lanceolated Monklet, Great and Little Tinamou and Rufous-winged Tanager. Greater nocturnal effort may afford views of Black-and-white, Striped and Spectacled Owl, Ferruginous, Central American and Costa Rican Pygmy-Owl, Pacific and Bare-shanked Screech-Owl and Great Potoo. With more time to enjoy Tortuguero, La Selva and Ensenada, we can devote more attention to a wide mix of wildlife.

Classic birding plus Humpback Whale migration, nesting turtles and more!

13 February – 26 February 2027 Prices from: £6695pp Single Supplement: £725 Leader: One from the Heatherlea team joined Costa Rican expert Tomas Calleja. Max. 12 clients Heatherlea have been visiting Costa Rica for almost twenty years, and on this new adventure we explore locations and reserves as far south as the Osa peninsula - one of the most remote and sparsely populated areas in the country. A visit to the Corcovado National Park will be a highlight, widely considered to be one of the most biologically diverse places on earth and home to around 2.5% of the entire world’s biodiversity! We seek southern specialities like Turquoise and Yellow-billed Cotingas, Spot-crowned and Thick-billed Euphonias, Charming Hummingbird, Costa Rica Swift, Fierybilled Aracari, Ruddy-breasted and Yellow-bellied Seedeaters, Brown-throated Parakeet, Black-cheeked Ant Tanager and Mangrove Hummingbird - one of the few Costa Rican endemics. We see many Scarlet Macaw, Resplendent Quetzal, hummingbirds, trogons, tinamous, toucans, and even lekking Orange-collared Manakins! In Corcovado, we also have a chance of mammals, possibly including Tapir, or one of Central America’s wild cats – a wonderful holiday in a fascinating country.

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Leaders: (2026) Aidan Branch (1st departure) Jenna Berry (2nd departure) joined by a Costa Rican expert. Max. 12 clients.

COSTA RICA – BIRDING, WHALES & WILDLIFE DURING MIGRATION

NEW! SOUTHERN COSTA RICA Explore the endemic wildlife of Costa Rica’s hidden south.

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31 October – 18 November, 21 November – 9 December 2026 30 October – 17 November, 20 November – 8 December 2027 Prices from: £7295pp Single Supplement: £945

18 September – 2 October 2027 Prices from: £6795pp Single Supplement: £725 Leader: One from the Heatherlea team joined by Costa Rican expert Paco Madrigal. Max. 12 clients This is a unique time of year when the spectacle of raptor and whale migration, nesting turtles and of course Costa Rica’s resident birds all combine! We visit the Sierra Ranger Station, Drake’s Bay and Corcovado National Park seeking the elusive Baird's Tapir and Central American Squirrel Monkey, while birding targets include endemic Mangrove Hummingbird, scarce Yellow-billed Cotinga, Red-capped Manakin, Tawny-winged Woodpecker, Costa Rican Swift, Crested Owl, Olivaceous Piculet, Panama Flycatcher, Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet, and Sunbittern. We see nesting Green Turtles on a sandy beach, and take a boat trip for Humpback Whale (a 50% chance!), with Spotted and Spinner Dolphin, Pilot, Fin or Blue Whale and False Killer Whale all possible, plus Magnificent Frigatebird, Brown, Masked and Red-footed Boobies and Wedge-rumped Storm-Petrel.

Instagram: @heatherleabirds

AMERICAS

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NEW! GUYANA

THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS & MAINLAND ECUADOR

Birding in one of the last true wildernesses – endemics of the Guianan Shield.

A superb land and sea trip to one of the world's foremost ecotourism destinations!

16 November – 1 December 2026 Prices from: £8795pp Single Supplement: £945

9 September – 1 October 2026 Prices from: £9995pp Single Supplement: £985 Leader: (2026) Andres Trujillo joined by Mike Coleman with over 10 clients.

Max. 12 clients.

We travel from snow-covered Andean peaks and high páramo moorlands into temperate and subtropical forest as we explore the incredible avian diversity of Ecuador which includes antpittas, tanagers, toucans, 40+ hummingbirds, Andean Condor, Cock-of-the-rock, Oilbird and Long-wattled Umbrellabird.

We then transfer the truly unique treasure of The Galápagos Islands using local boats to visit some of the 13 major islands and smaller islets formed by years of volcanic activity. We target the extraordinary endemic species Darwin’s finches, Flightless Cormorant, Galápagos Penguin, Waved Albatross, Galápagos Dove, Galápagos Hawk, Galápagos Rail, Galápagos Flycatcher, Hood Mockingbird. We also see Giant Tortoise plus endemic Marine Iguana and Galápagos Sea Lion in one of the last truly wild places left on Earth!

A new destination for those wanting to visit one of the last true wildernesses in South America! We visit the dense Iwokrama Rainforest, Kaieteur Falls on the bird-rich Demerara River, the Karanambu savannah in the foothills of the Pakaraima Mountain and the rarely visited Rupununi. Of the many rangerestricted species we seek, Harpy Eagle is arguably the most sought-after! We also have chances of Hoatzin, Grey-winged Trumpeter, Sun Parakeet, Rufouswinged Ground-cuckoo, White-winged Potoo, Blood-coloured Woodpecker, Rio Branco Antbird, Guianan Puffbird, Guianan Toucanet, Guianan StreakedAntwren, Guianan Warbling-Antbird, Guianan Gnatcatcher, Guianan Cock-of-the-rock, Guianan Red-Cotinga, Crimson Fruitcrow and Capuchinbird. Other wildlife may include Jaguar, Giant Anteater, Tapir, Giant River Otter and Black Caiman, snakes, tree-frogs and more on this South American adventure of a lifetime!

NEW! JAMAICA, DOMINCAN REPUBLIC & PUERTO RICO

NEW! JAMAICA Caribbean birding at its best!

15 November – 23 November 2027 Prices from: £5995pp Single Supplement: £495

A Greater Antilles small group adventure – three islands and an endemic filled tour!

Leader: Ryan Chenery joined by one from the Heatherlea Team.

Max. 12 clients.

27 January – 9 February 2027 Prices from: £8795pp Single Supplement: £795

Jamaica is an excellent destination for the UK birder, with an exciting mix of interesting endemic species, a big list of regional specialities, and wintering passerines from North America. On this easy-paced holiday we have every chance of rounding up all the Jamaican endemics and should amass a total of more than 100 species, including many sought after birds.

We enjoy birding at elevation in the Blue and the John Crow Mountains, where Jamaican Blackbird and beautiful Crested Quail Dove will be among our targets. Other species we will be on the lookout for include the impressively sized Chestnut-bellied Cuckoo (locally known as the “old man bird”), as well as the tricky Blue Mountain Vireo, Rufous-tailed Flycatcher, difficult Blue Mountain Elaenia, and ubiquitous Jamaican Woodpecker. The utterly charming Jamaican Tody also often offers very close encounters and night birding is optional but rewarding, with Jamaican Owl our key target.

Coastal birding should add tropicbirds, frigatebirds, shorebirds, and herons to our list on what promises to be a gem of a Caribbean tour.

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Leader: Holly Page joined by local expert guides.

Max. 12 clients.

AMERICAS

Leader: Ryan Chenery joined by one from the Heatherlea Team.

Max. 8 clients.

A new, epic three-country adventure. In Jamaica, we seek the 28 single-island endemics. Jamaican Blackbird is a key target in the Blue Mountains, as are range-restricted Black-billed and Yellow-billed Parrot. In the Dominican Republic, the largest country we visit, we visit a range of habitats and a mouth-watering 32 single-island endemics. We spend most time here, and make a real effort to look for difficult, high montane forest species including La Selle Thrush, White-winged Warbler and Western Chat-Tanager. Finally, Puerto Rico has 18 single-island endemics including the iconic Puerto Rican Parrot and rare Elfin Woods Warbler. With such a wealth of possibilities and with chances of new birds around every corner, this is one of the most exciting new tours on offer with Heatherlea!

tel: 01479 821248

email: info@heatherlea.co.uk

web: www.heatherlea.co.uk

NEW! MEXICO & THE OAXACA VALLEY

NEW! NOVA SCOTIA

Endemics, scenery and culture of Oaxaca.

Birding the capes, headlands and islands of Canada’s Atlantic coast!

17 November – 30 November 2026 Prices from: £6295pp Single Supplement: £595

20 August – 28 August 2027 Prices from: £6995pp Single Supplement: £1275

Leader: Alex Rhodes plus experienced local guides.

Max. 12 clients.

Leader: Gavin McKinnon joined by one from the Heatherlea team.

Max. 10 clients.

This exciting new itinerary takes in private coastal reserves on The Caribbean Coast, high elevation birding amongst the famous archaeological sites of Yagul and Montel Alban, mountain oak woodlands, coffee plantations, and an amazing pelagic trip out to the Pacific Continental Shelf. Amongst the picturesque Mexican landscape, famous historical sites and colonial villages in Yucatan and Oaxaca, we seek a range of endemic and localised species, with highlights including Bridled and Oaxaca Sparrows, Boucard’s and Happy Wrens, Gray-breasted and Golden-cheeked Woodpeckers, Ocellated Thrasher, Brown-backed Solitaire, Blue-capped, Garnet-throated, Turuoisecrowned and Bumblebee Hummingbirds, Hooded Yellowthroat, Black and Least Storm Petrels, Galapagos Shearwater, Buff-collared Nightjar, Mexican Hermit, Citreoline Trogon, Russet-crowned Motmot, and if we get lucky we may find the very elusive White-throated Jay.

A new early-autumn tour around the quaint south-west of Nova Scotia, taking in the capes, headlands and islands of Canada’s Atlantic Coast in search of seabirds, waders and migrants on their journeys back to the tropics for the winter as well as a whale-watching trip from rugged Brier Island looking for Humpback, Fin and Minke Whales, shearwaters, petrels and skuas. Expect a selection of American sparrows, Common Yellowthroat, Northern Parula, Black-and-white, Blackburnian, Black-throated Green and Black-throated Blue Warblers; Yellow-bellied, Olive-sided, Least and Alder Flycatchers; and amongst the Sable Island American Oystercatcher, Whiterumped Sandpiper, Hudsonian Godwit and Piping Plover, we’ll witness the incredible spectacle of magnificent flocks of Semipalmated Sandpipers gathering by the tens of thousands at The Guzzle.

NEW! PANAMA

SOUTHERN PERU & MACHU PICCHU

Re-designed for 2026 - The best of rainforest and cloud forest birding.

A relaxed pace birding tour of Peru - with a visit to spectacular Machu Picchu!

21 November – 6 December 2026 Prices from: £6295pp Single Supplement: £595 Leader: Paco Madrigal joined by local expert Euclides ‘Kilo’ Campos Max. 12 clients.

With its stunning Caribbean and Pacific coasts and broad variety of habitats, Panama is a popular birding destination for good reason. At the cross-roads between Central and South America, it holds almost 1,000 species, nearly 10% of world’s bird species, over 100 are endemic or near-endemic, and over a hundred are South American species that are found no further north.

Panama offers fabulous, easily accessible birding, and we won’t have to travel far to see an enormous diversity. Here you will be able to add many species we don’t usually see in Costa Rica, which include Blue Cotinga, Violet-bellied Hummingbird, Sapphire-throated Hummingbird, Whitevented Plumeleteer, Black Throated Mango, Snowy-bellied Hummingbird, Long-billed Starthroat. Rufous-crested Coquette and Rufous-vented Ground Cuckoo to name a few! There are also lots of mammals here, including Capybara, two sloth species, Coatimundi, and several monkey species.

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10 October – 25 October 2026 Prices from: £6995pp Single Supplement: £795 Leader: Wilson Diaz Max 12 clients.

A unique opportunity to bird the Pacific coast near Lima to the Manu Biosphere, and explore Cusco, Aguas Calientes, and the ancient city of Machu Picchu. The birdlife of Southern Peru is astounding, and we target Humboldt’s Penguin, Inca Tern, Andean Guan, Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Cerulean-capped Manakin, Rufous-breasted Antthrush, and Diademed Tapaculo. We also enjoy Peruvian culture, much of which is concentrated around Cusco and Machu Picchu village. In this part of the country, Incan influence is particularly strong, and tradition still rules the daily lives of the proud people. Machu Picchu itself is an Incan citadel set high in the Andes, a must visit ‘Wonder of the World’ for anyone who comes to Peru and can only truly be appreciated first hand!

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AMERICAS

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NORTHERN PERU

NEW! SOUTH TEXAS in WINTER

Fabulous birding from the Peruvian Pacific to the Andes, with optional Machu Picchu extension.

Texas Tropics and birding the Rio Grande Valley!

12 November – 21 November 2026 Prices from: £6295pp Single Supplement: £830

5 October – 20 October 2027 Prices from: £6895pp Single Supplement: £460

Leader: Peter Cosgrove joined by expert local guides.

Max. 12 clients.

Leaders: Miguel Alvan & Danny Vargus Max. 12 clients.

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Peru is a wonderful country, featuring great birding, breathtaking scenery, an impressive cultural heritage, and is one of the most important birding destinations in the world. Northern Peru is exceptionally good for hummingbirds, and possibilities include Koepcke’s, Reddish, Tawny-bellied and Black-throated Hermit, Fork-tailed Woodnymph, White-chinned Sapphire, Rufous-crested Coquette, Blue-fronted and Green-fronted Lancebills, Violet-fronted Brilliant, Long-tailed Sylph, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Collared Inca, Andean Emerald, Purple-throated and Whitebellied Woodstar, Purple-throated and Royal Sunangel and Marvellous Spatuletail - perhaps the most spectacular hummingbird in the world! We also look for Andean Cock-of-the-rock, tanagers, toucans, raptors, finches, fruiteaters and more in the unspoilt forests. The people are friendly and courteous, and if you want to explore some more, an extension including Machu Picchu can be added on request.

South Texas may be the most exotic birding destination in North America.

Due to its size, Texas contains distinctive flora, fauna, geology, climate and even food, with a total birdlist of approximately 650 species. On this comprehensive tour we visit locations including limestone uplands, dry landscapes with cottonwood trees, desert, coastal lagoons, and river valleys including the fabulous Rio Grande, to see a large range of subtropical species just north of the Mexican border and overwintering birds that breed in the northern USA. Each region could justify a tour of its own, but we link them together on this holiday to show you most of the key habitats and birdlife, with reasonable drive times between the key places.

TRINIDAD, TOBAGO & SAINT LUCIA

TRANQUIL TRINIDAD

Wonderful birding on THREE very different Caribbean islands!

Go slow in Trinidad at the famous Asa Wright Centre.

19 April – 2 May 2026 18 April – 1 May 2027 Prices from: £6895pp Single Supplement: £895

2 November – 10 November 2026 1 November – 9 November 2027 Prices from: £5595pp Single Supplement: £375

Leader: (2026) Dave Pearce joined by expert local guides.

Max. 12 clients.

Leader: (2026) Holly Page joined by expert local guides.

Max. 12 clients.

We start in Saint Lucia, with endemics and Antillean specialities including Saint Lucia Parrot, Saint Lucia Wren, Saint Lucia Oriole, Saint Lucia Black Finch, Saint Lucia Warbler and Antillean Pewee. On Trinidad, we have two centres including the Asa Wright Centre – an unforgettable destination.

Likely species include trogons, tanagers, hummingbirds, honeycreepers, manakins, Channel-billed Toucan, and Bearded Bellbird. We watch Scarlet Ibis come to roost, search for Oilbirds in Dunstan Cave, seek the endemic Trinidad Piping-Guan, and watch Leatherback Turtles egg laying. Tobago is a laid-back island, and three nights is a fitting finale. We explore the forested areas for specialities including Blue-backed Manakin and White-tailed Sabrewing and visit the jewel of Little Tobago in a glass-bottomed boat to see boobies, frigatebirds, tropicbirds and marine life.

We spend the full week on Trinidad, staying at the Asa Wright Centre, enjoying the world-famous verandah and the laid-back surroundings of the densely-forested mountains and the colourful activity at the bird feeders where toucans, honeycreepers, tanagers, hummingbirds, manakins, honeycreepers and Bearded Bellbird are all present. We also visit the vast sandflats of the west coast, the long, sandy beaches of the east coast, marshes, tropical forests, Dunstan Cave for the most accessible Oilbirds on the planet, have a night birding trip to see owls and nightjars, and, of course, sip a rum punch on the labrynthine Caroni Swamps marvelling at the constant flow of herons, egrets and Scarlet Ibis coming in to roost - maybe the most special Trinidad moment?

AMERICAS

tel: 01479 821248

email: info@heatherlea.co.uk

web: www.heatherlea.co.uk

‘GRAND TOUR’ - QUEENSLAND, TASMANIA & SOUTH EASTERN AUSTRALIA A once in a lifetime tour to the Land Down Under!

AUSTRALIA- QUEENSLAND Fabulous birding and a visit to the Great Barrier Reef.

20 November – 1 December 2027 Prices from: £6995pp Single Supplement: £630

20 November – 15 December 2027 Prices from: £14,595pp Single Supplement: £1875 Leader One from the Heatherlea team joined by expert local guides.

Max. 10 clients Australia is nearly impossible for the birder to 'do' thoroughly in one visit, the vast distances and logistical issues requiring a great investment of time to cover all regions of interest. With this in mind, we offer the chance to join a fabulous Grand Tour combining our 'Queensland' and 'Tasmania and South East Australia' itineraries, to maximise in a single visit, your experience of the natural beauty and diverse wildlife that Australia has to offer. See further details about each section of this once in a lifetime tour below.

Leader: One from the Heatherlea team joined by expert local guides.

Max. 10 clients A fantastic adventure! Starting in Cairns, we visit Atherton Tablelands, the Daintree River area and Lamington National Park – many World Heritage areas with spectacular tropical scenery containing an amazing record of Earth’s plant life evolution, many of which originated when Australia was still part of Gondwana! And don’t forget the Great Barrier Reef - the largest, most spectacular coral reef system in the world! Among the birds (including endemics) we seek Southern Cassowary, Australian Bustard, Lovely Fairywren, Sarus Crane, Lesser Sooty Owl, fruit-doves, bowerbirds, lyrebirds, Double-eyed Fig-Parrot, Pale-headed Rosella, Blue-winged Kookaburra, Papuan Frogmouth, Scaly-breasted Lorikeet and Helmeted Friarbird. Likely Mammals and reptiles include possums, Long-nosed Bandicoot, Musky Rat Kangaroo, Green Red-legged Pademelon, Agile Wallaby, Saltwater Crocodile, Amethystine Python.

TASMANIA AND SOUTH-EASTERN AUSTRALIA

BHUTAN

A naturalist’s paradise 'Down Under' - a superb highlights tour of Tasmania and SE Australia.

Magical birding, wildlife and culture in Bhutan.

29 November – 15 December 2027 Prices from: £9795pp Single Supplement: £1275

10 April – 28 April 2026 11 April – 29 April 2027 Prices from: £7695pp Single Supplement: £495

Leader: One from the Heatherlea team joined by expert local guides.

Max. 10 clients.

Leader (2026) Mark Warren joined by expert local guides.

Max. 12 clients.

We bird near Melbourne looking for Emu, Laughing Kookaburra, Black-eared Cuckoo, a range of parrots, Brolga, Rufous Bristlebird, Southern Emu-wren, Eastern Grey Kangaroo and perhaps Koala. We enjoy a night excursion for possums and perhaps Sugar Glider. On Tasmania, we have a wealth of rare and endemic wildlife, including the scrubwren, native hen, thornbill, Black Currawong, Strong-billed Honeyeater, and Forty-spotted Pardalote. With a scheduled ferry to Maria Island we can expect seals, dolphins and whales to add to the trip’s key mammals - Wombat, Tasmanian Pademelon, Southern Brown Bandicoot, Long-nosed Potoroo, Eastern and Spotted-tailed Quoll, as well as Short-beaked Echidna and Platypus - Australia’s two egg-laying monotreme species. We have an outside chance of seeing the elusive and charismatic Tasmanian Devil too!

Largely untouched by the modern world, Bhutan is an enigmatic, rarelyvisited mountain kingdom of high, snow-capped mountains, vast, primeval, lush green forests and crystal-clear rivers intertwined with picturesque villages, mighty dzongs and monasteries. We visit forested habitats at different altitudes from the open mountain edge to the hot Indian border looking for Himalayan Monal, Ward's Trogon, Ibisbill, Satyr Tragopan, Snow Pigeon, Blood Pheasant, Fire-tailed Myzornis, laughingthrushes, parrotbills, sunbirds, White-hooded Babbler, and the critically endangered Whitebellied Heron - one of the rarest birds on Earth! Sought-after mammals may include Himalayan Black Bear, Common Leopard, Golden Langur, Red Panda and endangered Dhole (Asiatic Wild Dog). There is also culture, with the impressive Punakha Dzong and the superb Tharpaling Monastery.

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ASIA, AUSTRALASIA & MIDDLE EAST

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BORNEO

INDIA- BIRDS, TIGERS & THE TAJ MAHAL

An experience of a lifetime with incredible birding and mammal watching including Orangutan!

A birding, wildlife and cultural tour of northern India.

10 August – 27 August 2027 Prices from: £9595pp Single Supplement: £2020

1 March – 11 March 2027 Prices from: £4595pp Single Supplement: £460 Leader: One from the Heatherlea team joined by expert local guide Leio De Souza.

Max. 12 clients

Leader: One from the Heatherlea team joined by expert local guides.

Max. 12 clients.

Borneo has some of the oldest rainforests on the planet, home to endemic birds and some of the most endangered mammals in Asia. We hope for a wide range of hornbills, trogons, broadbills, barbets, woodpeckers, frogmouths, owls, partridges, pittas, spiderhunters, flowerpeckers, sunbirds and raptors. The most sought-after mammal is the Orangutan, and we cover different locations where they may be found naturally. Other mammals include Borneo Pygmy Elephant, Sumatran Rhinoceros, Leopard Cat, Bornean Slow Loris, Lesser Oriental Chevrotain, Proboscis Monkey, Maroon Langur, Müller’s Gibbon and Sunda Flying Lemur. And with our accommodation at the heart of the rainforest we are always close to wildlife, staying in wellmaintained lodges with excellent reputations, some of which have won global awards for their sustainable approach to ecotourism.

This mammal watching, birding and sightseeing tour of beautiful Northern India starts at Bharatpur - India’s most famous bird sanctuary. Birding is varied and exciting, with Sarus Crane, Black-necked and Painted Stork, Indian Spotbilled and Comb Duck, Black Bittern and Indian Skimmer, alongside Indian Scops-owl, Orange-headed Thrush and Siberian Rubythroat. Next, is the magnificent Taj Mahal and Red Fort in Agra, before flying to Bandhavgarh National Park. This is the most reliable reserve for Tiger sightings in India, and with six exclusive game drives in jeeps we have excellent chances of a memorable encounter. Other mammals may include Leopard, Jackal, Jungle Cat, Grey Langur, Rhesus Macaque, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Barking Deer and if lucky Sloth Bear and Dhole (Indian Wild Dog).

NEW! INDIA’S BIG FIVE

INDIA- GOA

Rare Asian mammals and fabulous birding on the same holiday!

From the Konkan Coast to the Western Ghats.

14 February – 1 March 2026 14 February – 28 February 2027 Prices from: £5995pp Single Supplement: £800

14 November – 29 November 2026 13 November – 28 November 2027 Prices from: £4595pp Single Supplement: £430

Leader: (2026) Toby Green joined by expert local guide Leio De Souza.

Max. 12 clients.

Leader: One from the Heatherlea team joined by expert local guide Leio De Souza. Max. 12 clients.

This exciting new tour provides the chance to see India’s ‘Big Five’ - Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Lion, Leopard, Asian Elephant and Indian Rhinoceros. We cover a large area in search of these iconic large mammals and many more, taking in a host of spectacular birdlife too as we explore three distinct regions of India. We divide our time between the Velvador, Gir, Tadoba and Kazeranga National Parks seeing Blackbuck, Sloth Bear, Jungle and Rusty-spotted Cat, Nilgai, Indian Rhinoceros and numerous others, such as Striped Hyena, Indian Bison, and maybe Indian Wolf! A large birdlist is likely, including sought-after species such as Sarus Crane, Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, Yellow-wattled Lapwing, Sirkeer Malkoha, Indochinese Roller, Bengal Florican and Pied Falconet, and the endangered Greater Adjutant.

One of the richest regions in India for birdlife despite its small size, we visit key habitats with relatively little travel involved. Goa is great for the firsttime birding visitor to India, with a well-developed infrastructure and comfortable weather allowing time to search for many of the 28 endemics of the Western Ghats. Likely on this tour are Malabar Whistling Thrush, Malabar Barbet, White-bellied Blue Flycatcher, Malabar Trogon, Sri Lanka Frogmouth, Blue-capped Rock Thrush, Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, Heart-spotted Woodpecker, Crimson-fronted Barbet, Black-rumped Flameback, Verditer Flycatcher, Asian Fairy Bluebird and Golden-fronted Leafbird, alongside some key Asian migrants. In wetlands and on the coasts, we look for Terek and Marsh Sandpiper, Pacific Golden Plover, Lesser and Greater Sand-plover, Painted Snipe, plus Blue-tailed, Chestnut-headed and Little Green Bee-eaters.

80 ASIA, AUSTRALASIA & MIDDLE EAST

tel: 01479 821248

email: info@heatherlea.co.uk

web: www.heatherlea.co.uk

ULTIMATE JAPAN

NEW! MONGOLIA

A wonderful far eastern winter wildlife adventure!

Searching for the secretive Snow Leopard.

1 December – 17 December 2027 Prices from: £9695pp Single Supplement: £795

17 August – 31 August 2027 Prices from: £7995pp Single Supplement: £575

Leader: One from the Heatherlea team joined by local expert guides.

Max. 12 clients

Leader: One from the Heatherlea team joined by expert local guides.

Max. 12 clients.

On this exciting winter tour, we visit three of Japan’s main islands looking for endemics and East Asian winter visitors, as well as spending some time sightseeing in Tokyo and enjoying the unique Japanese food and culture. We hope for several species of crane, including dancing Red-crowned Crane, Blakiston’s Fish Owl, Copper Pheasant, gigantic Steller’s Sea Eagle, Ryukyu Minivet, Japanese Grosbeak, Black-faced Spoonbill, Saunders’s Gull, Japanese Wagtail, Varied Tit, buntings, thrushes, Pacific seabirds, Japanese Woodpecker and Japanese Accentor. We also visit the Japanese Alps, where the Japanese Macaque has learned the benefits of the onsen (natural hot spring), plus we have chances of two more endemic mammals - Japanese Serow and Japanese Squirrel.

Vast and sparsely populated, the landscape of Mongolia has barely changed since Genghis Khan created the world’s largest empire 750 years ago. This majestic wilderness is rich in wildlife - globally rare birds, Central Asian specialities, and some of the most sought-after mammals on Earth, including the beautiful and mythical Snow Leopard without strenuous hikes or being exposed to the cold in thin air at high altitudes! Other wildlife highlights amongst the seemingly endless desert, rolling steppe, and rugged mountains could include Saiga Antelope, Przewalski’s Horse, Argali Sheep, Mongolian Gazelle, Swan Goose, Père David’s Snowfinch, Güldenstädt's Redstart, White-naped Crane, Pallas's Sandgrouse, Mongolian Ground Jay, Altai Snowcock, Siberian Rubythroat, a selection of Asian buntings and larks, and with extreme luck - Pallas’s Cat!

NEPAL

SRI LANKA

A wealth of birds and mammals in early spring.

A wonderful, all round tour including birds, mammals and culture.

3 March – 16 March 2026 Prices from: £5095pp Single Supplement: £495

14 November – 2 December 2026 Prices from: £4995pp Single Supplement: £795

Leader: Alex Rhodes joined by local guide Suchit Basnet Max. 12 clients.

Leader: Dave Pearce joined by expert local guides.

Max. 12 clients.

Nepal is a fantastic country for the wildlife enthusiast, boasting 885 bird species and 210 mammals. We focus on the best lowland habitats, rich in both mammals and birds. Our key destinations are the country’s two finest reserves, Chitwan National Park and Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, and we have plenty of time to thoroughly explore both places at a gentle pace. We also spend two very rewarding days birding in the Kathmandu Valley, as we drive to the 2,740-metre summit of Phulchowki, where our list will grow quickly as we find many new species. We finish with an optional two-day extension, which includes a thrilling Mount Everest panoramic flight, plus a fascinating visit to some of Kathmandu’s cultural sites.

We aim to see all the endemics on this friendly, tropical island, including Sri Lanka Spurfowl, Sri Lanka Green Pigeon, Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot, Greenbilled Coucal, Sri Lanka Chestnut-backed Owlet, Sri Lanka Magpie, Sri Lanka Scimitar-babbler, Sri Lanka Spot-winged Thrush and the other 25! We may also see Indian Pitta, Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher, Crested Serpent Eagle, Greybellied Cuckoo, Crested Tree-swift and Malabar Pied Hornbill. We visit four National Parks, giving great chances of Leopard, Asian Elephant, Golden Jackal, Sloth Bear, Toque Macaque, Jungle Cat, Crested Porcupine and shy Red Slender Loris. We also take in some culture, like the Dambulla Golden Rock Temple UNESCO World Heritage Site, and have an optional whalewatching trip looking for cetaceans, including Blue Whale.

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ASIA, AUSTRALASIA & MIDDLE EAST

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NEW! SOUTH KOREA – AUTUMN MIGRATION & SPOON-BILLED SANDPIPER Yellow Sea migration, iconic waders and more on this exciting new tour to a birding hidden gem!

13 October – 25 October 2027 Prices from: £6695pp Single Supplement: £595

SOUTH KOREA Exciting winter birding for Steller's Sea Eagle and Scaly-breasted Merganser at this Asian hotspot!

9 January – 23 January 2027 Prices from: £6495pp Single Supplement: £695 Leader: One from the Heatherlea Team joined by expert local guides.

Max. 12 clients

Leader: One from the Heatherlea Team joined by expert local guides.

Max. 12 clients.

South Korea is truly fascinating for birders, like the recently-discovered migration route of Spoon-billed Sandpiper via the Eastern Yellow Sea arguably the world’s most sought-after wader and still one of the most endangered birds in the world. On this pioneering autumn tour, we explore two key islands for their feeding grounds, as well as key mainland sites and habitats such as the Han River running through Seoul, the Gangwon interior forests and the CCZ on the South Korean side of the DMZ. Possibilities include Oriental Stork, Black-faced Spoonbill, Far Eastern Curlew, Nordmann’s Greenshank, Oriental Honey Buzzard, Pied Harrier, Grey-faced Buzzard, Amur Falcon, Stejneger's Scoter, Japanese and Pelagic Cormorant as well as a wide variety of resident and migratory passerines.

We visit a range of major wildlife habitats; tidal flats, coastal lagoons, rice fields, rocky shorelines, headlands, rivers, open country, forests and scrubland including the DMZ, the land that time forgot between South and North Korea! Our tour coincides with the presence of winter specialities, including the world’s largest concentration of Baikal Teal and highly-prized Scaly-sided Merganser. Flocks of Red-crowned Crane stand out on tidal-flats, while there may also be thousands of White-naped and Hooded Cranes too. We aim to see spectacular Steller's Sea Eagle, Swan and Lesser White-fronted Geese, Solitary Snipe, and Relict and Saunders’s Gull. Uncountable numbers of ducks and geese fill western coastal sites, possibly including rarities like Baer’s Pochard, while the formerly extirpated Crested Ibis has been reintroduced.

NEW! UZBEKISTAN

NEW! WILDLIFE of THAILAND Exploing the jungle and highlands of Thailand - from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.

Birding along the Silk road.

28 January – 14 February 2027 Prices from: £5395pp Single Supplement: £550

2 May – 10 May 2027 Prices from: £3995pp Single Supplement: £395

Leader: One from the Heatherlea Team joined by expert local guides.

Max. 12 clients.

Leader: Mike Coleman joined by expert local guides.

Max. 10 clients.

A new holiday where we seek 300+ species in the most famous reserves, gardens and bird hides in Northern and Central Thailand – the mudflats of Koh Kham, where we may see Spoon-billed Sandpiper; the jungles of Kaeng Krachan and Khao Yai, where we hope to see a wide selection of South-east Asia’s pheasants, hornbills, pittas, sunbirds, barbets and trogons; and the high mountains of Doi San ju, Doi Ang Khang and Doi Inthanon, where we focus on laughingthrushes, woodpeckers, robins, flycatchers and raptors. There are also good chances of mammals – from gibbons, deer and cats to Elephant, Dhole and Porcupine. Then there is the opportunity to extend your stay in this amazing land by joining an extension in the south of the country.

Another new itinerary in a new destination – combining the stunning, dramatic landscapes and rich cultural heritage of this fascinating Silk Road country with all the major birds AND an extra level of comfort! We stay in the best hotels in the ancient UNESCO old-town Bukhara, and amongst the architectural splendour of historic Samarkand where we stay beside Registan Square, travelling between the two cities by high-speed train. In between, we visit Zaamin for Blyth’s Rosefinch, we seek Azure Tit, White-browed TitWarbler and Hume’s Whitethroat in the Tien Shan foothills, White-throated Robin and Hume’s Lark at Takhtakaracha Pass, as well as Brown-necked Raven, Streaked Scrub Robin, Upcher’s and Menetries’s Warblers, Marbled Teal, White-tailed Lapwing, and the most iconic of Central Asian specialities – Pander’s Ground Jay.

82 ASIA, AUSTRALASIA & MIDDLE EAST

tel: 01479 821248

email: info@heatherlea.co.uk

web: www.heatherlea.co.uk

VIETNAM A comprehensive tour covering endemics, near-endemics and other speciality birds of southern and central regions.

21 November – 11 December 2026 Prices from: £6095pp Single Supplement: £595 Leader: Mike Coleman joined by expert local guides.

Max. 12 clients.

Boasting numerous unique exotic endemics and near-endemics, we concentrate on the forested southern and central Vietnam, expecting around 350 species. In the south, Cát Tiên National Park provides pheasants, pittas, woodpeckers, broadbills, babblers and much more. The Dà Lat Plateau is home to endemics and many distinctive local subspecies, while in central Vietnam we have chances of some truly rare and difficult birds, perhaps including the recently-discovered Chestnut-eared Laughingthrush. Other scarcities include Rufous-throated and Green-legged Partridge, Silver Pheasant, Hodgson’s Frogmouth, Austen’s Brown Hornbill, Blue, Blue-rumped and Bar-bellied Pitta, Sooty Babbler, Rufous-faced Warbler, Limestone Leaf-warbler, Grey-headed Parrotbill and Black-crowned Barwing, the latter only discovered in 1996. We also have some time sightseeing in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).

HOW TO BOOK You can book online through our website by clicking "BOOK NOW" on a tour page, over the phone by calling our office on +44 (0) 1479 821248, or email us at info@heatherlea.co.uk

Online • Go to the specific tour page on our website you are interested in.

• Click the "BOOK NOW" button for your desired departure date.

• Fill out the secure online booking form with your details and submit it.

Phone • Call the Heatherlea office on +44 (0) 1479 821248.

• Have your credit or debit card details ready to pay the deposit, alternatively you can pay by bank transfer.

By email • Contact Heatherlea by email to check availability or to request a booking form.

• Fill in your details on the form and mail it back with the required deposit.

If you would like more information regarding a tour before you book, then please drop us an email at info@heatherlea.co.uk or contact our team on 01479 821248

Facebook: heatherleabirdwatching

X: @heatherleabirds

Instagram: @heatherleabirds

HOW TO BOOK

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HEATHERLEA 2026 HOLIDAY CALENDAR DATES

SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

10 Jan – 17 Jan

New Year Birdlist Booster

17 Jan – 24 Jan

New Year Birdlist Booster

24 Jan – 31 Jan 31 Jan – 7 Feb

NEW! Celebration of Scottish Wildlife in Winter Scottish Winter Specialities

7 Feb – 14 Feb

Scottish Winter Specialities

14 Feb – 21 Feb

Highland Winter Birding

21 Feb – 28 Feb

Highland Winter Birding

28 Feb – 7 March

North - East Scotland Explorer

7 March – 14 March

Cairngorms & East Sutherland

14 March – 21 March

Highland & the West Coast Highlands & Ardnamurchan

Kenya Rift Valley Sun 1 Feb – Tues 10 Feb Costa Rica with Easy Walking Sat 7 Feb – Sun 22 Feb NEW! India’s Big Five Sat 14 Feb – Sun 1 March Winter Iceland – Orcas, Eagles & Aurora Thurs 26 Feb – Sun 1 March Nepal Tues 3 March – Mon 16 March Camargue Sat 7 March – Sat 14 March Spain in Early Spring Sat 7 March – Sat 14 March Fuerteventura in Spring Sat 7 March – Sat 14 March Camargue Sat 14 March – Sat 21 March

Highlands & East Coast Birding Highlands & Ardnamurchan

Spain in Early Spring Sat 14 March – Sat 21 March Cyprus Wed 18 March – Wed 25 March Morocco Fri 20 March – Mon 30 March Morocco Sun 22 March – Wed 1 April

21 March – 28 March

SCOTTISH ISLANDS and other UK holidays

OVERSEAS Costa Rica Classic Sat 10 Jan – Sun 24 Jan

Up Helly Aa – Shetland in Winter Fri 23 Jan – Thurs 29 Jan Devon & Dorset in Winter Sat 24 Jan – Sat 31 Jan

Forest of Dean & Somerset Levels Sat 21 Feb – Sat 28 March

Finland & Norway in Winter Tues 24 March – Sun 29 March Cyprus Wed 25 March – Wed 1 April 28 March – 4 April 4 April – 11 April

Spring into Scotland Spring into Scotland

11 April – 18 April

Highlands and Skye

18 April – 25 April

Spring Migration in the Highlands

25 April – 2 May

Highlands & Orkney

2 May – 9 May

Birding the Highlands in May

9 May – 16 May

Highlands and Corncrake NEW! Highlands & Grampian Explorer

16 May – 23 May

Highlands & Corncrake High Season Across the Highlands

23 May – 30 May

Birding the Highlands in May

30 May – 6 June

High Season Across the Highlands

6 June – 13 June

13 June – 20 June

Outer Limits in Summer

20 June – 27 June

Strathspey Walking & Wildlife

84 OVERSEAS

Croatia Sat 4 April – Sat 11 April Portugal in Spring Sat 4 April – Sat 11 April Bhutan Fri 10 April – Tues 28 April Mallorca Fri 17 April – Fri 24 April Spain – Extremadura Sat 18 April – Sat 25 April Trinidad, Tobago & St Lucia Sun 19 April – Sat 2 May Lesvos Sun 19 April – Sun 26 April Spain – Catalonia Wed 22 April – Thurs 30 April

Cornwall in Spring Thurs 16 April – Thurs 23 April Isles of Scilly in Spring Fri 24 April – Thurs 30 April

Wild Northern Ireland Sat 25 Apr – Sat 2 May Hebridean Island Explorer Sat 2 May – Fri 8 May

Outer Hebrides in Spring Sat 9 May – Fri 15 May North Ron and Orkney in Spring for birders Sat 9 May – Fri 15 May Mull, Iona and the Treshnish Isles Tue 12 May – Sat 16 May Outer Hebrides in Spring Sat 16 May – Fri 22 May Birding the North Coast 500 Sat 16 May – Sat 23 May Shetland Island Explorer Sat 16 May – Sat 23 May Hebridean Island Explorer Sat 23 May – Fri 29 May Shetland Island Explorer Sat 23 May – Sat 30 May North Wales in Summer Wed 27 May – Wed 3 June Orkney Island Explorer Sat 30 May – Sat 6 June Wildlife or Argyll & Inner Hebridean Islands Sat 6 June – Sat 13 June NEW! Mull Island Explorer Sat 6 June – Fri 12 June NEW! Shetland & Orkney Thurs 11 June – Sat 20 June Inner Hebrides Fri 19 June – Fri 26 June Northwest Scotland Explorer Sat 20 June – Fri 26 June tel: 01479 821248

Armenia Sat 2 May – Wed 13 May NEW! Arizona Tues 5 May – Sat 16 May Bulgaria and Northern Greece Sat 9 May – Mon 18 May Estonia in Spring Sun 10 May – Sun 17 May Finland - Late Spring Birding Wed 13 May – Tues 19 May Poland Mon 18 May – Mon 25 May NEW! Spain for Birds and Butterflies Thurs 21 May – Thurs 28 May

NEW! Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan Sun 24 May – Sun 7 June Aberdeen to the Arctic Wed 27 May – Fri 5 June

North Spitsbergen Fri 5 June – Fri 12 June

NEW! Austria Wed 10 June – Tues 16 June NEW! Azerbaijan Fri 12 June – Tues 23 June NEW! Brazil – The Atlantic Rainforest Mon 15 June – Wed 1 July

email: info@heatherlea.co.uk

web: www.heatherlea.co.uk

SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

SCOTTISH ISLANDS and rest of UK holidays

OVERSEAS

27 June – 4 July

DATES

Highland Wildlife in Early Summer

Iceland in Summer Mon 29 June – Mon 6 July

4 July – 11 July

Butterflies, Dragons & Birds

Coll & Tiree in Summer Mon 29 June – Sat 4 July Shetland Wildlife in Summer Sat 4 July – Sat 11 July Ultimate Outer Hebrides Sat 4 July – Mon 13 July

11 July – 18 July 18 July – 25 July 25 July – 1 Aug

Highlights of the Highlands Highland Mammals & More Highland Wildlife in High Summer Highlands & Wester Ross

1 Aug – 8 Aug 8 Aug – 15 Aug

Highlands & the Small Isles Walking & Wildlife

15 Aug – 22 Aug

Autumn in the Highlands with Easy Walking

22 Aug – 29 Aug 29 Aug – 5 Sept

Autumn in the Highlands with Easy Walking Highlands & the Outer Hebrides Highland Autumn Explorer

5 Sept – 12 Sept

Highland Migration by Land & Sea

12 Sept – 19 Sept

The ‘Outer Limits’ Adventure

19 Sept – 26 Sept

The ‘Outer Limits’ Adventure Autumn Migration in the Highlands

Orkney in High Summer Sat 18 July – Sat 25 July Mull & Ardnamurchan Wildlife Spectacular Sat 25 July – Sat 1 Aug NEW! Iceland Total Eclipse Mon 10 Aug – Fri 14 Aug British Columbia Sat 15 Aug – Sun 30 Aug Brazil – The Pantanal Sun 16 Aug – Fri 28 Aug

Outer Hebrides in Early Autumn for Birders Sat 5 Sept – Fri 11 Sept

North Ron and Orkney in Autumn for Birders Sat 19 Sept – Fri 25 Sept Shetland in Autumn for Birders Sat 19 Sept – Sat 26 Sept

26 Sept – 3 Oct

Highlands & the Far North in Autumn

3 Oct – 10 Oct

Raptors & Grouse

10 Oct – 17 Oct

Highlands & Skye in Autumn

17 Oct – 24 Oct

Highland Autumn Birding

24 Oct – 31 Oct 31 Oct – 7 Nov

Scottish Wildlife in Late Autumn NEW! Highlands & the East Neuk of Fife

7 Nov – 14 Nov

Cairngorms & Coasts

14 Nov – 21 Nov

Birders Blast Sat 14 Nov – Wed 18 Nov

Shetland in Autumn for Birders Sat 26 Sept – Sat 3 Oct Wales in Autumn Sat 26 Sept – Sat 3 Oct West Cornwall in Autumn for Birders Fri 2 Oct – Fri 9 Oct Outer Hebrides in Autumn for Birders Sat 3 Oct – Fri 9 Oct Isles of Scilly for Birders Sat 10 Oct – Sat 17 Oct Islay and Jura Sat 17 Oct – Thu 22 Oct Lancashire & the Wirral Mon 19 Oct – Sun 25 Oct Northumberland in Winter Sat 31 Oct – Fri 6 Nov

Solway Firth Sat 7 Nov – Thurs 12 Nov

Azores Tues 1 Sept – Tues 8 Sept Sweden in Autumn – Falsterbo Sun 6 Sept – Sat 12 Sept Mainland Ecuador & Galapagos Islands Wed 9 Sept – Thurs 1 Oct Bulgaria in Autumn Sat 12 Sept – Sat 19 Sept Estonia in Autumn Sat 19 Sept – Sat 26 Sept Spain – Andalucia for Autumn Migration Sat 19 Sept – Sat 26 Sept Namibia Sat 19 Sept – Tues 6 Oct

NEW! Poland in Autumn Sat 3 Oct – Fri 9 Oct Southern Peru Sat 10 Oct – Sun 25 Oct Colombia Sat 17 Oct – Mon 2 Nov

Costa Rica Classic Tour - PLUS! Sat 31 Oct – Wed 18 Nov Tranquil Trinidad Mon 2 Nov – Tues 10 Nov Whales & Wildlife in Northern Norway Fri 13 Nov – Thurs 19 Nov NEW! South Texas in Winter Thurs 12 Nov – Sat 21 Nov Gambia Sat 14 Nov – Tues 24 Nov Goa – Konkan Coast to the Western Ghats Sat 14 Nov – Sun 29 Nov Sri Lanka Sat 14 Nov – Wed 2 Dec Botswana Sun 15 Nov – Tues 1 Dec NEW! Guyana Mon 16 Nov – Tues 1 Dec NEW! México – Oaxaca Tues 17 Nov – Mon 30 Nov Gambia Sat 21 Nov – Tues 1 Dec Costa Rica Classic PLUS! Sat 21 Nov – Wed 9 Dec NEW! Panama Sat 21 Nov – Sun 6 Dec Vietnam Sat 21 Nov – Fri 11 Dec Hungary in Winter Short Break Sun 22 Nov – Wed 25 Nov Chile & the Atacama Desert Tues 24 Nov – Wed 9 Dec Botswana Fri 27 Nov – Sun 13 Dec

21 Nov – 28 Nov

29 Nov – 6 Dec 6 Dec – 13 Dec Mon 29 Dec - Mon 5 Jan 2027 5 Jan – Fri 9 Jan 2027

Hogmanay Birding Festival Birders Blast

Facebook: heatherleabirdwatching

X: @heatherleabirds

Instagram: @heatherleabirds

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birding and wildlife holidays

Heatherlea The Mountview Hotel Nethy Bridge Inverness-shire PH25 3EB

Tel: 01479 821248 website: www.heatherlea.co.uk email: info@heatherlea.co.uk X: @heatherleabirds facebook: heatherleabirdwatching

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01/2026