Heatherlea 2019-Paged

irding and wildlife holidays 

2019

WELCOME TO HEATHERLEA 

YOUR NATURAL HOLIDAY CHOICE 

Welcome to our 2019 Brochure! 

More of you chose Heatherlea in 2018 than in any 

previous year, and we are of course very grateful 

for your support. In 2019, we are continuing to 

grow, offering many more holidays, both in 

Scotland and around the world. For the first time, 

we even have a short range of tours in England! 

There are established favourites and exciting new 

trips, with many added features to offer you the 

very best in wildlife holiday value. Our office team is also growing, and with a 

full-time team of five to help you with holiday planning and delivery, we are 

investing in the support services we know you need and appreciate. 

Here at our own Hotel in Nethy Bridge, ‘Mainland Scotland’ groups are small 

(max 7 per guide), with a high level of personal attention. We are birding 47 

weeks of the year, with more than 20 different itineraries, and this year we 

have many exciting new options. Stay for a full week or choose one of our 

increasing variety of shorter breaks, all offer great value. We are delighted to 

announce that our picnics prepared at Mountview Hotel are free from singleuse 

plastic, and many of our partners around the world are co-operating to 

change their practice too. 

birding and wildlife holidays 

Around the Scottish Islands, Heatherlea offer a unique gateway to 

beautiful, isolated places where wildlife is special, with more than thirty 

fantastic holidays from Islay to St Kilda. In 2019 we have many new 

itineraries and our expert, friendly guides make each experience truly 

memorable. 

Overseas our very popular Pre-flight Service saves you money, brings you 

comfort and makes everything easy. We include as standard an Airport 

Hotel, VIP Lounge, Bird Guide (for tours outside the scope of the Collins 

Guide) and from 2019, luggage labels and a wallet with small change for 

incidental tips. With just twelve clients per holiday, the accent is again on 

personal service to you, our valued customer. Many departures are already 

filling as we write this introduction. 

We are also very pleased to welcome several outstanding new guides to 

our team, in places as diverse as China, Chile, Kenya and Spain. We are 

delighted that many of the best bird guides in the world want to work with 

Heatherlea. 

Thanks to all friends old and new who have joined us in the past, we hope 

to earn your support again. Here’s to great wildlife watching! 

Kevin, Caryl and the Heatherlea team 

HEATHERLEA BIRDING AND WILDLIFE HOLIDAYS 

Index 

WHY CHOOSE HEATHERLEA? 1 

Meet the team 2 

OVERSEAS 5 

Do it the Heatherlea way 

Pre-flight service 

EUROPE 8 

Armenia 8 

Austria 9 

Belarus 9 

Bulgaria in Autumn 9 

NEW! Bulgaria and northern Greece 10 

Camargue 10 

NEW! Canaries 10 

Croatia 11 

Estonia 11 

Finland 11 

Fuerteventura 12 

Holland and Flanders 12 

Hungary in Autumn 12 

Iceland birds and borealis 13 

Iceland in Summer 13 

NEW! Ireland for Birders 13 

Italy – Po Delta and Venice 14 

Mallorca 14 

Portugal 14 

Skyros 15 

Spain – Andalucia 15 

Spain – Birding and Lynx 15 

NEW! – Spain – Catalonia and South-east 

Aragon 16 

Spain – Ebro Delta in Autumn 16 

Spain – Extremadura 17 

Spain – Picos Mountains 17 

Spain – Pyrenees to Ebro Delta 17 

NEW! – Sweden in Winter and Spring 18 

NEW! – Svalbard with BBC Wildlife 19 

REST OF THE WORLD 20 

Brazil – The Pantanal 21 

NEW! Chile 21 

Costa Rica 22 

NEW! China 23 

Cuba including Havana 23 

NEW! Mainland Ecuador & Galapagos 24 

Gambia 25 

Goa – Kancun Coast to the Western Ghats 25 

India – Birds, Tigers and Taj 26 

Jamaica 26 

NEW! Kenya 27 

NEW! Mexico 28 

Morocco 28 

Nepal 29 

Trinidad, Tobago and St Lucia 29 

Peru 30 

Uganda 31 

Yellowstone and Grand Tetons 31 

MAINLAND SCOTLAND 32 

Hogmanay Birding Festival 38 

New Year Birdlist Booster 38 

Short breaks – holidays for busy birders 39 

Highland Winter Birding 40 

Highlands and the East Coast 40 

Highlands and the West Coast 41 

NEW! Highland Birding in March 41 

Spring into Scotland including Mull 42 

Highlands and Skye 42 

Birding the Highlands in May 43 

NEW! Highlands & Corncrake 43 

High Season across the Highlands 44 

Highlands and Orkney 44 

The Outer Limits in Summer 45 

Highland Wildlife 45 

NEW! Highlands & the Bass Rock 46 

Eagles, Divers and Dotterel including Mull 46 

NEW! High Summer Highland Wildlife 47 

NEW! Highlands & Wester Ross 47 

Highlands and the Outer Hebrides 48 

20 Scottish Specials 48 

Raptors & Grouse 49 

The ‘Outer Limits’ Adventure 49 

Highlands and Skye in Autumn 50 

Highland Autumn Birding 50 

SCOTTISH ISLAND HOLIDAYS 51 

Mull & Islay 53 

North Ron and Orkney in Spring for birders 53 

Wild Skye 54 

Outer Hebrides in Spring 54 

Shetland in Spring for birders 55 

Mull, Iona and the Treshnish Isles 55 

Orkney and the Flow Country 56 

Fair Isle in Spring for birders 56 

Shetland Island Explorer 57 

Islands on the Edge 57 

Orkney Island Explorer 58 

Southern Hebrides from Colonsay to Islay 58 

Shetland and Orkney 59 

Inner Hebrides from Canna to Iona 59 

Outer Hebrides and the Shiant Isles 60 

Ultimate Outer Hebrides 60 

St Kilda and the Hebrides 61 

Coll & Tiree in Summer 61 

Orkney in High Summer 62 

North Ron and Orkney in early Autumn for birders 62 

Outer Hebrides in early Autumn for birders 63 

North Ron and Orkney in Autumn for birders 63 

Shetland in Autumn for birders 64 

Unexplored Orkney 64 

Fair Isle in Autumn for birders 65 

Outer Hebrides in Autumn for birders 65 

Coll and Tiree in Autumn for birders 66 

Islay and Jura 66 

OTHER UK HOLIDAYS 67 

NEW! Southern Scottish Mainland 67 

NEW! Forest of Dean 68 

NEW! Northumberland 68 

NEW! West Cornwall in Autumn 69 

Isles of Scilly for birders 69 

Birding the East coast in Autumn 70 

Solway Firth 70 

Booking Form 71 

Calendar 72 

COVER PHOTOS 

Black Grouse in Scotland by Neil McIntyre 

See our Mainland Scotland, Estonia and Finland tours 

to target Black Grouse. 

Emerald Toucanet in Costa Rica by Dave Pullan 

More photo credits on page 37. 

‘I’m writing to thank you all so much for my third 

wonderful holiday with Heatherlea. I hope to be able 

to join you again next year. I can’t now, after three 

trips, imagine life without Heatherlea holidays to 

look forward to.’ 

Mr R & Mrs A H, 

Highlands & Skye 21 – 28 April 2018 

This recyclable Brochure is printed on paper 

from responsible sources. All postage is made by 

recyclable envelope or polylope.

WHY CHOOSE HEATHERLEA? 

Heatherlea is built on a love of wildlife watching, and a real spirit of 

adventure. There are birds and other animals to marvel at, flora to enjoy and 

landscapes and culture to savour! We are firmly focused on finding wildlife 

for you to see, though only in a sensitive and sustainable way, and plan very 

carefully in advance to give you the best chances, in comfort and safety. 

We are always aware of the environment around us. Whether you are viewing 

Crested Tit and Capercaillie within a few miles of our Hotel in the Scottish 

Highlands, watching Tiger from a jeep in a remote Indian reserve, or finding 

spring migrant birds in Skyros or Extremadura, we work hard to give you the 

‘real’ experience and treat you as a valued individual, not as part of a crowd. 

Our Guides are professionals, much more than couriers or day-guides, and 

they work hard with patience and skill, wherever you are, to make sure that 

your investment of time and money is rewarded. 

Back at our office, inside our own Hotel, we know that integral services 

including accommodation, food and travel are just as important as activities 

in the field when delivering a wildlife watching holiday. In our specialist part 

of the tourism industry, there are very few travel companies who own and 

deliver hotel services on a daily basis, and even fewer hotel-owning 

companies who understand the complex delivery of wildlife holidays. 

Heatherlea both own a three-star hotel and take you to places around the 

world for wildlife. We have the knowledge and experience to deliver 

everything you need, and our full-time team of five trained Operations Staff 

are ready to help you. 

Established in 1991, protected by our own ATOL Licence (6113), and with a 

dedicated UK Bank account solely for clients’ monies, Heatherlea offers the 

foundation and security you need when deciding who to choose. We hold 

specialist Tour Operator Insurance, and our Hotel is wholly owned by the 

company, so we offer added security which might not be available 

everywhere you look. Our attitude and dedication have established 

Heatherlea as one of Britain’s leading wildlife holiday providers, and over 28 

seasons we have never stopped striving to be better, to give our clients the 

best value we can find. We also take care to make sure you are comfortable. 

You won’t feel out of place if you have less experience than others. We are 

not ‘intensive’ or ‘twitchers’, but are dedicated to showing you wildlife, and 

above all, we have fun. 

MAINLAND SCOTLAND WITH HEATHERLEA 

Your gateway to Scottish birds and wildlife! 

This is where we started and our lovely Hotel in the beautiful Highland village of Nethy Bridge, on 

the edge of the Abernethy Forest, is where many of our clients take their first wildlife watching 

holiday, often continuing with us to new places around the world. 

Our Scottish full-week holidays take you to places where wildlife is special, and we travel in 

minibuses which are great mobile hides. Many special species can be found close to our hotel, though 

our Mainland Scotland itineraries might also take you as far away as Handa Island, Orkney, the Isles 

of Lewis and Harris, Skye, and Mull, including a night or two in a second centre to reduce travel miles. 

We show you all the wildlife, and include all accommodation, food, travel, access fees and ferry 

charges. You get terrific value from our fully inclusive holidays, so book with confidence – there are 

no hidden extras! Turn to page 32 to read more. 

SCOTTISH ISLAND HOLIDAYS WITH HEATHERLEA 

Go a little further! 

We are experts on the Scottish islands, where Corncrake, eagles, skuas, Basking Shark, Storm Petrel, 

rare, windblown migrants, wonderful scenery, charming people and exciting places are all waiting for 

you. These adventures begin to unfold on page 51. 

OVERSEAS WITH HEATHERLEA 

Do it ‘The Heatherlea Way’ 

Europe, the Americas, long-haul to Africa, Asia or Australia, there is a world of choice with 

Heatherlea. ‘The Heatherlea Way’ involves looking after you with care whilst maximising your 

experience and giving value for money. Most holidays begin before you even reach airport check-in, 

with our Pre-flight services. Read more from Page 5. 

Finally, we should point out that this Brochure offers a flavour of our holidays, and most of the basic 

information you need. More information is available on our website or directly by telephone or 

email. New holidays are launched virtually every month, and as some dates fill others are made 

available. We are always very happy to hear from you. Thank you for reading our 2019 Brochure! 


t: 01479 821248 e: info@heatherlea.co.uk www.heatherlea.co.uk twitter: @heatherleabirds facebook: heatherleabirdwatching 

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MEET THE HEATHERLEA TEAM! 

Our highly experienced team are ready and waiting to organise your holiday and show you the wildlife, 

wherever in the world 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 roundup 

on the last. He organises everything to suit wildlife, weather and 

your progress through the week, and because our groups are small, 

has 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 are 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 120 years of guiding for 

Heatherlea across this part of our team! 

Mike Coleman 

Dedicated birder Mike is a top guide with a very friendly 

manner. Mike has been guiding for Heatherlea since 2001, 

and makes a welcome return to our ranks in 2019. 

Scott O’Hara 

Scott joined our team in autumn 2015 and quickly became 

established as a popular member. Scott will be leading for 

us again in Scotland in 2019, and in Italy. 

Peter Cosgrove 

Peter is a professional eco-consultant, keen birder 

throughout the Highlands and well-travelled overseas, 

leading for us in the Caribbean and elsewhere. 

John Picton 

John joined our happy team in 2016 and will be guiding in 

Scotland in 2019. His relaxed style and easy manner make 

for enjoyable days in the field. 

Bernie Forbes 

Experienced leader Bernie loves sharing his passion, and 

his groups enjoy great birding whilst benefitting from his 

experience. Bernie has led many groups around Europe, 

North Africa, Turkey and Texas. When not working for 

Heatherlea, Bernie leads many field trips around Sussex. 

Jonny Pott 

Jonny joined Heatherlea in 2001 and is full of tales of local 

history and birding lore from his home on Kincardine Moor, 

close to Nethy Bridge. With caring manner and endless 

enthusiasm, Jonny will be there from mountains to Mull to 

show you Scotland’s special wildlife. 

‘ 

High standards of customer care 

‘ 

and a genuine passion for birding 

and wildlife make this a most 

rewarding experience. 

’ 

Ian Ford 

Ian joined Heatherlea in 1999 and joins us again in 2019 as 

a Senior Guide. Ever popular, Ian will be leading groups 

from Orkney to the Solway Firth in Scotland, and overseas 

holidays including Gambia, Svalbard and Yellowstone. 

The whole day was very enjoyable and expertly led. 

To achieve an award of five stars, a score of at least 85% 

must be achieved. Heatherlea score at this level or 

higher in every category, and the award of five stars 

is confirmed. 

VisitScotland Assessment. 

’ 

Dave Pullan 

Dave is an exceptional birder who joined Heatherlea in 

2006, and who has vast experience in Scotland and 

worldwide. He is responsible for many top sightings of 

rarities on Heatherlea holidays in Scotland. Dave leads 

overseas in India & China, amongst other places. 


Toby Green 

Toby is a very experienced birder, who joined us in 2013. A 

popular Leader in Scotland, Toby is a top birder with a 

great sense of humour, who will also be seen in Chile, 

Nepal and Goa in 2019. 

Rob Jordan 

A keen birder and top photographer, Rob joined us in 2013 

and will be guiding Heatherlea groups around Scotland 

and overseas during 2019. 

Phil Knott 

Senior Guide Phil is a well-established and popular 

member of the Heatherlea team. With extensive 

knowledge of Scottish birding, Phil will again be leading 

throughout the Highlands and Islands, and also in 

Bulgaria & Greece, Skyros and Tasmania. 

Kevin Shaw 

Founder of Heatherlea with wife Caryl in 1991, Kevin is 

around most weeks at The Mountview Hotel in Nethy 

Bridge when not leading in Scotland or overseas. Kevin 

tends to pop up unannounced on several holidays each 

year. 

Mark Warren 

Mark joined us from North Ronaldsay in January 2016, and 

since then has become a popular member of our team all 

around Scotland. Mark has already made happy returns to 

North Ron as a Heatherlea Guide! 

Matt Wilson 

Heatherlea guide on the west coast of Scotland, Matt is an 

exceptional naturalist, on personal terms with eagles, 

otters, martens and deer. Matt invariably produces an 

absorbing and rewarding day. 

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t: 01479 821248 e: info@heatherlea.co.uk www.heatherlea.co.uk twitter: @heatherleabirds facebook: heatherleabirdwatching

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 gala dinners, upgraded accommodation, cultural elements that 

we think you will like, and much more. Our office team are 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 holiday experience. All 

are very experienced and great favourites of ours! 

Peg Abbott 

We first met Peg at Heatherlea, and immediately 

recognised a first rate tour leader. Peg has worked in the 

Yellowstone ecosystem for 30 years, specialising in wolf, 

grizzly and elk projects. Peg is an experienced birder, 

leading natural history and birding tours for over 20 years. 

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 2019. 

Erick Castro 

Erick has over 15 years’ experience as a birding and 

natural history field guide in Costa Rica and Panama and 

is a member of the same team as Paco Madrigal. Erick is 

an excellent birder with an exceptional knowledge of 

flora and fauna. 

Wilson Diaz 

Our agent in Peru, Wilson has developed our unique 

itineraries in his home country, covering a huge range of 

spectacular birds and wonderful Machu Picchu. 

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, easy-going manner, and a 

complete knowledge of the birds of his homeland. We are 

delighted Paco will be leading all our tours in 2019. 

Gabor and Andrea Orban 

Gabor and his wife Andrea guide for us in Mexico and 

Belize. Gabor is our specialist birding guide, having led 

birding tours in Central Americas since 2006, and Andrea 

concentrates on the cultural aspects of the many Mayan 

sites we visit. 

Menotti Passarella 

'What Menotti doesn't know about the birds of the Po 

Delta isn't worth knowing' - Bob Scott, 'Where to go 

birdwatching in the Po Delta'. We are always guaranteed 

fascinating birding with our Italian expert Menotti, and 

often gain access to places not normally open to the public. 

Sergi Sales 

Sergi is an outstanding 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 about birding in this 

area and a valuable addition to our holiday team. 

Hugo Sampaio 

Joined the Heatherlea team in 2018. Hugo works with SPEA, 

studying and monitoring birds across Spain, Portugal & the 

Azores. He has guided extensively across the region and we 

look forward to his expertise on our Portugal tour. 

Gerard Gorman 

Gerard is the Heatherlea organiser for Eastern Europe, 

and also leads for us in Uganda and Jamaica. Well-known 

as an expert on the world’s woodpeckers, and author of 

several well-informed birding books, Lancastrian Gerard 

lives in Budapest. 

CLIENT FEEDBACK – just some 

of your comments during the 

first few months of 2018! 

Cristian Jensen 

Based near Barcelona, Cristian is a very popular and 

experienced tour leader. In 2019 Cristian will be leading 

for Heatherlea in Andujar, Picos Mountains, Morocco and 

Pyrenees. 

Tang Jun 

Has been guiding birding tours in China since 1999 and is 

a very experienced Leader throughout the country. The 

owner of our Chinese agent company, and vice-chairman 

of Chengdu Birdwatching Society, we are delighted that 

Tang can join us personally in 2019. 

Johnnie Kamugisha is a vastly experienced Guide, 

having led wildlife tours across Uganda for 16 years, often 

in the company of his wife Agnes. Johnnie is a top birder, 

and President of the Uganda Bird Guides Club. 

Jozef Leestmans 

An excellent birder with a relaxed style, Jozef is 

enthusiastic, patient and very capable in the field – just 

what’s needed at Heatherlea! In 2019 Jozef will be leading 

for us in his native Flanders, combined with Holland. 

Dear All 

Just to say we had a fabulous time last week. Dave and Toby certainly 

put some hours into finding us all the birds that were around and with 

dogged determination they found us all the key species of this holiday. 

Their skill at identifying the birds by their call enabled us to have 

stunning views of Penduline Tit and Spectacled Warbler and their 

knowledge of the habitat and terrain brought us fantastic views of so 

many beautiful birds. We had 34 new "ticks"! 

I would also like to say a big thank you for sorting out the car parking 

at Gatwick, everything went really smoothly both when leaving the car 

and collecting it. This is another holiday that we will want to do again 

at some stage. Many thanks, 

Ms JT Extremadura 15 - 22 April 

I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the trip to Fuerteventura 

and was particularly impressed with the arrangements you and 

Heatherlea made to ensure a worry-free experience. Also, many kudos 

to Mark for his expertise in making the trip one of my very best. 

Mr PL 

Fuerteventura 26 - 31 Jan 



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Jaume Soler 

Jaume is an enthusiastic birder and experienced guide 

who has been working with Heatherlea in Spain since 

2009. Jaume is very popular with our clients and will 

again guide for us in Andujar/Cota Donana, and 

Pyrenees & Ebro Delta. 

Rodrigo Tapia 

Rodrigo has explored Chile’s whole length from the 

northern Altiplano to Cape Horn while conducting 

ornithological research and guiding birding tours and 

pelagics since 1989 and works full-time as a birding and 

wildlife trip leader. He has spent hundreds of hours 

with albatrosses, petrels and other seabirds, a group 

which has always captivated him. 

Andrés Trujillo is a highly experienced Ecuadorian tour 

guide, with a comprehensive knowledge of the birds, 

mammals and other wildlife of his homeland. Andres has 

led trips for Heatherlea since 2008 in northern and 

Amazonian Ecuador, and in The Galapagos. 

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. 

… and in the office … 

Emma, Fleur, Victoria and Kevin are here to help, please 

contact us anytime. 

Please visit our website to read more about the holiday 

of your choice, and also to download a free ‘Trip Report’ 

from a recent holiday. 

Our office team will be very happy to speak with you by 

telephone or email, and you can check up-to-date 

availability in person by calling or writing. 

To reserve your holiday please telephone or email. You 

may also use the Booking Form on page 71 and send in 

the post if you prefer. 

Kevin, Fleur, Emma and Victoria 

T 01479 821248 • E info@heatherlea.co.uk 

W www.heatherlea.co.uk • Tw @heatherleabirds 

I want to say a big thankyou to all involved in making my trip last week so 

enjoyable. I find it difficult to say anything original after so many great 

holidays with you so I will repeat myself : a professional team of caring 

people who go the extra mile to provide the best experiences in all aspects of 

the trip from first phone call to hotel stays and excellent birding. Thank you 

so much. Kind regards 

Mrs AB 

Highland Winter Birding 17 - 24 Feb 


Hello Kevin 

I just wanted to say what a great week we had out with Scott O'Hara. Scott 

was brilliant the whole week, and it turned out to be a most enjoyable trip. 

He was well informed and kept Geoff and myself entertained on a whole 

plethora of subjects. His birding skills and knowledge were first class and he 

got us onto some great birds. I've been lucky to go out with many of what I 

would consider your "top" guides, Phil, Dave, Toby, Mark etc but I wouldn’t be 

disappointed if I found out I was on another trip led by Scott. A top bloke, a 

great birder and a credit to Heatherlea. Cheers 

Mr NC Highlands & the East Coast 3 - 10 March 

Good afternoon everyone. I just wanted to say what a brilliant trip we had to 

Costa Rica, despite the weather during the first week. Many thanks again to 

Dave for his patience, good humour and tremendous knowledge. Paco and 

Carlos were both amazing in their efforts to make our trip as enjoyable as 

possible. And Carlos' driving skills and spotting while driving !!!!!!! were 

something to behold. I haven't downloaded my photos yet, but, hopefully, 

when I do, I will send on a couple of my better ones to you. Although, I'm sure 

you will have many from this and previous trips already. I look forward to 

seeing you in June for the Summer Outer Limits trip. Kind regards 

Mr KH 

Costa Rica Classic 13 - 28 January 

Hi, 

Just to say thank you once again for an excellent holiday last week. It was really 

well organised with a terrific leader in Mark - he certainly went the extra mile 

to give us a great time, he obviously loves the island and is a wealth of 

information. Thanks again 

Mr RD 

North Ronaldsay 28 April - 5 May 

Dear all 

I am writing on behalf of our group of 12 on last week's tour. Everyone joins me 

in saying that we had an amazing week. Our guides, Scott and Rob were tireless 

in their efforts to find the birds for us, your catering staff were so good at 

dealing with all our little fads, the accommodation was extremely comfortable 

and lastly the weather was quite kind to us so all in all a great success! We had a 

good journey home, though it was pouring with rain here so we didn't manage to 

dodge the rain as we did in Scotland last week. Thank you to you all. 

Mrs BS 

Birding the Highlands in May 5 - 12 May 

4 


OVERSEAS BIRDING AND WILDLIFE HOLIDAYS 

Do it ‘The Heatherlea Way’! 

Our overseas holidays are planned with care to offer great 

birding and wildlife, led by capable Leaders who really 

look after you. Every holiday is run ‘The Heatherlea Way’, 

offering rewarding and exciting days in the field, and good 

quality accommodation and meals, with a real flavour of 

the country we are visiting. Most holidays include at least 

an element of local guiding, and we always seek to include the 

personal touches that make all the difference. 

Heatherlea holidays are not ‘dawn to dusk’ expeditions. Our less-intensive 

approach is ideal for those who want to relax whilst enjoying excellent 

wildlife watching, and wherever possible we organise early or late activity 

on an optional basis. We also take sensible breaks when in very hot places 

and regular comfort stops on every holiday. It is important to us wherever 

possible 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’. All itineraries 

are planned carefully around the best wildlife opportunities, and our 

relaxed, informal holidays are great fun. 

WHY CHOOSE HEATHERLEA OVERSEAS? 

The most important part of any wildlife holiday is the experience for you, our 

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

✓ 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. 

✓ We have been organising birding and wildlife holidays for more than 28 

seasons, and have a highly experienced and capable office team. We also offer 

a telephone and email service outside normal office hours. 

✓ Many holidays include content which might not seem important before you 

book, but will make a difference when you arrive – examples include an 

invaluable three-day waterbus pass in Venice, taverna meals in Skyros, internal 

flights in Peru, India and Nepal, and many more. 

✓ A ‘feel’ of the country we are visiting is an important part of our holidays. This 

may mean a tour of Havana in Cuba, 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. 

✓ Often our holidays include things which others might invite you to pay 

yourself, for instance Departure Taxes and tips to hotels. We even include a 

small wallet for incidental tips (such as porterage) on some long-haul trips. 

Please check when comparing! 

✓ 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. (NB we reserve the right to increase the number of clients to 13, 

should a couple wish to book the final place available). 

✓ Low initial deposit secures your holiday for most destinations. 

MORE IMPORTANT DETAIL! 

✓ If you would like to read more before you decide, please see our website 

for detailed information covering our itinerary, a trip report, bird list and lots 

more info. Just visit the holiday page at www.heatherlea.co.uk, or ring us here 

in the office and we will post a printed copy to you. For further information and 

booking details contact us on 01479 821248 or email info@heatherlea.co.uk. 

✓ ‘Trip Notes’ will be issued when you book, including information to help 

prepare for your holiday. Sections headed ‘Before you leave’ ‘What to bring’, 

‘During the journey’, ‘On arrival’ and ‘In the field’ will help you to plan – you 

will be very well informed! 

✓ 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 information you 

might need whilst abroad (telephone, currency, medical services, etc). 

✓ All elements of our holidays are sold under our own licence, ATOL 6113. 

Under UK ‘Flight-Plus’ legislation it is a legal requirement of any tour operator 

to hold an ATOL licence for the supply of any overseas holiday where a flight 

is involved, if that holiday includes either overseas accommodation and/or 

vehicle hire. It can be a criminal offence for an operator to book flights as 

part of a package without an ATOL licence. Book holiday extensions through 

us, and your ATOL protection is extended even further. Heatherlea also hold 

full Tour Operator Insurance for your added protection. 

CHOICE OF AIRPORT 

Prefer to fly from your local airport? We offer a number of departures 

from Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Aberdeen and other 

regional airports. You can often choose to take your pre-flight hotel in 

your destination country rather than in London, and join the rest of the 

holiday group the following day. If you do not wish to travel from the 

nominated airport, please contact us to see what we can arrange for the 

holiday of your choice. 



5

THE HEATHERLEA 

PRE-FLIGHT SERVICE 


ENJOY A PRE-FLIGHT AIRPORT HOTEL and 

LOUNGE! 

All 2019 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! 

PRE-FLIGHT HOTEL 

Heatherlea select your airport hotel from our approved shortlist. All offer 

good en-suite accommodation, evening meals and readily available car 

parking and transfers to the terminal. If travelling with you, your Heatherlea 

guide may be staying in the same hotel, and may be able to join you for an 

informal chat the night before travel. 

PRE-FLIGHT VIP AIRPORT LOUNGE 

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 you've bought 

food, drinks, newspapers and a magazine to pass the time, can prove 

expensive too. Why not prefer the comfort of an airport lounge, where you 

can relax for up to three hours before your flight? 

Most of our lounges offer ample free drinks and snacks, magazines and 

newspapers, wifi, TV and comfortable seating amid quiet surroundings, in a 

secluded getaway from the crowded terminal. If travelling on your flight, 

your Heatherlea guide will be there for an optional chat after everyone has 

checked-in, and you can get to know your fellow 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! 

PARKING 

Driving to the airport? Book secure car parking with us to save time and 

money; we offer trusted and good value airport parking services. We can 

arrange parking at your hotel or at the terminal, and options include valet 

parking, and a ‘meet-and-greet’ service, just ask! 

FLIGHT UPGRADES 

Heatherlea offer great deals for Premium Economy and Business Class 

passengers, often bookable instantly over the phone. In the Economy Cabin 

we can arrange a special meal request or organise extra legroom, just ask 

when you book. Where possible we give you written confirmation of special 

arrangements to carry with you on the flight. 

TAILOR MADE EXTENSIONS 

Looking for extra days before or after your wildlife holiday? If so we can 

arrange services for you. It’s quicker and easier than doing it yourself, and 

you will benefit from ATOL protection. We can arrange extensions to all 

overseas tours, including flights, hotels and transfers – let us know your 

requirements and we will do the rest! 

PRE-FLIGHT SERVICES, CHARGES AND CREDITS 

Your holiday price is inclusive of pre-flight hotel and lounge. We adjust your 

final invoice downwards if you don’t require the pre-flight hotel, or if an 

airport lounge is unavailable. Other services, including meals, car parking, 

upgrades etc. are charged separately if we organise them for you. It is 

important to remember that extra services (e.g. car parking) can be more 

expensive as your departure date approaches, so please contact us before 

your final balance payment is due should you require us to organise any 

additional service. 

QUALITY ASSURANCE 

All elements of our package holidays are sold under licence (ATOL 6113). Our 

business partners include British Airways, Delta Airlines, Premier Inn and 

Hilton Hotels. 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. 

6 


With Heatherlea, the Field 

Guide is FREE! 

Our unique Pre-flight Service offers you 

more, and for most holidays in the ‘Rest 

of the World’ section of 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 

£40, this is another benefit from 

Heatherlea which saves you money! 

NEW! Complementary Wallet with money 

for small tips 

We all know that there are times when 

you need a few dollars to pay incidental 

tips, so on our long-haul trips to Africa, 

Asia and the Americas in 2019, we will 

give you this little wallet to help at the 

airport, at the hotel, and on other 

occasions where a dollar or two comes 

in handy. Each wallet will contain several 

single dollar bills to be used entirely at 

your discretion. Keep it close to hand! 

Heatherlea remain responsible for major tips to hotels and key staff, 

though collections for drivers and guides are always appreciated of 

course! 

Don’t forget, when comparing 

Heatherlea with others; 

✓ pre-flight airport hotel INCLUDED^ 

✓ pre-flight VIP lounge entry INCLUDED^ 

✓ car parking, upgrades, in-flight special diets 

ORGANISED AT NO EXTRA CHARGE 

✓ departure tax (several long-haul destinations) 

INCLUDED 

✓ birding Field Guide (destinations not covered by 

Collins) INCLUDED 

✓ major tips to Hotels INCLUDED (whip-rounds for 

drivers/guides always encouraged, but not 

compulsory). 

✓ NEW! minor tips wallet with dollar bills inside, 

INCLUDED (selected 2019 holidays). 

✓ a ‘feel’ of the country and other benefits INCLUDED. 

This might be a tour of Havana, tea in the Sahara, 

internal flights in countries where roads aren’t great, 

taverna lunches …. 

✓ Max 12 clients on most holidays. 

The list goes on! 

^ price reduction if not needed or unavailable. 



7

HEATHERLEA – YOUR NATURAL CHOICE IN EUROPE! 

This year we have new trips in Europe, and enhancements to some old 

favourites to keep them fresh and up-to-date with the best available 

birding. More destinations are coming all the time; please keep an eye on 

our website and newsletters! 

Most European holidays are led by one of our regular guiding team 

travelling from the UK, and with more than seven clients you will usually 

have two Guides. Some Guides are based in the destination country, 

especially in Spain. 

We are your complete holiday provider, offering upgrades, seat selection, 

catering for in-flight dietary requirements, and other services so you can 

feel relaxed and comfortable whatever your needs. Don’t forget, if you 

wish to extend our advertised holiday, our ATOL protection covers your 

full holiday package, and our ‘Pre-flight Service’ makes arrival at the 

departure gate easier – read more on page 6. 

We have added many important elements to our holidays to give you 

extra value, please check the detail! Here are just two examples: 

✓ In Fuerteventura we stay in a truly delightful rural hotel, with 

excellent breakfasts and dinners, which immediately become a 

very popular part of the holiday. Try the paella, local pork or steak, 

and don’t forget the wonderful desserts! 

✓ In Italy our two hotels are exceptional, and we include transfers in 

Venice via alilaguna, perhaps the most romantic and enjoyable 

airport transfer in Europe! 

This is part of ‘The Heatherlea Way’, to give you the best available 

holiday content, in comfort, and with excellent support from our 

Guiding team. 

ARMENIA Relaxed Eastern European birding in a quiet, unspoilt environment 

SAT 4 MAY – WED 15 MAY 2019 

PRICE: £2995PP Single Supplement: £195 Deposit: £600PP 

Leader Dave Pullan. Max 12 clients. 

Departure from London Gatwick - other regional departures may be available. 

Pre-flight airport hotel and lounge are included. 

EUROPE 

A lovely holiday featuring many of the key species of far eastern Europe, in a beautiful 

country away from the usual birding venues. This is a comprehensive tour of key habitats 

and locations, to see a great deal of the birdlife of Armenia, and the holiday will appeal 

particularly to bird lovers with an eye for culture. 

Of over 350 birds recorded in Armenia, more than 200 are breeding, and many will be “lifers” 

for those who have not visited this remote part of eastern Europe. Among our targets will 

be such mouth-watering birds as Marbled Teal, White-headed Duck, Pygmy Cormorant, 

Collared Pratincole, Caucasian Black Grouse, Caspian Snowcock, Levant Sparrowhawk, Whitetailed 

Lapwing, Armenian Gull, Syrian Woodpecker, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, Radde’s and 

Alpine Accentor, White-throated Robin, Finsch’s, Red-tailed Wheatear, Red-breasted 

Flycatcher, Rosy Starling, Western and Eastern Rock Nuthatch, Caucasian Mountain Chiffchaff, 

Upcher’s, Eastern Olivaceous, Eastern Orphean, Green and Menetries’s Warbler, Red-fronted 

Serin, Sombre Tit (these last two species both possible but difficult), Grey-necked and 

Ortolan Bunting, Armenian Horned Lark, and many more. Many raptors breed here, including 

Golden, Lesser-spotted and Eastern Imperial Eagle, Lammergeier, Egyptian, and Griffon 

Vulture, Long-legged and Steppe Buzzard, Lesser Kestrel, Red-footed Falcon, and Levant 

Sparrowhawk, and we expect a total of around 180 species, including many migrants heading 

north in spring. 

8 


AUSTRIA Brilliant birding plus optional Vienna extension 

WED 12 JUNE – TUES 18 JUNE 2019 


Leader Gerard Gorman. Max 12 clients. 


Pre-flight airport hotel and lounge are included. Vienna extension available to your specification. 

Austria is excellent for birding, with several 'eastern' specialities, very diverse habitats including lowland wetlands 

and grasslands, vast old conifer and broadleaved forests, flowery pastures, and of course the famous Alps. The 

scenery is often stunningly beautiful. The pace will be moderate (we will ensure the odd stop for authentic 

apple or cherry strudel!), with some optional hill walks. We visit when the mountains are free of snow and 

hence more accessible. 

Key birds include; Red-backed Shrike, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Common Rosefinch, Hawfinch, Nutcracker, Middle 

Spotted, Lesser Spotted, Grey-headed, Black, Syrian, White-backed and Three-toed Woodpecker, Alpine 

Accentor, Alpine Chough, Eastern Imperial Eagle, Black Kite, Montagu’s Harrier, Short-eared Owl, Great Bustard, 

‘blue-headed’Yellow Wagtail, Hoopoe, Golden Oriole, Bee-eater, River, Marsh, Barred, Icterine, Moustached, 

Savi’s and Great Reed Warblers, Bluethroat, and both Bearded and Penduline Tits. A wide range of waterbirds 

include Kentish Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, Common Redshank, Avocet, Black-winged Stilt, Red-crested Pochard, 

Garganey, Whiskered Tern, and Mediterranean Gull. Hazel Grouse and Eagle Owl are also possible. 

This is a seven-day, six-night holiday, allowing time should you wish for an extension in romantic Vienna at the 

end of the holiday. We will be happy to arrange this for you. 

BELARUS Exciting eastern birding in the marshes and forests of 'White Russia' 

SAT 4 MAY – SAT 11 MAY 2019 


Leader Gerard Gorman joined by local guides. Max 12 clients. 



Located between Russia and Poland, Belarus contains many prime birding habitats. Its forests, marshes and 

fenlands remain largely unchanged, and cover a substantial part of eastern Europe. Rich in breeding birds, 

Belarus is widely tipped to become one of Europe's most popular birding destinations. 

This carefully planned itinerary to the forests and marshes of the country formerly known as “White Russia” 

takes in three main areas: the wonderful wetland reserves of Turau and Sporauski, and the ancient forests of 

BielavieZskaja Pusca. During our week we will search for some special ‘eastern’ species such as Great Snipe, 

Greater Spotted Eagle, Great Grey Owl, Aquatic Warbler, Citrine Wagtail and Azure Tit. Other birds might 

include Whiskered, Black and White-winged Black Tern, Ruff, which will be in varied breeding plumage, 

displaying Black-tailed Godwit, Marsh Sandpiper and much sought after Terek Sandpiper. Corncrake and Little 

and Spotted Crakes should all be calling. We will look for Black and Hazel Grouse, and songbirds might include 

Marsh and Barred Warblers, Thrush Nightingale, Bluethroat (white-spotted race) and Common Rosefinch. We 

might add White-backed, Lesser Spotted, Grey-headed, Black and Three-toed Woodpeckers to our list, plus 

Wryneck, there are both Collared and Red-breasted Flycatchers, and Lesser-spotted, Greater-spotted and 

Short-toed Eagle too. The sheer diversity at this exciting time of year makes Belarus a major European 

destination. Expect between 150-175 species including many of the sought after Eastern specialities. 

BULGARIA IN AUTUMN Brilliant birding along the Via Pontica 

SAT 7 SEPTEMBER – SAT 14 SEPTEMBER 2019 

PRICES: £1895PP Single supplement: £130 Deposit £300PP 

Leader Toby Green, plus local guide. Max 12 clients. 

Departure from Luton - other regional departures may be available. 


An exciting holiday focusing on the spectacular annual migration of thousands of birds of prey, pelicans, 

storks and passerines along the Black Sea flyway known as the Via Pontica. First we visit wetlands around 

Bourgas, one of Europe’s richest bird areas with over 340 species recorded. Huge flocks of White and Dalmatian 

Pelican roost here during migration. At Atanasovsko Lake, a shallow saline lagoon with saltpans, we expect a 

large numbers of birds, including Black-winged Stilt, Broad-billed and Curlew Sandpiper, Marsh Sandpiper, 

Kentish Plover, Slender-billed and Mediterranean Gull, Gull-billed Tern and many other migrants. 

Soaring birds following the coastal flyway in autumn can number in the thousands, and huge numbers of 

White Stork, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Honey Buzzard, Black Stork, Booted Eagle, Short-toed Eagle, Black Kite, Redfooted 

Falcon, Montagu’s Harrier, and Levant Sparrowhawk can be seen. We also explore coastal riverine 

forests and sand dunes, and later the oak forests to seek Grey-headed, Middle-spotted and Lesser Spotted 

Woodpecker, Short-toed Treecreeper, Hawfinch and other species. 

Next we visit the Black Sea coast, where we look for Little Bittern, Ferruginous Duck, Glossy Ibis and Caspian 

Tern. Shrubland could produce a diversity including Icterine, River and Barred Warbler, Red-breasted Flycatcher, 

Calandra Lark, Stone Curlew, Isabelline Wheatear, Bee-eater, Tawny and Red-throated Pipit, larks, shrikes, 

buntings and much more. Raptors should include Levant Sparrowhawk, Saker, Red-footed Falcon, Long-legged 

Buzzard and Eagle Owl. During spectacular migrant falls, every bush can hold warblers, chats and shrikes. 

This holiday is suitable for beginners and experts alike, with a range of sought-after birds, plus identification 

challenges and good chances of hard-to-get Eastern scarcities. 

EUROPE 


9

NEW! BULGARIA & NORTHERN GREECE 

Great spring birding from the Bulgarian Mountains to Lake Kerkini 

SAT 11 MAY – MON 20 MAY 2019 


Leader Phil Knott plus experienced local guide. Max 12 clients. 

Departure from London Heathrow - other regional departures may be available. 

Pre-flight airport hotel and lounge are included 

A new ten-day birding tour that combines the highest mountains of Southwestern Bulgaria and the wetlands of 

Northern Greece, including famous Lake Kerkini and the Axios Delta. The timing of this trip and the sheer range 

of habitats covered give us the chance to record somewhere between 180 - 200 species; a very good birdlist with 

many eastern species, not easy at all in Europe! 

The tour will be split into roughly equal halves in Bulgaria and Greece. The mountains of Bulgaria will give us a 

chance to explore subalpine and woodland meadows, unspoiled coniferous and beech forests, and the river 

valleys that drain water from the highest mountains of the Balkans to Northern Greece and the Aegean Sea. 

One of the main targets here will be to see most European woodpecker species (all breed here except Iberian 

Green), plus mountain specialities Hazel Grouse, Pygmy Owl, Spotted Nutcracker, Alpine Chough, Wallcreeper 

and Shore Lark. Birding in the lowlands and the river valleys of Southwestern Bulgaria should produce good 

views of Short-toed Eagle, Long-legged Buzzard, Griffon Vulture, Calandra Lark, Isabelline Wheatear, Black-headed 

Bunting, Common Rock Sparrow, Sombre Tit and other exciting birds. 

Northern Greece is famous for its coastal lagoons and big lakes that host huge numbers of migratory and resident 

water birds - Dalmatian and White Pelican, Pygmy Cormorant, Greater Flamingo, Little Bittern, Purple and Squacco 

Herons, Spur-winged Plover, Marsh Sandpiper, Slender-billed Gull, Gull-billed Tern and many more. The woodclad 

mountains around are home to many raptors including Lesser Spotted Eagle, Booted Eagle, Short-toed 

Eagle and Black Kite, while the riverine forests support Levant Sparrowhawk and White-tailed Eagle. The area has 

a strong Mediterranean influence that benefits species such as Great Spotted Cuckoo, Olive-tree Warbler, Eastern 

Orphean Warbler, Masked Shrike, Blue Rock Thrush, Western Rock Nuthatch and Black-eared Wheatear. 

CAMARGUE Wonderful European birding in early spring 

SAT 16 MARCH – SAT 23 MARCH 2019 


Leader Ian Ford, joined by another from our experienced Heatherlea team with more than 

7 clients. Max 12 clients. Departure from London Gatwick - other regional departures may be 

available. Pre-flight airport hotel and lounge are included. 

Join us in one of Europe’s premier birding destinations just as migration begins. From the sweeping marshes of 

the Camargue reserve and the surrounding plains of La Crau to the limestone cliffs of Les Alpilles and the 

mountain slopes of Mont Ventoux, we explore all the special places and key sites, returning in the evening to a 

lovely cosy hotel and traditional food; Heatherlea aficionados will feel right at home! 

Wintering birds usually include Wallcreeper, Bonelli’s Eagle, Greater Spotted Eagle, Little 

Bustard, Citril Finch, Eagle Owl, Black Woodpecker, Bluethroat, Alpine Accentor, Penduline 

Tit, Calandra Lark, Moustached Warbler, and flocks of Greater Flamingo, which can usually 

be measured in thousands. We travel in early spring, so migrants should be arriving daily, and 

other birds of note may include Golden Eagle, Pin-Tailed Sandgrouse, Black-necked Grebe, 

Little Stint, Spotted Redshank, Long-Legged Buzzard, Red Kite, Yellow-legged Gull, Slenderbilled 

Gull, Little Owl, Crag Martin, Water Pipit, Richard’s Pipit, Blue Rock Thrush, Southern 

Grey Shrike, Crested Tit, Sardinian Warbler, Firecrest, Serin, Hawfinch, Brambling, Common 

Crossbill, Cirl Bunting and Rock Bunting. A tremendous start to your overseas birding year! 

Watch out also for the famous Camargue Horses, Camargue Bull, Coypu in ditches, and 

blundering Wild Boar crashing through vegetation. 

NEW! CANARIES Tenerife, La Gomera & Fuerteventura 

SAT 23 FEB – SAT 2 MARCH 2019 


Leader Mark Warren, joined by another from our experienced Heatherlea team with more 

than 7 clients. Max 12 clients. Departure from London Gatwick - other regional departures may 

be available. Pre-flight airport hotel and lounge are included. 

EUROPE 

A new and exciting experience in the Canaries! We visit three key islands to find all the endemics, several 

interesting subspecies and races, seabirds, and desert species also found in North Africa. 

Fuerteventura is a small piece of the Sahara in the sea, mainly covered with shrub steppe, sand dunes and other 

desert habitats. We seek endemic Fuerteventura Chat, Houbara Bustard and Cream-coloured Courser. Other 

important birds include Barbary Falcon, Barbary Partridge, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, ultramarinus Blue Tit, 

Egyptian Vulture, Lesser Short-toed Lark, Plain Swift, Berthelot's Pipit, Spectacled Warbler and Trumpeter Finch. 

In Tenerife we should find endemic Bolle`s and Laurel Pigeon. We also look for distinctive Blue Chaffinch, Canary, 

local races of Great Spotted Woodpecker and European Robin, and endemic sub-species tintillon Common 

Chaffinch, teneriffae Goldcrest, teneriffae Blue Tit and Canary Islands Chiffchaff. 

On La Gomera, where the original laurel forest remains very well preserved, good populations of Bolle's and 

Laurel Pigeons occur. The prehistoric ambience is magnified by the dense laurel forest, the silence broken by the 

song of Canary Chiffchaff and Blue Tit. Crossing by ferry is itself is a memorable experience, and we watch for 

petrel species, Cory´s and Manx shearwaters, and Short-finned Pilot Whale and Bottle-nosed Dolphin. 

10 


CROATIA An original and rewarding birding tour 

SAT 6 APRIL – SAT 13 APRIL 2019 


Leader Gerard Gorman. Max 12 clients. Departure from London Heathrow - other regional 

departures may be available. Pre-flight airport hotel and lounge are included. 

This highly original itinerary is based around the karst landscapes of Dalmatia just inland from the clear blue 

waters of the Adriatic Sea. We visit three scenic protected areas, an offshore island and the country's largest 

natural freshwater wetland. The tour is at a relaxed pace, and we stay in three bases, in comfortable small ensuite 

hotels. 

Key birds include: Pygmy Cormorant, Rock Partridge, Rock Nuthatch, ‘real’ Rock Dove, Sombre Tit, White and 

Black Storks, Squacco and Purple Herons, Spanish Sparrow, Scops Owl, Blue Rock Thrush, Alpine Swift, Alpine 

Chough (at low levels!), Cirl Bunting, Crag Martin. Stone Curlew, Short-toed and Crested Larks, Tawny Pipit, the 

black-headed race of Yellow Wagtail, Hoopoe, Woodchat Shrike, Serin, Ferruginous Duck, Garganey, Marsh 

Harrier, Goshawk, Wryneck, Grey-headed, Middle Spotted, Lesser Spotted and Black Woodpeckers, Great 

Reed and Savi’s Warblers, Short-toed Treecreeper and Hawfinch. There should also be tern and wader passage 

and flocks of Ruff and Spotted Redshank, many ducks, herons and egrets, and other wildlife including reptiles, 

amphibians and butterflies. Our week in Croatia will produce some stunning scenery and several relatively 

unexplored wildlife sites await us. In addition, we will sample local Croat and Dalmatian cuisine, which might 

be described as a blend of Italian and Balkan, and no doubt also the rich local wines. 

ESTONIA A Baltic Birding Bonanza 

TUES 14 MAY – TUES 21 MAY 2019 


Leader Toby Green, joined by local guide Uku Paal. Max 12 clients. 



Estonia is one of Europe’s best destinations for birdwatchers. More than 200 species breed, and in spring a 

heavy passage of wildfowl and waders occurs along the Baltic coast heading north. 

This is the smallest and least populated of the Baltic states. About 10% of the country is legally protected for 

conservation reasons, typified by coast, wetlands and forests. There are thousands of ponds, marshes, bogs 

and lakes and nearly 1,000 offshore islands and islets. About 40% of the land is covered by forest and 20% by 

bog, and farmland is often managed in a low-intensive manner with many acres of hand-mown meadows and 

lush pastures. This picturesque rustic scenery only enhances the charm of this little known country, and we 

aim to explore each habitat thoroughly to bring you the very best of the birds – a real Baltic birding bonanza. 

Much depends on the passage of spring migrants and the local availability of rare breeding species, and on 

this well planned north-east European adventure, we stay in three different locations, giving us the best 

possible chances of finding specialities. Targets include White-tailed, Golden, Lesser and Greater Spotted 

Eagle, Hazel Grouse, lekking Great Snipe, Red-necked Phalarope, Corncrake, Pygmy, Ural and Tengmalm’s Owl 

(owls are easier in some other destinations), White-backed, Grey-headed, Black and Three-toed Woodpecker, 

Thrush Nightingale, Savi’s, Marsh, Barred, Icterine and River Warbler, Citrine Wagtail, Nutcracker, Red-breasted 

Flycatcher, Common Rosefinch, Red-necked Grebe, taiga and tundra Bean Geese, Caspian, Black and Whitewinged 

Tern, Montagu’s Harrier, Temminck’s Stint, Black and White Stork, Red-backed and Great Grey Shrike, 

Penduline Tit and Parrot Crossbill. Other possible species include Capercaillie, Broad-billed Sandpiper, Golden 

Oriole and Ortolan Bunting. 

FINLAND Birding in the best season 

MON 27 MAY – SUN 2 JUNE 2019 

PRICE: £2795PP Single supplement: £270 Deposit £300PP 

Leader Tero Linjama from Finnature, joined by another from our experienced Heatherlea team 

with more than seven clients. Max 12 clients. Departure from London Heathrow or Edinburgh. 


A birding trip for a wide range of key European species. During our first two days we target Eagle, Great Grey, 

Ural, Tengmalm’s, Hawk, Long-eared, Short-eared and Pygmy Owl, and also look for Montagu’s and Pallid 

Harriers, Greenshank, Spotted Redshank, Ruff, Citrine Wagtail, Caspian Tern, Black-tailed Godwit and Garganey. 

Bitterns can be heard booming, and a few pairs of Red-backed Shrikes breed. Other key birds include Whitetailed 

Eagle, Common Crane, Whooper Swan, and rare Broad-billed and Terek Sandpiper, and forests give our 

first chance of Three-toed and Black Woodpecker, Black and Hazel Grouse and Capercaillie. ‘Night singers’ 

might include Thrush Nightingale, Blyth’s Reed Warbler – and perhaps even Corncrake. We also visit a hide 

to see Ruff at the lek, an unforgettable experience, popular with photographers! 

Our second centre is in Kuusamo, Finland’s top birding destination. En-route we have a delicious lunch at a 

Reindeer farm, then begin a feast of birding! Vast forests hold Capercaillie and Black and Willow Grouse, 

Goldeneye, Wood Sandpiper and Brambling are common, though the real draw is the list of eastern and 

northern species: Red-flanked Bluetail, Little and Rustic Bunting, Greenish Warbler, Siberian Tit, Dipper and 

Siberian Jay. Other species might include Bohemian Waxwing, Great Grey Shrike, Red-necked Grebe, Common 

Rosefinch, Pine Grosbeak, Two-barred Crossbill and Parrot Crossbill. Black and Three-toed Woodpecker, Black 

Grouse, Willow Grouse, Hazel Hen, Capercaillie and Little Gull all breed here. 

Late nights help us enjoy brilliant birding throughout, though there will be the opportunity to rest up in the 

afternoon on some days. 

EUROPE 


11

FUERTEVENTURA IN SPRING Excellent spring migration & spectacular breeding birds 

FRI 8 MARCH – FRI 15 MARCH 2019 


Leader Dave Pullan, joined by another from our experienced Heatherlea team with more than 7 

clients. Max 12 clients. Departure from London Gatwick - other regional departures may be 


Fuerteventura is an exciting destination, where we visit spectacular mountainous regions, impressive desert 

areas, bird-rich barrancos and freshwater pools and scrapes, while staying in an excellent family-run hotel 

with a real flavour of the island! 

We concentrate on finding some resident species more usual in Africa. A key target is Houbara Bustard, which 

conduct an impressive breeding display, turning themselves 'inside-out' whilst strutting around spectacular 

desert scenery. Fuerteventura is a good place to see Houbara, and by using our vehicle as a hide, we hope for 

close-up views of this display. The island's only endemic is Fuerteventura Chat, and we seek these attractive 

birds perching and perhaps singing at the top of thorny scrub vegetation in select ravines and slopes. 

Key birds on this holiday are Cream-coloured Courser, Barbary Partridge, Barbary Falcon, Black-bellied 

Sandgrouse, Egyptian Vulture, Trumpeter Finch, Lesser Short-toed Lark, African Blue Tit (ultramarinus) and 

Canaries endemic Berthalot's Pipit. 

In spring, migrants may include Red-rumped Swallow, Pallid and Plain Swift, Montague's and Hen Harrier, White 

Stork, Bee-eater, Golden Oriole, Wryneck, Red-backed and Woodchat Shrike, Bluethroat, Subalpine, Western 

Bonelli's and Yellow-browed Warblers, Little Stint, Spoonbill, Curlew Sandpiper, Squacco and Purple Heron, 

Red-throated Pipit and several races of Yellow Wagtail, Little Shearwater (baroli), and Slender-billed Gull. 

Turtle Dove and Ring Ouzel may pass through, and Marbled and Ring-necked Duck are recorded regularly, A 

trip of discovery where anything can turn up! 

HOLLAND AND FLANDERS Eurostar or flight to Brussels followed by great birding 

SAT 2 FEBRUARY – SAT 9 FEBRUARY 2019 


Leader Josef Leestmans joined by another from our experienced Heatherlea team with more 

than 7 clients. Max 12 clients. Departure from London - other regional departures may be 


Many of our guests prefer not to fly, and on this holiday you have the option of travelling by Eurostar! 

Join popular Heatherlea Guide Jozef Leestmans to see the native birds of his home region. Jozef was formerly 

Reserve Manager at Bootjesven, and still has close birding contacts in Holland and Flanders. 

We begin in south-west Holland, amid more than a million wintering geese, together with high numbers of 

waders, swans, divers, grebes and seaduck. Expect flocks of wintering Barnacles, with a few Red-breasted 

mixed in, White-fronts with a few Lesser White-fronts, several forms of Brent, and tundra Beans with Snow 

Goose a distinct possibility. Seaduck include Smew, and water birds include all three egrets, Eurasian Spoonbill 

and returning Black-tailed Godwits. These birds attract raptors including Peregrine, White-tailed Eagle and 

Short-eared Owl. 

Later we are based in Bootjesven in Belgium, a woodland area with lakes and ponds, and we expect five 

species of woodpecker including Black, and both Middle and Lesser Spotted. Great Grey Shrike and Woodlark 

overwinter, and other species include Crested Tit and Firecrest. We also have the opportunity to see European 

Beavers as we take a trip on a 'Whisperboat' through the canals and creeks of Biesbosch National Park. On the 

sea all four divers are possible, and we should see Long-tailed Duck, Common and Velvet Scoter and grebes. 

In the mudflats waders include Greenshank, Avocet, Grey Plover, Golden Plover, Dunlin, Redshank and both 

Bar-tailed and Black-tailed Godwit. On the shore we look for Sanderling, Snow Bunting, Lapland Bunting and 

Shore Lark. 

Other birds might include Marsh and Hen Harrier, Bearded Tit, Bittern, Caspian Gull, Crested Lark and Serin, 

and perhaps Rough-legged Buzzard. We should see large herds of Konik-horses and Heck-cattle, wild creatures 

which exist without interference or regulation from humans. 

HUNGARY IN AUTUMN Spectacular Crane migration and the best of autumn birding 

TUES 1 OCTOBER – TUES 8 OCTOBER 2019 


Leader Gerard Gorman, joined by another from our experienced Heatherlea team with more 

than 7 clients. Max 12 clients. Departure from London Gatwick or Manchester - other regional 


EUROPE 

Our main focus on this three-centre holiday is the spectacular migration of Common Cranes 

through the Hortobagy National Park in eastern Hungary, one of Europe’s great birding 

experiences. Each autumn up to 70,000 of these elegant birds from Fenno-Scandia, the Baltic 

States, Poland and elsewhere in northern Europe congregate here. We will see cranes flying to 

roost at dusk in vast skeins and feeding by day in crop fields. There are also special resident birds 

including Great Bustard, Saker Falcon, White-tailed and Eastern Imperial Eagle, eight species of 

woodpecker including White-backed, Middle-spotted, Grey-headed, Syrian and Black, and early 

winter visitors such as Great Grey Shrike. A highlight is a visit to a Long-eared Owl roost in a 

remote village, with sometimes up to 30 birds present. Numerous wildfowl should include the 

first Greater White-fronts and perhaps some tundra and taiga Bean Geese. Other birds should 

include Hawfinch, Black Redstart, Red-throated Pipit, Serin, Rock Bunting, Short-toed Treecreeper, 

Marsh Harrier, Penduline Tit, Stone Curlew and Dotterel. A tremendous autumn feast of birds! 

12 


ICELAND – BIRDS AND BOREALIS 

THURS 21 FEBRUARY – MON 25 FEBRUARY 2019 


Leader Dave Pullan. Max 7 clients. 

Departure from London - other regional departures may be available. 


A tremendous long weekend in the land of fire and ice in winter. See Gyrfalcon, Harlequin Duck, 

Barrow’s Goldeneye, White-tailed Eagle, Ptarmigan in white plumage, Glaucous and Iceland Gull, 

wintering Whooper Swan and a chance of Brünnich’s Guillemot, Little Auk and more in a very 

relaxed setting. PLUS we hope to see the awe-inspiring aurora borealis, or northern lights, an 

experience never to be forgotten! Glaciers, geysers, volcanoes, lava fields, waterfalls…. we travel to 

some of the best sites in south-west Iceland, accompanied by our very knowledgeable and 

experienced guide. 

The tour is based in southern Iceland, where in addition to the birds we will visit many natural 

wonders including Gullfoss, considered by many to be Iceland’s finest waterfall. Nearby is the famed 

Geysir after which all geysers are named. A dynamic gusher erupts every few minutes to a height 

of 30 metres. We then explore Pingvellir National Park, where for centuries the early parliament met 

in the open air. We travel over vast glacial outwash plains to stand on the Myrdalsjökull glacier, and 

of course watch the fabulous display of the Northern Lights. A dramatic and awe-inspiring birding 

and geological adventure! 

ICELAND IN SUMMER Birds, cetaceans and geology - ‘Complete Iceland’ 

MON 22 JULY – MON 29 JULY 2019 


Leader Dave Pullan, joined by another from our team with more than 7 clients. Max 12 clients. 



This unique holiday is a complete tour of the Land of Fire and Ice. Our trip is designed to give you the very 

best, as we stay in three centres in an unforgettable and thorough exploration. Want to ‘do’ Iceland? Look no 

further! 

Amid dramatic landscapes, we seek Gyrfalcon, Red-necked Phalarope, Great Northern and Redthroated 

Diver, dazzling Harlequin Duck and Barrow’s Goldeneye. We cover all the birdlife, including 

White-tailed Eagle, Ptarmigan, Brünnich’s Guillemot, Snow Bunting, Whimbrel, Black-tailed Godwit 

and Arctic and Great Skua. Recent trips have produced rarities including Ring-necked Duck, Lesser 

Scaup, American Wigeon and King Eider. 

We also enjoy three whale-watching trips – giving fantastic chances to see Orca, Humpback and 

Minke Whale, White-beaked Dolphin, and Harbour Porpoise. We may see mighty Blue Whale, plus 

Sperm, Fin and Sei Whales, and Bottle-nosed and White-sided Dolphins, as these mammals 

congregate in the food-rich waters of the North Atlantic. 

Later, you will see the hot spring area of Hveravellir, the dramatic glacial river falls of Gullfoss, the 

famous geysers at Geysir, and the glaciers, waterfalls and active volcanoes of Eyjafjallajökull and 

Hekla. The tumbled moraines provide much of interest for botanists and geologists. 

NEW! IRELAND FOR BIRDERS Migration in County Cork and County Wexford 

SAT 24 AUGUST – SAT 31 AUGUST 2019 


Leader Phil Knott, joined by another from our team with more than 7 clients. 

Max 12 clients. Departure from London Heathrow - other regional departures may be available. 


A two-centre tour of the southern coast of the Emerald Isle, from County Cork to County Wexford. We run 

this holiday in a similar style to our popular Scottish ‘… for Birders’ tours, seeking rarities in under-watched 

coastal locations. 

At this time migrant waders are at their peak, and we hope to find a range that may include an 

American vagrant. In Cork, we cover many famous birding sites, and though our itinerary depends 

on weather, tides and recent sightings, Mizen Head, Rosscarbery and Cobh Harbour all have lists of 

mouth-watering rarities over the years. Ballycotton is another of the best sites, with annual records 

of Semipalmated Sandpiper, American Golden Plover, Pectoral Sandpiper and Lesser Yellowlegs. 

An exciting aspect is our dedicated pelagic boat trip into the Atlantic, chumming from the boat to 

draw in a range of rare birds. Top targets are Wilson’s Petrel and Great Shearwater, though any 

number of petrels, shearwaters, skuas and auks are possible, with chances of common and rare 

cetaceans. 

Another draw is our day trip to Cape Clear, accessed by foot ferry. This is the most southerly point 

of Ireland, famous for rare birds, and has produced some huge rarities at this time, with Northern 

Waterthrush, Yellow Warbler and Solitary Sandpiper all in the last decade. We will spend several 

hours on foot, checking out the sparse cover and hope to find a rare passerine or two! 

Once over into Wexford we have two full days birding, covering the famous sites of Tacumshin 

Marsh , Lady’s Island Lake, Rosslare Harbour and Hook Head amongst others. Superb birding in a 

beautiful country! 

EUROPE 


13

ITALY – PO DELTA AND VENICE 

Great birding short break, followed by a few days in Venice 



Leader Scott O’Hara joined by another from our team with more than 7 clients. Max 12 clients. 



A very different and relaxing holiday, combining birding with culture. 

Specialities of this vast wetland include Black-necked Grebe, Pygmy Cormorant, Purple, Night and Squacco 

Heron, Glossy Ibis, Spoonbill, Greater Flamingo, Lesser Kestrel, Ferruginous Duck, Red-crested Pochard, Little 

Bittern, Marsh Harrier, Marsh, Green and Wood Sandpiper, Avocet, Kentish Plover, Little Stint, Whimbrel, 

Caspian and Gull-billed Tern, Mediterranean and Slender-billed Gull, Wryneck, Black Redstart, Sardinian 

Warbler, Penduline Tit, italiae House Sparrow, Serin, Honey Buzzard, Black Kite, White Stork, Black Stork, Beeeater, 

Hoopoe and several races of Yellow Wagtail on passage to more northerly breeding grounds. We may 

also take a boat trip into the shallow Adriatic lagoon to see breeding Slender-billed Gull, depending upon 

availability. 

We may be joined by top local birder Menotti Passarella, who always produces fascinating birding, often with 

access to places not normally open to the public. Our lovely hotel is a major element of our holiday 

experience, everyone who has joined this holiday has loved this delightful venue. Breakfasts are expansive and 

luxurious, and evening meals superb. A real treat, and very much a taste of rural Italy. 

After birding, we drive you to nearby Venice, to enjoy the city’s timeless wonder. Your tour begins at the 

Doge’s Palace, and takes you down the Canale Grande. See St Mark’s Basilica and the poignant Bridge of Sighs, 

and just enjoy the feel of Venice. Use your 72-hour waterbus pass (included) to explore the lagoon and Grand 

Canal, or visit the many art museums. Another excellent hotel adds to the experience, and our alilaguna cruise 

at the end is perhaps Europe’s most enjoyable airport transfer! 

MALLORCA Lovely Mediterranean Birding in spring 



Leader Rob Jordan, joined by Bernie Forbes with more than 7 clients. Max 12 clients. 

Departures from London Gatwick or Manchester - other regional departures may be available. 


This is an exciting time of year when virtually anything can happen, as many thousands of birds pass over and 

through the island, resting and feeding before heading to mainland Europe. There may be hundreds of Honey 

Buzzards overhead, or trees full of singing Nightingales displaying openly. Unexpected rarities can occur 

anywhere, and there are excellent migrant ‘traps’ such as the fig orchards and fields at Casas Veyas and the 

Boquer Valley. 

Rare and much sought species include Black Vulture, Marmora’s Warbler and Moustached Warbler. Key birds 

seen infrequently in the UK include Golden Oriole, Bee-eater, Roller, Wryneck, Firecrest, elegant Eleonora’s 

Falcon, Egyptian Vulture, Short-toed Eagle and Red-footed Falcon, and a huge variety of water birds and 

passerines, both resident and migrant. Our base for the week is a family-run hotel in a small village in the north 

of Mallorca, very conveniently placed for transfer to migration hotspots, yet away from busy tourist areas. We 

are also well placed to visit the varied mountain, marsh and coastal habitats of the northern part of the island, 

and with little physical effort, we’ll be able to enjoy some of Europe’s most sought-after species amid beautiful 

and sometimes spectacular scenery. This trip is ideal for those who want to experience the thrill of spring 

migration at its best, for those who are new to European birding and want to see many of the most iconic 

species, and for those with more experience who want to ‘fill-in’ a few gaps while enjoying warm spring 

sunshine on a relaxing and laid-back holiday. This gently paced tour has a potential list of over 120 species and 

a major objective is for everyone to get good views of as many of these as possible. 

PORTUGAL IN SPRING Iberian Specialities and Spring Migration 


PRICE: £1895PP Single supplement: £145 Deposit: £300PP 

Leader Mark Warren, joined by local guide Hugo Sampaio with more than 7 clients. 

Max 12 clients. Departure from London Gatwick - other regional departures may be available. 


EUROPE 

Portugal has a warm climate, superb scenery and an impressive diversity of breeding birds, which includes a 

number of species with restricted range in Europe. We have organised this spring tour to the south to include 

a wide diversity of birds in a mixture of wetlands, grasslands, oak forest, scrub, heath and rocky habitats. 

Highlights might include some of the numerous raptors; Bonelli’s and Spanish Imperial Eagles, Griffon and 

Black Vultures, Black-shouldered Kite, Montagu’s Harrier and Lesser Kestrel. Wetlands feature heavily and will 

be busy with breeding and migratory birds such as Purple Heron, Little Bittern, Black Stork, Purple Swamphen, 

Collared Pratincole, Audouin’s Gull, Caspian, Little and Gull-billed Terns and a good selection of waders. Open 

country and scrub birds should include Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Great and Little Bustard, Stone Curlew, 

Great-spotted Cuckoo, Red-necked Nightjar, Roller, Pallid Swifts, Calandra, Thekla, Short-toed and Lesser 

Short-toed Lark, Tawny Pipit, Red-rumped Swallow, Black-eared Wheatear, Rufous Bush Robin, Blue Rock 

Thrush, Orphean, Subalpine and Spectacled Warbler, Woodchat and Southern Grey Shrike, Azure-winged 

Magpie, Cirl and Rock Bunting. In addition to first class birding, this tour promises a fine show of spring flowers, 

plentiful sunshine and the opportunity to sample Portuguese wines and very tasty local cooking. 

14 


SKYROS Exciting spring birding on an ‘undiscovered’ Greek island 

FRI 19 APRIL – FRI 26 APRIL 2019 


Leader Phil Knott, joined by another from our experienced Heatherlea team with more than 7 

clients. Max 12 clients. Departure from London Heathrow - other regional departures may be 


A destination ideal for birders who want to enjoy spring migration on an island unspoilt by tourism, without 

crowds of birders. Comparisons with nearby Lesvos are inevitable; basically Skyros is smaller, with less cover. 

There will probably be fewer species (about 100) but birds are more concentrated and conspicuous here. 

Skyros sits far out in the Aegean, highly visible to migrant birds because of its dominant mountain rising sharply 

from sea level. Birds drop in to sparse cover and small wetlands where they are bottlenecked and easy to see. 

Fertile areas are greenest in late April, at peak migration time, so birds rest to feed before moving on. With its 

location and topography falls of migrants are highly possible, and birding can be exciting. 

We visit a variety of interesting habitats including rocky heaths and scrub, fields, groves and wetlands, gnarled 

oaks and maples in the valleys, open slopes, rocky streams and coastal mouths, and of course the open sea, 

where we charter a boat for a cruise taking in the rugged coastline and off-shore islets, targeting dolphins, 

shearwaters and the critically endangered Monk Seal. 

Birding will include a wide range of spring migrants, with warblers, flycatchers, shrikes, buntings, Bee-eater, 

Golden Oriole, hirundines, raptors and waders arriving daily. Eleonora’s Falcon arrive late April in small numbers, 

Chukar, Cretzschmar’s Bunting, Bonelli’s Eagle, Levant Sparrowhawk, Scopoli’s Shearwater, Yelkouan Shearwater, 

Audouin’s Gull, and many more will give us absorbing birding in a lovely location. In the evenings, we eat at 

tavernas on a relaxed itinerary which will give you time to explore (or keep birding!) as you choose. If you want 

spring migration in a quiet and unspoilt place, this is it! 

SPAIN - ANDALUCIA Iberian specialities and autumn migration! 

SAT 7 SEPTEMBER – SAT 14 SEPTEMBER 2019 


Leader Ian Ford, joined by another from our experienced Heatherlea team with more than 7 

clients. Max 12 clients. Departure from London Gatwick - other regional departures may be 


More raptors migrate across the Straits of Gibraltar annually than at any other site in Europe. A daily stream 

of thousands filter southwards through Spain, with concentrations in different places according to the weather. 

If unsuitable for passage, birds continue to funnel into the area each day until there may be 10,000 individuals 

waiting to cross. Our main focus is spectacular migration watching from a variety of viewpoints on the Spanish 

side of the Straits. There may also be significant passerine migration, and we also take time to find key local 

resident birds rare or unknown elsewhere in Europe. 

Target raptors include Honey Buzzard, Black Kite, Red Kite, Egyptian Vulture, Griffon Vulture, Short-toed Eagle, 

Bonelli’s Eagle, Booted Eagle, Montagu’s Harrier, Lesser Kestrel and possibly Golden Eagle, Black Vulture, Blackwinged 

Kite, and Long-legged Buzzard. Other birds include many White Stork and Black Stork, White-headed 

Duck, Purple Gallinule, Greater Flamingo, Glossy Ibis and Penduline Tit in the wet ‘marismas’, Balearic 

Shearwater, Cory’s Shearwater, Audouin’s Gull, Slender-billed Gull, Caspian Tern and Lesser Crested Tern on the 

coast, Azure-winged Magpie, Spotless Starling and Spanish Sparrow inland and migrating Alpine Swift, Pallid 

Swift, Crag Martin, Red-Rumped Swallow, Hoopoe and Bee-eater. 

SPAIN – BIRDING AND LYNX Endangered Iberian Lynx plus birds of Coto Donana 

MON 7 JANUARY – MON 14 JANUARY 2019 


Leader Cristian Jensen joined by another from our experienced Heatherlea team with more than 

7 clients. Max 12 clients. Departure from London Gatwick - other regional departures may be 


This is a combined birding and mammal trip in the mild winter of southern Spain, with a special focus on seeing 

endangered Iberian Lynx. This two-centre holiday also includes time in Coto Donana for some excellent birding. 

We begin by looking for White-headed Duck as we transfer to Coto Donana, where we explore the mosaic of 

marshes, pine woodland, open heathland and sand dunes at one of the best times to visit. Expect large numbers 

of gulls, waders, herons and egrets, plus White Stork, Glossy Ibis and Spoonbill and the opportunity to see key 

Spanish specialties, in particular Purple Gallinule, Marbled Teal, Red-knobbed Coot and rare Spanish Imperial 

Eagle. Some breeding raptors are back on territory or passing on migration, and the whole area is full of birds. 

Our second centre is in Sierra de Andújar. This beautiful mountain chain holds the largest remaining Lynx 

population in Spain, now critically endangered and increasingly difficult to see, though our local contacts are 

extensive, and on previous visits we have always succeeded. We search for these rare animals in quiet places 

away from the crowds at public viewpoints, though we will take part in joint efforts at key places too! We may 

also see Red and Fallow Deer, Mouflon, Otter, and Wild Boar. Birds here include Griffon and Black Vultures, 

Spanish Imperial Eagle, Azure-winged Magpie, and Black Wheatear. Expect around 120 –140 bird species in 

total. 

This is a relaxed and interesting itinerary, with good birding and mammal watching in a pleasant climate. Our 

small, exclusive group visits isolated places in incredible landscapes, and our rural hotels give a real feel of 

Spain. 

EUROPE 


15

NEW! SPAIN – CATALONIA inc EBRO DELTA 

Two fabulous holidays in this highly rewarding region, where habitats range from the 

high mountains of the Pyrenees to the extensive wetlands of the Ebro Delta. Resident 

and migratory birds are numerous, and many European specialities can be found. If you 

haven’t birded this region before, or even if you know it well, these holidays offer a 

wealth of fascinating and much sought-after birdlife. 

CATALONIA AND SOUTH-EAST ARAGON 

Superb spring birding from the Ebro Delta to the pre-Pyrenees. 

WED 24 APRIL – THURS 2 MAY 2019 


Leader Ian Ford plus expert local Guide Sergi Sales with more than 

7 clients. Max 12 clients. Departure from London Gatwick - other 

regional departures may be available. 


Outstanding European birding covering an impressive number of targets in 

delightful places, at the time of peak migration, this exceptional eight-night 

adventure features days full of birdsong and breeding display. Kevin says: 'I spent 

a few days in the Delta in Sept 2017, and a few more in the steppes around Lleida 

in April 2018 to put this holiday together. The birding is truly exceptional in both 

locations, the two hotels are just right, the temperature isn't too hot and the birds 

are active. The excitement of migration adds an important extra element!' 

In the Ebro Delta spring birding is wonderful. Ideally situated on the northern 

Mediterranean coast, and easy to reach just two hours south of Barcelona, we 

should see around 25 wader species and 7 herons, should find large numbers of 

Slender-billed, Mediterranean and Audouin's Gull, and many hundreds of 

breeding birds include Whiskered, Gull-billed and passage Caspian Tern. Other 

birds include Black-winged Stilt, Greater Flamingo, three egrets, Purple Heron, 

Black-crowned Night Heron, Kingfisher, Glossy Ibis, Spoonbill, Squacco Heron, 

Little Bittern, Collared Pratincole, Purple Swamphen and Reed Bunting (rare 

witherbyii subspecies), Penduline Tit, Savi’s, Moustached and Great Reed Warbler. 

Red-crested Pochard, Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint and Whimbrel may feature 

during their long migration. 

We search for warblers, chats and flycatchers passing through, perhaps in number, 

and small clumps of scrubby bushes close to the beach can hold falls including 

Woodchat Shrike, Sub-alpine Warbler, Common Whitethroat, Common Redstart, 

Pied Flycatcher, Garden Warbler and Hoopoe. At dusk we might search for local 

breeding Long-eared Owl or perhaps a calling Scops Owl. 

We travel north-east via mountainous Els Port, including a visit to a spectacular 

vulture feeding station where there may be many dozen Griffon Vulture at close 

quarters. Other birds today may include Booted, Short-toed, Golden and Bonelli’s 

Eagle, Egyptian Vulture, Black Kite, Peregrine, Firecrest, Short-toed Treecreeper, 

Serin, Red-billed Chough, Blue Rock Thrush, Rock Bunting, Rock Sparrow and 

Crag Martin. We also hope to see rare and beautiful Spanish Ibex, and there 

should be excellent chances for photography. 

Next we transfer inland to enjoy outstanding birding in plain, steppe and 

mountain areas. Key birds include Little Bustard, Black-bellied and Pin-tailed 

Sandgrouse, Lammergeier and many, many more, including Booted, Bonelli's, 

Short-toed and Golden Eagle, Black and Egyptian Vulture, Roller, Bee-eater, 

Hoopoe, Golden Oriole, warblers including Moustached, Melodious, Western 

Bonelli's, Great Reed, Sub-alpine, Western Orphean, Cetti's and Spectacled, larks 

including Calandra, Thekla, Short-toed and Lesser Short-toed, Black Wheatear, 

Pallid Swift, Penduline Tit, Cirl Bunting, Turtle Dove, Stone Curlew, Woodchat 

and Iberian Grey Shrike, Eagle and Little Owl, Iberian Green Woodpecker, Great 

Spotted Cuckoo … the list goes on! We have good chances of both Great Bustard 

and Dupont's Lark, and even an outside chance of Wallcreeper. A true birding 

feast on one of the very best European itineraries available. 

We may also have extra birding opportunities on arrival and departure days, to 

help us towards a total of well over 150 and perhaps as many as 180 species. We 

stay in two rural Catalonian hotels with excellent birding close at hand and where 

locals form most of the clientele, featuring genuine Catalan dishes in places 

where the English language is rarely heard. A fascinating and very rewarding 

holiday! 

SPAIN - EBRO DELTA IN AUTUMN 

Great birding at the best time for autumn migration 

SAT 31 AUGUST – WED 4 SEPTEMBER 2019 


Leader Phil Knott, joined by another from our team with more than 

6 clients. Max 12 clients. Departure from London Gatwick - other 

regional departures may be available. 


EUROPE 

The best time for autumn migration, visiting the lowland Ebro Delta and the 

mountains of Els Port. Our birding in the Delta is around hotspots where Avocet, 

Audouin's Gull, Slender-billed Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Caspian Tern, Gull-billed 

Tern, Whiskered Tern, Purple Swamphen, Night Heron, Squacco Heron, Greater 

Flamingo, Purple Heron, Glossy Ibis, Red-crested Pochard, Curlew Sandpiper, 

Little Stint, Whimbrel, Lesser Short-toed Lark, Reed Bunting (rare witherbyii 

subspecies), Great Reed Warbler, Little Bittern and Penduline Tit are just some of 

the birds. Many migratory birds are en-route to Africa, so we may be surprised by 

Dotterel, Bluethroat or Moustached Warbler too. 

We enjoy a day in the Els port mountains, and hope to visit a vulture feeding 

station where hundreds of Griffon Vultures come down to feed each day. This 

unique opportunity should give excellent chances for photography. Other birds 

of interest may include Booted, Short-toed, Golden and Bonelli’s Eagle, Honey 

Buzzard, Goshawk and Peregrine Falcon, Firecrest, Short-toed Treecreeper, Serin, 

Red-billed Chough, Blue Rock Thrush, Rock Bunting, Rock Sparrow and Crag 

Martin plus rare and beautiful Spanish Ibex. 

Both holidays gives the opportunity to return home or continue to Barcelona 

city to enjoy wonderful art and architecture, imaginative food and vibrant street 

life. The Gothic Quarter, Antoni Gaudí’s fantastical Sagrada Família, the central 

Boqueria market, and fine dining from restaurants to tiny tapas bars make this 

an ideal city destination. We return you to the airport, from where city transfers 

are frequent. 

16 t: 01479 821248 e: info@heatherlea.co.uk www.heatherlea.co.uk twitter: @heatherleabirds facebook: heatherleabirdwatching

SPAIN - EXTREMADURA Birds of prey, bustards, sandgrouse and brilliant birding 

WED 10 APRIL – WED 17 APRIL 2019 


Leader Dave Pullan, joined by Toby Green with more than 7 clients. Max 12 clients. 



Some of the best birding in Europe, featuring many rare and endangered species. We expect outstanding 

raptor watching, with all five Spanish eagles, Bonelli’s, Golden, Booted, Short-toed and endangered Spanish 

Imperial, and three vultures, Black, Egyptian and Griffon. We watch the spectacular breeding display of Great 

Bustard, and also seek Little Bustard, Black-bellied and Pin-tailed Sandgrouse. Other birds should include Beeeater, 

Lesser Kestrel, Stone Curlew, Collared Pratincole, Montagu’s Harrier, Roller, Hoopoe, 

Black Wheatear, Rock Bunting, Southern Grey Shrike, Little Owl, Alpine Swift, Redrumped 

Swallow, Calandra Lark, Woodlark, Short-toed Lark, Tawny Pipit, Black-eared 

Wheatear, Great Spotted Cuckoo, Woodchat Shrike, Crested Tit, Rock Sparrow, Hawfinch, 

Penduline Tit and Little Bittern, and we see both White and Black Stork at the nest. 

Red-billed Chough, Blue Rock Thrush, Crag Martin, Eagle Owl with chicks, and beautiful 

southern specialities Black-shouldered Kite and Azure-winged Magpie are all targeted. 

Great Spotted Cuckoo, Purple Heron, Little Bittern, Spanish Sparrow and Savi’s, Sardinian, 

Bonelli’s, Subalpine, Dartford, Spectacled, Orphean, Melodious, and perhaps shy 

Olivaceous Warbler, you won’t believe how many birds there are! We stay in a 

comfortable, local hotel with all rooms en suite. 

SPAIN - PICOS MOUNTAINS Birding and Cantabrian Brown Bear 

SUN 1 SEPTEMBER – SUN 8 SEPTEMBER 2019 

PRICE £2095PP Single supplement: £130 Deposit: £300PP 

Leader Cristian Jensen plus another from our experienced Heatherlea team with more than 7 

clients. Max 12 clients. Departure from London Stansted - other regional departures may be 


This holiday is an exciting wildlife experience, as we target some of Spain’s most sought after montane and 

forest birds coupled with excellent chances of seeing Iberian Brown Bear in the wild. 

This is a two-centre holiday. Our first base is in the Somiedo Nature Park, where we target Brown Bear and 

raptors including Egyptian Vulture, Short-toed Eagle and Booted Eagle. Other birds of note might include 

Blue Rock Thrush, Woodlark, Crested Tit, Short-toed Treecreeper, Golden Oriole, Water Pipit, Rock Bunting, 

Firecrest and Black Woodpecker. 

In the evening and again in the early morning we go bear watching to see Iberian Brown Bears in their wild 

environment. On this holiday we do not use hides or maize/honey baiting. This means we may take longer 

to find bears than under controlled conditions, but the genuine natural experience is worth the effort. We 

use optics to view the animals and to respect their wild status. 

Our second base is high in the Picos de Europa, where we will be birding for key species including Snowfinch, 

Wallcreeper, Alpine Accentor, Red-billed Chough and Alpine Chough. The scenery is spectacular, walking 

relatively easy, and the birding promises to be memorable. 

We stay in family-run hotels with a real feel of Spain. Your leaders are experienced birders in this part of the 

world, with excellent local contacts for birds and bears. Those Heatherlea clients who have enjoyed our 

Spanish birding and Lynx holidays should have a feeling of deja-vu on this relaxed and exciting itinerary! 

SPAIN – FROM PYRENEES TO EBRO DELTA 

A tremendous birding tour from mountain top to the marshes of the Ebro Delta 

TUES 11 JUNE – FRI 21 JUNE 2019 


Leader Cristian Jensen joined by another from our experienced Heatherlea team with more 

than 6 clients. Max 12 clients. Departure from London Gatwick - other regional departures 

may be available. Pre-flight airport hotel and lounge are included. 

This exciting holiday includes much of Spain’s best birding as we combine the high Pyrenees 

of northern Aragon with the eastern steppes and the lowlands of the Ebro Delta. This 

allows us to target a much wider range of specialities than many other itineraries. 

Key birds in the Pyrenees are Wallcreeper, Lammergeier, Golden Eagle, Alpine and Redbilled 

Chough, Citril Finch, Black Woodpecker, Alpine Accentor, Bonelli’s Eagle and much 

more. In the steppes we seek Great and Little Bustard, both Pin-tailed and Black-bellied 

Sandgrouse, elusive Dupont’s Lark, Lesser Kestrel, Roller, Bee-eater, Little Owl, Great 

Spotted Cuckoo, Calandra Lark and Hoopoe amongst many others. The Ebro Delta will be 

teeming with birds, including Greater Flamingo, Glossy Ibis, Little Bittern, Audoin’s Gull, 

Collared Pratincole and many waders, herons and shorebirds with great views of breeding 

colonies. 

With all the special birds from the magnificent scenery of the high mountain tops to the 

flatlands of the delta, this holiday is a great exploration of Spanish birdlife at a relaxed 

pace. You can expect a list around or in excess of 150 species. 

EUROPE 


17

NEW! SWEDEN 

Two exciting new holidays, one designed for the keen birder 

in the winter months, the second during spring when 

temperatures are a little higher. Both feature an impressive 

range of northern birds, in unspoilt and extensive habitats. 

SWEDEN FOR BIRDERS IN WINTER 

Owls, woodpeckers and much more! 

SUN 3 FEBRUARY – FRI 8 FEBRUARY 2019 


Leader Mark Warren joined by Toby Green with more than 7 clients. 

Max 12 clients. Departure from London - other regional departures 


This new trip is focused on Scandinavia's specialities in one of the wildest European 

environments amid an incredible snowy landscape. 

Winter birding in Scandinavia is completely different when compared to spring, indeed 

Hawk Owl, Siberian Jay and Pine Grosbeak are only available in central Sweden at this time 

of year. Owls are nomadic, and once they find good feeding often reliable to winter 

territories. Based close to Stockholm, we bird mainly in the Taiga forests for owls, 

woodpeckers, raptors and grouse, and highly sought-after passerines. We divide our time 

between searching for owls, visiting feeding stations and taking forest walks. We also visit 

the Baltic Coast, where masses of waterfowl include Smew, and raptors include Whitetailed 

Eagle. We may also encounter huge European Elk, Roe Deer and Red Fox, while a 

darker variant of our Red Squirrel resides in the woods. 

Sweden is a vast country with tricky terrain to negotiate at times, so please be aware of 

lengthy drives and challenging walks requiring a reasonable level of fitness. 

Top targets in winter; 

Owls – Pygmy and Northern Hawk are key targets, Great Grey, 

Ural, Eagle, Long-eared, Tawny and Tengmalm’s are possible. 

Woodpeckers – Six species are present, Black, Grey-headed, 

Green, Three-toed, Great Spotted and Lesser Spotted. 

Siberian Jay and Nutcracker at feeding stations. 

Capercaillie, Black Grouse and if we’re lucky Hazel Grouse. 

Raptors – Golden and White-tailed Eagles, Rough-legged 

Buzzard and Goshawk. 

Great Grey Shrike, Waxwing and even Arctic Redpoll and Pine 

Grosbeak in influx years. 

Coastal wildfowl including impressive gatherings of Smew. 

Please note: this is an ambitious list! Weather and local 

conditions apply as always, and we estimate might achieve 

around two-thirds of our top targets. 

SWEDEN IN SPRING 

WED 1 MAY – SUN 5 MAY 2019 


Leader Mark Warren joined by experienced local guide. 

Max 12 clients. Departure from London - other regional departures 


EUROPE 

The freshest of air and wide-open spaces herald this as a stunning part of the world and 

here’s an exciting new short-break to beautiful Sweden. Birding will be leisurely within a 

range of habitats on this five-day, four-night trip. Based close to Stockholm, time will be 

split between Taiga forests, open ground, glorious wetlands and the Baltic coast ensuring 

varied birding and plenty of species. 

There are many special birds to focus on, but northern owls and woodpeckers will be among 

the top targets. Great Grey, Ural, Tengmalm’s, Pygmy, Eagle, Long and Short-eared Owls are 

all possible plus up to seven species of woodpecker including Black, Grey-headed, Threetoed 

and Wryneck. Local knowledge is key to find many of these sought after inhabitants 

of the Boreal zone in spring, and we’ll be working with experienced local guides throughout. 

Thousands of migrants will be pouring into the area, while breeding birds will be at their 

stunning best. Slavonian and Red-necked Grebe, Black and Red-throated Diver - simply 

brilliant to see at this time. Wildfowl and waders will be plentiful, and we hope to see Ruff 

in breeding plumage while terns and stunning Little Gulls will be passing through en-masse. 

Hundreds of Common Cranes will be setting down to breed – a real sight (and sound) to 

behold! Grouse will feature and with luck we’ll see Hazel Grouse while Capercaillie and 

Black Grouse are more numerous than in the UK. Other birds of interest include Whitetailed 

Eagle, Crossbill (possibly Parrot) and Crested Tit plus subtly different races of Lesser 

Spotted Woodpecker, Nuthatch and Willow Tit plus distinctive and beautiful ‘caudautus’ 

white-headed Long-tailed Tit. Osprey, Marsh, Hen and occasional Pallid Harrier pass through, 

while passerines on the move could include Ortolan Bunting and Red-backed Shrike among 

commoner species. Winter stragglers such as Nutcracker or Hawfinch at feeding stations 

might be added, or a Great Grey Shrike, Rough-legged Buzzard, Golden Eagle or perhaps a 

flock of Taiga Bean Goose – there’s potential for a very impressive trip list! And it’s not all 

about the birds, with Elk and butterflies including Green Hairstreak, Holly Blue and 

Camberwell Beauty. We’ll pack plenty into this great new holiday while relaxing into the 

wonderfully scenic environment. 

An optional extension in Stockholm can also be arranged after either itinerary, 

please ask for details. 

18 


NEW! SVALBARD with BBC WILDLIFE 

A unique adventure in The Kingdom of the Polar Bear 

SUN 26 MAY – MON 3 JUNE 2019 

PRICES: FROM £4295PP. Twin cabins from £5495PP Deposit: £2000PP 

Leaders: Kevin Shaw, Ian Ford and Rob Jordan, joined by popular TV presenter Nick Baker. 

The voyage will be under the supervision a resident on-board Expedition Leader, plus crew 

naturalists of a very high standard. All cabins have window or porthole, private shower and 

toilet, desk and chair, flatscreen TV, telephone and internet connection, hair dryer and 

ample storage space. Contact us to reserve the specific cabin of your choice! Single 

travellers may share with another single. 

Join Heatherlea and BBC Wildlife staff including popular TV Naturalist Nick Baker 

on this classic voyage to enjoy the wildlife, culture and amazing spectacle of the 

high Arctic wilderness. 

Our cruise will take us to the edge of the polar ice-pack with the opportunity to 

see Polar Bear, Walrus and many Arctic birds, and also to enjoy the culture and 

history of this unique environment in the frozen far north. 

We expect to see many if not most of these; 

BIRDS: Red-throated Diver, Great Northern Diver, Fulmar, Pink-footed Goose, 

Barnacle Goose, Pale-bellied Brent Goose, Common Eider, King Eider, Long-tailed 

Duck, Ptarmigan, Ringed Plover, Sanderling, Purple Sandpiper, Turnstone, Grey 

Phalarope, Pomarine Skua, Arctic Skua, Long-tailed Skua, Great Skua, Sabine’s Gull, 

Glaucous Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Kittiwake, Ivory Gull, Arctic Tern, 

Common Guillemot, Brünnich’s Guillemot, Black Guillemot, Little Auk, Puffin, 

Snow Bunting. 

MAMMALS: Polar Bear, Arctic Fox, Svalbard Reindeer, Walrus, Bearded Seal, 

Ringed Seal, Harp Seal, Common Seal, cetaceans including Beluga and Minke 

Whale. 

More Holiday Information: 

Accommodation: in comfortable en-suite cabins. Full-board includes breakfast, 

lunch, dinner and all excursions, talks and reports. 

Walking: is generally light/moderate. An average level of fitness is required. All 

excursions are voluntary. 

Weather: will be cold, though can be surprisingly warm and pleasant. Warm 

clothing essential, though your large vessel has more than adequate cover and 

heating. Daytime temperatures can be around 5 - 6'C. 

Photography: Opportunities are good, particularly for bears, Walrus, some birds 

and above all scenery. 

OUR LAST VISIT TO SPITSBERGEN WITH BBC WILDLIFE … 

was a fantastic voyage! 

Here are some observations from Kenny Taylor, our BBC Wildlife Expert: 

'A Midsummer's Ice Bear' 

'The sky is overcast, the cloud low, the ice white alongside the ship. The polar 

bear we’ve watched since very early in the morning - a young adult, its coat 

yellowish and stained with seal blood down one leg - is now a few hundred 

metres away, moving very slowly over the frozen sea. I train a telescope on it, 

just in time to see it slip into a thin, dark gash of open water. The bear vanishes, 

then a few seconds later, its head emerges, and submerges. 

There’s a seal hauled out near the channel, in the bear’s direction of travel. 

The bear surfaces again, now very close to the seal. The scene is like a frame 

from a cartoon – white bear head seen from behind, small, rounded ears 

prominent as it stares, motionless, at the equally motionless dark shape only 

metres away. But this is no comedy. 

Slowly, slowly, the bear slips underwater once more. The seal dozes. Suddenly, 

there’s an explosion of water and bear from the far side of the slab of ice as 

the big predator, now facing in our direction, propels itself from the sea and 

lunges at the target. The seal escapes, but only just, as the bear cuffs the water, 

perhaps as an attack move, perhaps in frustration. After a pause, it moves on, 

still searching for food. 

In not much more than a couple of hours, we’ve gone from the first, almost 

dreamlike impressions of the edge of the pack ice, to this first experience of 

a polar bear hunting within full view. There will be other bears and another 

hunt seen during the course of what will be a remarkable day’s journey. But it’s 

the first encounter and the first hunt that will stay in mind, as if etched in 

crystal, coloured in grey, white and glacial blue'. 

We are delighted to welcome popular TV presenter Nick Baker to this voyage. A passionate naturalist, engaging TV presenter and 

author of ten nature books, Nick is well-known for inspiring children with a love of animals on BBC1’s The Really Wild Show, for 

hosting Springwatch and Autumnwatch Unsprung, and for presenting a number of National Geographic, Channel 5/Discovery 

series such as Weird Creatures and Nick’s Quest in Search of the Polar Bear. 

Nick also contributes a regular monthly column to BBC Wildlife magazine on the hidden world of British flora and fauna. He is 

hugely popular with readers, viewers and people who attend his talks around the country, because of his encyclopaedic knowledge 

of the natural world and his infectious enthusiasm for wildlife. 

DISCLAIMER: It is intended that Nick Baker will join the voyage with 26 or more cabins taken by Heatherlea clients. 

Nick Baker - photograph 

copyright Paul Carter 

EUROPE 


19

HEATHERLEA – YOUR NATURAL CHOICE 

THROUGHOUT THE WORLD! 

REST OF WORLD 

Every holiday is carefully planned to give you a memorable 

wildlife experience, all part of ‘The Heatherlea Way’, which 

gives you the best available content, in comfort, and with 

excellent support. Most are led by one of our regular 

Guiding Team travelling from the UK, though some are based in 

the destination country, and with more than seven clients you will usually 

have two Guides. 

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 very experienced local ground 

agents who offer a warm welcome, and who give invaluable advantages 

which will enhance your holiday, particularly when we need to find 

difficult-to-see wildlife. We have a highly experienced and capable team 

throughout the world, and the emphasis is firmly on personal attention, 

with our UK office available at short notice for tour operations. Also, 

Heatherlea often include things which others might invite you to pay 

yourself, for instance Departure 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, take them into account! 

We are your complete holiday provider, offering upgrades, seat selection, 

catering for in-flight dietary requirements, and other services so you can 

feel relaxed and comfortable whatever your needs on a long flight. 

Should you wish to extend the advertised holiday, our ATOL protection 

covers your full holiday package, and our ‘Pre-flight Service’ makes arrival 

at the departure gate easier – you can read more on page 6. Many 

holidays begin with a flight in the evening, and end with return to the UK 

in the afternoon, so you may take your complimentary airport hotel on 

your return should you wish. You may even ask us to arrange a day-time 

airport Pod-hotel after an overnight flight – a great way to recover! 

This year we have well-established favourites, many enhanced with new 

experiences, and also brand-new destinations featuring carefully planned 

itineraries which we can’t wait to run for you. We will be adding more all 

the time, please keep an eye on our website and newsletters! 

We add many important elements to our holidays to give you extra value, 

please check the detail! Here are some examples: 

✔ In Yellowstone we add as standard a visit to the Great Salt Lake, where 

well over a million migrating waders and grebes can be expected. The birding 

aspect of your holiday will certainly be enhanced by this experience. 

✔ In Costa Rica we take gentle boat trips through the brackish mangrove 

swamps at Tortuguero, where rarities such as Agami Heron can be found at 

close quarters. We do the same at the Tarcoles River, where giant American 

Crocodiles are often lazing on the bank. 

✔ In Nepal, we include a flight from Koshi Tappu back to Kathmandu, 

avoiding a long road journey. Later we include a flight to Mount Everest, 

and a brief cultural tour which we strongly recommend. 

✔ In Morocco we sometimes visit a Saharan community for tea in the 

desert. This is a very unusual experience for western travellers, when the 

local community welcome us with a very valuable commodity – hot water! 

✔ In India, convenience is again important, as we use internal flights to 

minimise travelling. We also visit some of the very best Tiger reserves, and 

our itineraries also allow for much rewarding birding. 

With Heatherlea, the Field 

Guide is free! 

Our unique Pre-flight Service is developing all 

the time, and we now include a FREE bird guide 

with all ‘Rest of the World’ holidays (excluding 

Morocco, where the Collins European guide is a 

good choice). We will supply one field guide for 

each room booked. With some titles costing 

around £40, this is another benefit from 

Heatherlea which saves you money! 

20 t: 01479 821248 e: info@heatherlea.co.uk www.heatherlea.co.uk twitter: @heatherleabirds facebook: heatherleabirdwatching

BRAZIL - THE PANTANAL Superb birding and mammals in the heart of Brazil 

SUN 14 JULY – FRI 26 JULY 2019 


Leader Pete Cosgrove and local guide(s). Max 12 clients. 

Brazil's Pantanal wetlands are one of the world's largest tropical wetland areas. We visit in July, when travel is 

relatively easy, and wildlife generally is at its most accessible. 

Birding is our main focus and a list of around 350 species can be 

reasonably expected. 

Helmeted Manakin, Dot-eared Coquette, Cinnamon-throated 

Hermit, Blue-winged, Red-shouldered Macaw, Red-and-Green 

Macaw, Blue-winged Macaw, Blue-headed Parrot, Swallow 

Tanager, Yellow-billed Blue-Finch, Bat Falcon, Euler’s Flycatcher, 

White-backed Fire-eye, Yellow-tufted Woodpecker, Ornate 

Hawk-Eagle, Russet-crowned Crake, Chapada Flycatcher, Collared 

Crescentchest, Rufous-sided Pygmy Tyrant, Rufous-winged 

Antshrike, Shrike-like Tanager, Small-billed Tinamou, Sootyfronted 

Spinetail, Coal-crested and Red Pileated Finches, Blackthroated 

Saltator and Hyacinth Macaw, the world’s largest parrot, 

are just some of the birds. 

We also target key mammals, including Giant River Otter, Giant Anteater, Brazilian Tapir, and especially Jaguar, 

which you have every chance to see on this holiday. We will spend two full days exploring the Porto Jofre – 

Southern Transpantaneira area, where sightings of this striking cat have become fairly regular in the last few 

years. We make three half-day boat trips along the Cuiabá River, and reach isolated areas where Jaguars are 

frequent. Most sightings are made from the boat, and the animals normally offer good photo opportunities. 

The boat tours also offer excellent chances for other mammals and of course for a diverse arrange of colourful 

birds. We will also have more chances for Giant Otter, and Capybara will be a constant sighting on the riverbanks. 

We may see up to 30 mammal species in total. 

We stay at various lodges and hotels along the length of the famous 'Transpantaneira', the only road across the 

northern Pantanal. The tour includes two full days on the river systems searching for Jaguar plus two morning 

boat trips at other locations searching for other wildlife and birds. Much wildlife in the Pantanal is easily viewed 

from the Transpantaneira itself, often using the famous wooden bridges as viewing platforms, allowing for some 

great photographic opportunities. 

FREE! ‘Birds of Brazil’ by Ber 

van Perlo is included in your 

holiday price. 

NEW! CHILE 

MON 7 OCTOBER – THURS 24 OCTOBER 2019 


Leader Toby Green, joined by experienced local guide Rodrigo Tapia. Max 12 clients. 

A fantastic adventure to discover Chilean birdlife amid spectacular scenery. We tour from the high Andes and 

arid desert near Santiago to Pacific islands and the birds of the cooling Humboldt current, and finally the tundra 

and sub-Antarctic rainforest of Tierra del Fuego, and glacial waters of the far south. Birding in Chile can 

frequently be breath-taking, including many of the most spectacular and desirable species in the world, truly 

a ‘lifetime experience’! 

In the central Andes we look for Diademed Sandpiper-Plover and Andean Condor, and in scrub gullies Chilean 

Tinamou, Chilean Mockingbird and skulking White-throated and Dusky Tapaculos. At the coast and on a 

memorable pelagic voyage we seek Inca Tern, Humboldt Penguin, Seaside Cinclodes, Peruvian Booby, Guanay 

Cormorant and Grey Gull, plus shorebirds and waterfowl in productive wetlands. 

We fly to Chiloe Island for four nights. There are many endemics, a few being Black-throated Huet-huet, Chucao, 

Ochre-flanked and Magellanic Tapaculos, Patagonian Tyrant, Des Murs Wiretail, Chilean Pigeon, Chilean Hawk 

and Green-backed Firecrown, and mammals include rare Darwin's Fox. A boat trip takes us to a mixed breeding 

colony of Humboldt and Magellanic Penguins, plus Sealions, dolphins, petrels, shearwaters, pelicans and terns. 

A second flight takes us to Punta Arenas, for one of the world’s most sought-after waders, Magellanic Plover. 

Other specialities include Lesser Rhea, Least Seedsnipe, Band-tailed Earthcreeper, Chocolate-vented Tyrant 

and White-bridled (Canary-winged) Finch. At one of the most scenic places on Earth, Torres del Paine, we hope 

to see Black-chested Buzzard, Southern and Chimango Caracara, Ashy-headed and Upland Goose, Spectacled 

Duck, South American Snipe, Austral Parakeet, Austral Pygmy Owl, Striped Woodpecker, Chilean Flicker, striking 

Magellanic Woodpecker, Thorn-tailed Rayadito, White-throated Treerunner and Austral Blackbird. Lakes hold 

Great, Silvery and White-tufted Grebe, Andean Duck, Silver Teal and recently re-discovered Austral Rail. We scan 

fast-flowing rivers for remarkable Torrent Duck, and there may be the chance to watch Puma. 

Our final, spectacular destination is Tierra del Fuego and Magdalena Island, in the Straits of Magellan, to visit 

the huge colony of over 150,000 Magellanic Penguin. Other seabirds include Imperial and Rock Cormorant, 

Dolphin and Kelp Gull, Chilean Skua and South American Tern, Patagonian Tinamou, King Penguin, Ruddyheaded 

Goose, Rufous-chested Dotterel, Austral Canastero, Magellanic Plover and stunning Whitebridled Finch. 

At sea we watch for Black-browed Albatross, Southern Giant Petrel, Cape and White-chinned Petrel, Sooty 

Shearwater, Wilson’s Storm-Petrel, Magellanic Diving Petrel, Chilean Skua, Kelp, Dolphin and Brown-hooded 

Gulls and South American Tern. 

We enjoy cultural experiences, including tasting sessions at vineyards which produce outstanding and worldclass 

wines. We also visit wooden Chiloe churches, made entirely of native timber with extensive use of 

wooden shingle, a unique architectural phenomenon. 

FREE! 'Birds of Chile' by Alvaro 

Jaramillo, Peter Burke and David 

Beadle is included in your holiday 

price. 

REST OF WORLD 


21

COSTA RICA 

A birdwatcher’s paradise, with pristine beaches, wonderful tropical wetlands, lowland rainforest, 

high cloudforest festooned with orchids and bromeliads, and cool, misty mountain tops. 

The experience is simply stunning, with so many birds we can only list a few 

here: Resplendent Quetzal, Orange-collared Manakin, Long-tailed Manakin, 

Flame-coloured and Crimson-collared Tanager, Collared Trogon, Torrent 

Tyrannulet, Volcano Hummingbird, Gray-tailed Mountain Gem, Scarlet Macaw, 

Tiger Heron, parrots, orioles, macaws, Roseate Spoonbill, Anhinga, six 

kingfishers, Crested Caracara, Mangrove Black Hawk, endangered Great Green 

Macaw, Sunbittern, Black-faced Grosbeak, Snail Kite, Wood Stork, Boat-billed 

Heron, Limpkin, Turquoise-browed Motmot, White Hawk, Brown-hooded 

Parrot, Lanceolated Monklet, Golden-olive Woodpecker, many hummingbirds, 

toucans, tinamous, owls, Great Potoo and Nighthawks. Mammals, insects and 

interesting flora abound. 

Highlights include Savegre River Cloudforest, where we find startling 

Resplendent Quetzal, one of the world’s most striking birds. At world famous 

La Selva Biological Station, the number and sheer diversity of birds can be 

overwhelming. On the Pacific coast we enjoy a leisurely birding boat trip in 

Carara National Park, and seek macaws, manakins and more in the tropical 

forest. At Ensenada we explore endlessly rolling plains in a hot, dry environment 

reminiscent of central Africa. Spectacular Arenal Volcano is unforgettable, and 

we stay very close to the volcano itself in the splendid Observatory Lodge, 

watching tanagers, woodpeckers, jays and oropendolas on balcony feeders with 

the caldera directly behind. At wonderful Tortuguero, where the Caribbean Sea 

CLASSIC TOUR 

SAT 12 JANUARY – SUN 27 JANUARY 2019 


Leader Paco with Mark Warren. 

is just 200 metres from extensive freshwater 

lagoons, we leisurely explore the mangrove swamp in 

boats, and Agami Heron, sloths, monkeys and Neotropical River Otter are just 

some of the delights. We stay in very comfortable en-suite hotels and lodges 

throughout, all with great birding immediately to hand. Our local agents here 

are amongst the best we've found anywhere in the world, and their meticulous 

organisation and excellent guiding ensure a really first class holiday. 

WITH HEATHERLEA IN COSTA RICA …. THE VALUE IS EXCEPTIONAL! 

✓ Choose from three very different holidays, all led by top expert Paco 

Madrigal. 

✓ Includes a Guide from the UK with more than 7 clients, guaranteeing a high 

level of personal attention. Max 12 clients. 

✓ All holidays include Tortuguero, the most expensive destination, though 

unforgettable! 

✓ Excellent rooms in very good hotels. All meals included, as are all tours 

and entrances, and fruits and water on the bus. 

✓ Flights direct from London Gatwick, regional departures may be available. 

✓ Pre-flight airport hotel, VIP Lounge, field guide and tips wallet included. 

Ideal choice for the first time visitor to Costa Rica or for your first long-distance 

birding holiday. Birding is generally very easy, and the pace is relaxed and laidback. 

This is not an intensive birding holiday, rather a hugely enjoyable and 

rewarding experience. Other wildlife includes monkeys, sloths, lizards, 

crocodiles, Agouti, Coatimundi, bats, amphibians, turtles, snakes, a vast range of 

butterflies and a wealth of flora! 

COSTA RICA CLASSIC TOUR - PLUS! 

SAT 3 NOVEMBER – WED 21 NOVEMBER 2018 


Leader Paco with Ian Ford. 

SAT 2 NOVEMBER – WED 20 NOVEMBER 2019 


Leader Paco with Phil Knott. 

Our ‘Classic Tour’ with three extra nights, so we can include more experiences as we stay 

longer in some very special places. With more time, we add desirable extras, including baby 

Green Turtles hatching on the beach, additional Hummingbird sites and the chance of some 

rare birds otherwise not available, a fascinating forest night walk (optional) for all kinds of 

wonderful wildlife, a visit to a chocolate plantation (also optional), where you will watch 

and participate in the organic process, and above all an enhanced birdlist. 

NEW! COSTA RICA: BIRDERS TOUR 

SAT 6 APRIL – SUN 21 APRIL 2019 


Leader Paco with Dave Pullan. 

REST OF WORLD 

FREE! ‘Birds of Costa Rica’ by Richard 

Garrigues and Robert Dean, is included in your 

holiday price (one copy per room booked). 

This new ‘Birders’ Tour’ features more birding, as we use the available time to maximise 

our lists. We will spend a lot of time in the field, with much shorter afternoon breaks, 

featuring more early morning starts and evening outings. We aim for well over 400 

species! 

22 


NEW! CHINA Birding & Culture 

SAT 29 JUNE – SUN 21 JULY 2019 


Leader Dave Pullan joined by an experienced local guide. Max 12 clients. 

Departure from London Heathrow. Pre-flight airport hotel and lounge are included. 

A wonderful mixture of Palearctic and Oriental birds, this tour is ideal for the first-time birding visitor, 

as we visit many of the most important sites in Sichuan, which holds more than half of China’s endemic 

birds. Spectacular scenery, superb cuisine and unique culture all combine to make this a memorable 

experience. 

We begin in sub-tropical forests south of Chengdu, and visit important sites including Longcanggou, 

Balangshan, Maerkang, the high plateau at Ruoergai including Baxi Forest and wetland areas, 

Gonggangling Forest, Tangjiahe Nature Reserve and Foping via Yangxian, finally arriving in Xi’an. 

During the holiday, exotic and unusual new birds abound, and families including cranes, babblers and 

pheasants will provide us with new and unfamiliar birds every day. Just a few; Firethroat, Emei Liocichla, 

Buffy, White-throated, Spotted, Snowy-cheeked and Red-winged Laughingthrushes, Marten’s, Alstrom’s 

and Bianchi’s Warblers, Emei, Kloss’s and Claudia’s Leaf Warblers, Chinese, Golden-breasted and Greyhooded 

Fulvetta, Fujian Niltava, Golden, Three-toed, Grey-hooded, Vinous-throated and Ashy-throated 

Parrotbill, Temminck’s Tragopan, Lady Amherst's, White-eared, Blue-eared, Blood and Koklass Pheasant, 

Sichuan Treecreeper, Fire-capped, Pere David's, Grey-crested, White-browed, Sichuan and Rufousvented 

Tits, Darjeeling and White-backed Woodpeckers, White-browed Bush Robin, White-browed 

and Vinaceous Rosefinch, Chinese Babax, Scaly-breasted Cupwing, Golden Bush-Robin, Gould’s Sunbird, 

Wood Snipe, Chinese Monal, Pheasant, Tibetan Partridge, Grandala, Snow Pigeon, Tibetan Snowcock, 

Snow Partridge, Himalayan Rubythroat, White-browed Tit Warbler, Lammergier. Przewalski’s Nuthatch, 

Sichuan Jay, Severtzov’s and Crested Tit Warbler, Verreaux’s Monal Partridge, Black-necked Crane, Upland 

Buzzard, Tibetan Lark White-rumped and Rufous-necked Snowfinch, Tibetan Wagtail, Azure-winged 

Magpie, Daurian Jackdaw, Kessler’s Thrush, Tibetan Grey Shrike, Severtzov’s Grouse and Chinese 

Nuthatch. 

Cultural experiences are important throughout, and we visit the famous Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an, 

and also to fly to Bejing, where we enjoy a day’s birding, together with a city tour and a visit to the Great 

Wall. 

FREE! 'A Field Guide to the Birds of 

China' by John MacKinnon, Karen 

Phillipps and David Showler, is included 

in your holiday price. 

CUBA INCLUDING HAVANA Fantastic birding plus a night in the unique capital city 

FRI 22 MARCH – TUE 2 APRIL 2019 


Leader Gerard Gorman joined by Dave Pullan with more than 7 clients. Max 12 clients. 

Departures from London Gatwick. Pre-flight airport hotel and lounge are included. 

Cuba is a fascinating island, and a highly exciting birding destination. There are 25+ endemics, about half 

of which are endangered, plus a few more near-endemics, and many other Caribbean and North 

American species. Just some of the speciality birds are West Indian Woodpecker, Bare-legged Owl, 

Cuban Grassquit, Cuban Green Woodpecker, Cuban Oriole, Cuban Blackbird, Cuban Pygmy Owl, Cuban 

Solitaire, Cuban Tody, and Cuban Trogon, chosen as the national bird because it has all the colours of 

the flag in its plumage! 

This is an easy-paced holiday, and we take time to appreciate the laid-back local way of life; we 

encourage you to relax in Cuba! People are friendly, the landscape is largely unspoilt, roads are quiet, 

and we enjoy great variety as we visit all the major habitats, from lush forests to craggy hills and vast 

wetlands. Accommodation is good though in some places quite basic, and we enjoy the luxury of an 

all-inclusive beach hotel for two nights. We also include an 

overnight stay in Havana, and city tour on the final day - a perfect 

way to end the tour. The tour is focused upon birding, though 

incidental opportunities for photography are good. 

We will be accompanied throughout by both a driver and courier, 

leaving our own guiding staff more time to look after your birding 

needs. In Cuba there is a network of local birding experts, one of 

whom will join our party at each location. Heatherlea take care to 

cultivate these guides, and we tip heavily to make sure the best of 

them are keen to join our trip again! 

At Playa Larga targets include Zapata Rail, Zapata Wren, and Zapata 

Sparrow, and this is the best place to spot Bee Hummingbird. 

Gundlach’s Hawk, Fernandina’s Flicker, Cuban Green Woodpecker, 

Cuban Blackbird, Greater Antillean Oriole, Cuban Emerald and all 

four Cuban species of Quail Dove. Near Camaguey we seek two 

rare endemics, Giant Kingbird and Cuban Palm Crow, plus globally 

endangered Plain Pigeon, Cuban Parrot, Rose-throated Parrot and 

Cuban Parakeet. We finish birding at Cayo Coco, a coral island 

situated off the north coast of Cuba, with long sandy beaches, 

jungle, large mudflats and mangrove-fringed ponds. We will enjoy 

searching for migratory birds in this area on the Atlantic coast, and 

specialities include Mangrove Cuckoo, Thick-billed Vireo and 

Bahama Mockingbird. 

FREE! ‘Birds of Cuba’ by Orlando 

Garrido and Arturo Kirkconnell, Helm 

is included in your holiday price (one 

copy per room booked). 

REST OF WORLD 


23

NEW! MAINLAND ECUADOR and GALAPAGOS 

Relaxed birding and wildlife watching 

MON 16 SEPTEMBER – MON 7 OCTOBER 2019 


Leader Andreas Trujillo joined by Dave Pullan with nine or more clients. 

About 1600 birds have been recorded on mainland Ecuador, and in 2019 we again 

explore key northern sites, where we might locate over a quarter of these 

including many iconic species. We take you from snow-covered mountain peaks 

and high páramos (unique mountain moorlands), down through Andean valleys 

and many gradations of temperate and subtropical forest, as we visit the key 

habitats and iconic locations of this world-famous bioregion. Important locations 

include Milpe Bird Sanctuary, Antisana Ecological Reserve, San Isidro and 

Wildsumaco. This holiday is ideal for those who wish to experience the incredible 

avian diversity of Ecuador, including many hummingbirds (well over 40 species). 

Some key birds are; unforgettable Andean Condor, spectacular and colourful 

Cock-of-the-Rock, strange-looking Oilbird and incredible Long-wattled 

Umbrellabird, and we maximize our list whilst enjoying the whole experience of 

birding at a gentle pace on a non-intensive itinerary. We stay in very comfortable 

hotels and lodges throughout, often with hummingbird feeders just feet away, 

and birders and photographers alike will appreciate the opportunities presented 

even from hotel bedrooms and verandas. 

At the end of our mainland experience, we transfer to the fabulous Galapagos 

Islands, where nothing quite compares to the joy of the islands’ wildlife, or the 

sense of wonder and privilege felt while spending time with animals which don't 

run or fly away when humans approach, truly unique treasures of our earth. We 

enjoy eight days exploring at a relaxed pace, walking amongst spectacular scenery 

to look for endemic birds and into the Highlands to see endemic reptiles in the 

wild. The holiday is land based, using local boat services to visit other islands, 

amid the company as we travel of passing petrels, shearwaters, boobies, gulls, 

dolphins, turtles, seals and sharks. 

On Santa Cruz we find our first Darwin’s finches, and at a private farm inland see 

Giant Tortoises in the wild. Other targets include Galapagos Rail and Paint-billed 

Crake. We also visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, and it’s famous tortoise 

breeding centre. Isabela is the largest island, and here we visit a pristine ecosystem 

of tidal lagoons that is the habitat of several Darwin’s finches, Mangrove Warbler 

and others. Flightless Cormorants and Brown Pelicans nest along the coast. There 

are lava fields down to the sea’s edge where we hope to find Galápagos Penguins, 

and other birds might include Blue-footed Booby, Magnificent Frigatebird, 

Audubon Shearwater, Galápagos Hawk, Galapagos Rail, Woodpecker Finch, Green 

Warbler Finch, Small Tree Finch and Galapagos Flycatcher. 

Española sustains one of the most impressive and varied colonies of seabirds in 

Galápagos. Noisy Sea Lions and curious Hood Mockingbirds greet us as we land, 

and you will see a multitude of Blue-footed Boobies, Masked Boobies, Swallowtailed 

Gulls and endemic Marine Iguanas. Steep cliffs rise out of the sea, and we 

watch the famous blowhole. The Waved Albatross colony will be active, 

Galápagos Dove, Large Cactus-Finch, Sally Lightfoot Crab and Galápagos Hawk 

should be seen, and Red-billed Tropicbirds will be overhead. We circumnavigate 

Champion Islet to search for extremely rare Floreana Mockingbird, critically 

endangered and surviving only on two small rocks (we aren’t allowed to land here). 

On Floreana we search for Medium Tree Finch and visit the famous Post Office Bay. 

You'll enjoy thrilling encounters with animals, up-close and in large numbers, 

completely at ease among human visitors, and you will leave inspired to protect 

them and their environment, one of the last truly wild places on Earth. 

NAPO WILDLIFE CENTRE - optional extension 

Dates and prices on application 

This adventure takes you for a few days to the fabulous Amazonian rainforest, 

as we fly to Coca and transfer by boat down the huge, rushing Napa River, which 

hurtles through rainforest filled with wildlife. From here we transfer in small, 

hand-paddled canoes to the isolated Napo Wildlife Centre, one of the 

Amazon's most breathtaking places., at the end of which we return by canoe, 

riverboat and airplane to Quito. 

REST OF WORLD 

FREE! 'The Birds of Ecuador' 

by Robert Ridgely & Paul 

Greenfield is included in 

your holiday price. 

24 


GAMBIA African rainforest birding and migration 

FRI 4 JANUARY – FRI 11 JANUARY 2019 


Leader Ian Ford, plus experienced local guides. Max 12 clients. 



Gambia is a superb option for British birders, offering the nearest rainforest jungle to the UK, easy access 

from London and comfortable hotels close to the airport. This holiday is a straightforward introduction to 

African birding, based in a wide variety of habitats mostly at the bird-rich coastal strip, and largely dry and 

sunny when we visit. This allows us to be flexible if one of our pre-planned sites is poor for birds, and rapidly 

switch to another location. 

Most of the holiday is based at the coast, though one day we head inland to Marakissa Rivercamp. This is a 

top birding destination which has a greater diversity of habitats and species than anywhere else we visit. 

Lunch at the restaurant can be accompanied with up to five species of kingfisher! For those who like their 

birding leisurely and easy, this is the place to be with dozens of species around the camp. We enjoy a twohour 

canoe trip through the mangrove swamp, and there should be great photographic opportunities. Likely 

sightings include Orange-cheeked Waxbill, Oxpecker, African Paradise Flycatcher, Green Crombec, Redshouldered 

Cuckoo-shrike, Cardinal Woodpecker, Yellowbill and many more. Other key sites include Kotu 

Creek and Fajara Golf Course, Abuko Nature Reserve, the Faraba-Banta ‘Raptor Track’, the village of Brufut, Tanji 

Village, and Turjering. 

Birding promises to be exceptional, and we will almost immediately see Red-billed and Grey Hornbill, Senegal 

Coucal, Long-tailed Sunbird, Hooded Vulture and many more. Hotel grounds offer excellent birding and our 

first morning’s stroll should produce fine views of some spectacular species. As usual, we shall be keeping an 

eye on the general wildlife of the area including some spectacular butterflies and reptiles, Nile Monitor Lizard, 

and monkeys such as Green Vervet and Red Colobus. 

Other birding highlights include Snow-crowned Robin-chat, Palm-nut Vulture, African Darter, Hammerkop, 

Giant Kingfisher, African Pygmy Kingfisher, Red-bellied Flycatcher, Western Bluebill, Oriole Warbler, Yellowthroated 

Leaflove, Fanti Saw-wing, White-headed Helmet Shrike, White-faced Scops Owl, Pearl-spotted 

Owlet, Senegal Parrot, sunbirds, Yellow-crowned Gonolek, Black-crowned Tchagra, Long-tailed Nightjar, and 

Bearded Barbet. Painted Snipe, Abyssinian Roller, Blue-bellied Roller, Green Wood-hoopoe, Green Turaco and 

Violet Turaco are colourful and exotic, and we also hope to see Black Egret using its famous umbrella fishing 

technique. Raptors alone might include Martial Eagle, Booted Eagle, Long-crested Hawk Eagle, African Harrier 

Hawk, Shikra, Lizard Buzzard, Hooded Vulture, Black-shouldered Kite, Dark-chanting Goshawk, Lanner Falcon, 

Grey Kestrel and White-crowned Helmet Shrike. A relaxing and very rewarding birding holiday! 

FREE! ‘Birds of Senegal and The 

Gambia’ by Nik Borrow and Ron Demey, 

Helm, is included in your holiday price. 

GOA FROM THE KANCUN COAST TO THE WESTERN GHATS 

A relaxed and enjoyable birding tour in three centres. 

SAT 17 NOVEMBER – SUN 2 DECEMBER 2018 

SAT 16 NOVEMBER – SUN 1 DECEMBER 2019 

PRICE (2018) : £3695PP Single Supplement: £425 Deposit: £800PP 

Leader Toby Green plus local guide. Max 12 clients. Departure from London Gatwick. 


Goa is one of the most accessible Indian birding destinations, with direct flights from London Gatwick, and 

relatively easy travel. The state is extremely rich for birding, with many key habitats concentrated in a fairly 

small and workable area. We visit mountain jungle on the edge of the Western Ghats, paddyfields and 

wetlands often interspersed with dry grassland, mangrove swamp, and coastal areas including 

estuaries, beaches and wet swamps. 

We stay in three centres, and our 15-night holiday includes five nights at the excellent Backwoods 

Camp, plus time at the coast and in the interior. Birding includes visits to Cotigao and Bhagwan 

Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuaries, Carambolim, Curtorim and Velim Lakes, plus excursions to Mollem 

National Park and Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, as well as extensive birding around the state. The tour 

is at a relaxed pace, allowing us a leisurely but detailed investigation of all the best places. 

Goa boasts a huge variety of birds, and among the many we seek are endemic Malabar Whistling 

Thrush, Malabar Barbet, and White-bellied Blue Flycatcher, plus Malabar Trogon, Sri Lankan 

Frogmouth, Blue-capped Rock Thrush, Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, Heart-spotted Woodpecker, 

Crimson-fronted Barbet, Black-rumped Flameback, Verditer Flycatcher, Scarlet Minivet, Asian Fairy 

Bluebird and Golden-fronted Leafbird. 

Other key birds include Citrine Wagtail, Paddyfield Warbler, Bluethroat (red-spotted race) and Pacific Golden 

Plover. Other birds of note include several Bee-eater species, including Blue-tailed, Chestnut-headed and 

Little Green, which hawk over the paddyfields. There are up to eight species of kingfisher, including Storkbilled, 

Pied and Black-capped. Waders and herons abound, and we look for Terek and Marsh Sandpiper, and 

Lesser and Greater Sandplover. We will also pay attention to locating beautiful Painted Snipe. Mangroves 

hold Collared Kingfisher, herons and passerines including Blyth’s Reed and Greenish Warbler, plus Woollynecked 

Stork and Asian Openbill, and River Tern. At coastal areas there are gull concentrations including 

Heuglin’s, Brown-headed and Pallas’s, and impressive White-bellied Sea-eagle can be seen hunting. 

Even the hotel gardens can be excellent for birding, with sunbirds, bulbuls, Indian Yellow Tit, and flocks of 

Chestnut-tailed Starling. This holiday will be a riot of birdwatching from start to finish, and you can expect 

around 200 species on a relaxed and enjoyable holiday. 

Your Leader, popular Heatherlea Guide Toby Green, has birded Goa extensively, and this is one of his favourite 

birding destinations in the world. He is very much looking forward to showing you the birdlife! 

FREE! ‘Birds of Southern 

India’ by Richard Grimmet and 

Tim Inskipp, is included in your 

holiday price 

REST OF WORLD 


25

INDIA - BIRDS, TIGERS and TAJ MAHAL 

Bharatpur, Chambal, Agra & Bandhavgarh 

MON 3 DECEMBER – THURS 13 DECEMBER 2018 

MON 2 DECEMBER – THURS 12 DECEMBER 2019 

PRICE: £3595PP (2018) Single Supplement: £345 Deposit: £800PP 

Leader Dave Pullan, joined by experienced local guides. Max 12 clients 

Departure from London Heathrow. Pre-flight airport hotel and lounge are included. 

This holiday is an enjoyable combination of mammal watching, birding and sightseeing, as we pass through 

fascinating cities, pastoral landscapes and protected forests on a splendid introduction to the wildlife and 

culture of northern India. 

We begin at two of the best birding sites in the north Indian Plains, Bharatpur, India’s most famous bird 

sanctuary, and the Chambal River, one of the most healthy river environments. Birding at Bharatpur is varied 

and exciting, with wetland birds on man-made lakes and marshes, including Sarus Crane, Black-necked and 

Painted Stork, Indian Spot-billed and Comb Duck, Black Bittern, Indian Scops-owl, Orange-headed Thrush and 

Siberian Rubythroat in a mosaic of habitats. The Chambal River, a serene stretch of water that feeds India’s 

agricultural heartland, is home to Indian Skimmer, as well as the curious Gharial and Ganges River Dolphin. 

We visit the magnificent Taj Mahal and Red Fort in Agra, before driving back to Delhi to take an internal flight 

between Delhi and Jabalpur, avoiding a long road journey. Bandhavgarh National Park is perhaps the most 

reliable reserve for Tiger sightings in India, and six game drives in jeeps for our exclusive use will provide 

excellent chances for memorable Tiger encounters. As we drive through the jungle and grasslands we will 

encounter a whole host of other mammals, which might include Leopard, Jackal, Jungle Cat, Grey Langur, 

Rhesus Macaque, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, and if we are lucky perhaps Sloth Bear or a 

pack of the secretive Dhole (Indian Wild Dog). More than 250 bird species are known from the reserve, and 

Lesser Adjutant, Stork-billed Kingfisher, Emerald Dove, Brown Fish Owl, Mottled Wood Owl, Grey-headed 

Fish Eagle, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Shahin Falcon, Orange-headed Thrush and Tickell's Blue Flycatcher may be 

seen. Safari space at the best reserves is limited, and at Bandhavgarh, where chances of Tiger sightings are very 

good, we need to book well in advance. 

We use good accommodation, comfortable transport in what can be an uncomfortable country, the 

services of a professional India-based ground agent and an experienced Heatherlea guide 

accompanied by a knowledgeable local naturalist throughout. Two 

two internal flights maximise time available in the field, and once 

you arrive in India, you will be aware how much all these things 

add to the experience! This itinerary is ideal for the enthusiast who 

wants to see Tigers whilst enjoying excellent birding and key 

elements of India’s rich heritage. 

JAMAICA 

SUN 13 JANUARY – MON 21 JANUARY 2019 


FREE! ‘Birds of the 

Indian Subcontinent’ by 

Carol Inskipp and Richard 

Grimmett, is included in 


Leader Gerard Gorman and local guide(s), joined by another from our experienced 

Heatherlea team with more than 7 clients. Max 12 clients. Departure from London Gatwick - 

other regional departures may be available. Pre-flight airport hotel and lounge are included. 

REST OF WORLD 

Jamaica is an excellent destination for the birder from the UK, with an exciting mix of interesting endemic 

species, a big list of regional specialities and wintering passerines from North America. On this holiday we have 

every chance of rounding-up all the endemic birds, a total in excess of 100 species, many of which will be new 

to those who haven’t birded this part of the world. 

We enjoy the island from a single base, staying at a historic and remarkably beautiful 1600-acre property 

located on the north coast. The large size of our eco-resort means there is a diversity of habitats here, 

including a large reservoir, fresh water ponds, mangrove swamps, streams, forests, pastures and coastline. 

Watersheds are highly vegetated, ideal for spotting wetland species and to encourage habitat for Jamaica's 

endemic birds, and indeed 27 of the 28 endemics have been recorded from our property. This is also a good 

base from which to bird all the key locations on the island. 

Endemic birds in the immediate vicinity of our hotel include Jamaican Mango, Jamaican Spindalis, Jamaican 

Vireo, Jamaican Woodpecker, and Jamaican Tody, and within a short walk we will add many more, perhaps 

seeing half of the islands endemic birds including Jamaican Lizard-Cuckoo, Jamaican Becard, Sad Flycatcher, 

and White-chinned Thrush on the first day. A wide range of endemic sub-species including Barn Owl, Jamaican 

Potoo and Olive-throated Parakeet should be readily seen, and Caribbean specialities including Jamaican 

Oriole and Greater Antillean Bullfinch can also be found around the grounds. 

We enjoy birding at elevation in the Blue Mountains, where Jamaican Blackbird, Blue Mountain Vireo and 

beautiful Crested Quail Dove will be among our targets, and also in the John Crow Mountains, where we 

concentrate particularly on Black-billed Streamertail. Night birding is optional but rewarding, with Jamaican 

Owl and Northern Potoo our key targets. Coastal birding should add tropicbirds, frigatebirds, shorebirds, and 

herons to our list. 

Much of our time is spent exploring trails adjacent to our comfortable accommodation, and we also visit key 

coastal locations to see shore and seabirds. There will be plenty of optional free time to enjoy the grounds, 

though your Guide will be on hand to ensure we don’t miss the many birding opportunities. Moving at a 

relaxed pace throughout, we should be able to find well over 100 species, 

Jamaica is a lush tropical island with excellent food and a vibrant culture, which we will enjoy as we go. Watch 

out for fresh local fruit juice (organically grown on the estate), local pastries and fruit, the famous Blue 

Mountain Coffee, and traditional local Jamaican dishes at breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

FREE! ‘Birds of Jamaica’ 

by Ann Haynes-Sutton, Audrey 

Downer, Robert Sutton is 

included in your holiday price. 

26 


NEW! KENYA 

Kenya has a huge birdlist, and a magnificent heritage of big game. Habitats and 

wildlife change quickly over short distances, and with the help of extremely 

knowledgeable local guides, you should see a great deal! We have three cracking 

trips, full of wildlife, each ideal for the birder inexperienced in Kenya and for 

those with a general interest in African wildlife. 

Departure from London Heathrow - other regional departures may 

be available. Pre-flight airport hotel and lounge are included. 

BIRDING THE RIFT VALLEY 

SUN 3 FEBRUARY – TUES 12 FEBRUARY 2019 


Leader Pete Cosgrove with local guides 

An exciting holiday with over 300 species. Key sites include Lake Nakuru, Lake 

Naivaisha, Lake Baringo and the famous Nairobi National Park, with a secondary 

focus on spectacular big game. 

Just a few of the birds: Ostrich, Secretary Bird, African Water Rail, Spotted Thickknee, 

Black-winged Plover, African Finfoot, Pangani Longclaw, Jackson’s Widowbird, 

Kori and Hartlaub’s Bustard, Saddle-billed Stork, African Yellow White-eye, 

Common Nightingale, Ruppell’s Robin-chat, Northern Pied Babbler, White-tailed, 

Rufous-naped and Somali Short-toed Lark, Red-throated Tit, Speke’s Weaver, 

Yellow-throated Sandgrouse, Martial, African Crowned and Wahlberg’s Eagle, 

African Quail-finch, Zebra Waxbill, Harlequin Quail, Lappet-faced Vulture, Violet 

Wood-hoopoe, Nairobi and Grassland Pipit, Siffling, Croaking and Desert Cisticola, 

Hartlaub’s Turaco, Cinnamon Bracken Warbler, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, 

Brown-chested Alethe, African Hill Babbler, Green-headed, Malachite and Olive 

Sunbird, Black-fronted Bushshrike, Bar-tailed Trogon, White-browed Crombec, 

White-headed Wood-hoopoe, African Olive Pigeon, Mountain Buzzard and both 

Lesser and Greater Flamingo. 

Big game includes Giraffe (both Maasai and Rothschild's), Zebra, Warthog, Cape 

Buffalo, White Rhino and Black Rhino. 

ULTIMATE BIRDING TOUR 

SUN 1 DECEMBER – TUES 17 DECEMBER 2019 

PRICE: £5995PP Single Supplement: £560 Deposit £1000PP 


BIG GAME AND BIRDING 

SUN 3 NOVEMBER – MON 11 NOVEMBER 2019 



A classic safari concentrating on Big Game and birding, adding Lion, Elephant, 

Leopard and Cheetah to the ‘Birding’ itinerary in February. The Maasai Mara is a 

breathtaking savannah punctuated by scattered shrubs and meandering river 

courses. We enjoy the panoramic spectacle of Africa's top nature reserve, as 

wandering Wildebeest march across the plains with Zebra, Cape Eland and 

gazelles. On their trail, resident and roaming predators include African Lion, 

though Cheetah and Leopard prefer a lower profile. At the river itself, Nile 

Crocodile lie in wait for ruminants, and many Hippos laze in the shallows. 

Everywhere you turn, there will be amazing game to enjoy, including African 

Elephant, Common Warthog, Banded Mongoose, Thompson's Gazelle, Topi, 

Cape Buffalo and Maasai Giraffe. 

We begin at Nairobi National Park, close to the edge of Nairobi city centre. 

Watching Giraffes and Ostriches with tower blocks in the distance behind is a 

wonderful if slightly surreal experience, and the wealth of birding and big game 

in this Park makes it a wonderful place to begin our safari. At Lake Nakuru, we 

hope to find White Rhino in the open, and should see large number of Lesser 

Flamingo, a spectacle famous worldwide. Endangered Rothschild’s Giraffe, the 

tallest animal on earth, is another key target. 

We visit many of the country's top birding spots, with an expected list of 450+, including many soughtafter 

Kenyan and regional endemics. Key habitats and locations include Lakes Naivasha, Nakuru, and 

Baringo, both high and low altitude grasslands, bush and standard savannah woodlands including 

Samburu, mountainous ecosystems and escarpments including Mt Kenya and the pristine Aberdares, and 

extreme drylands and tropical habitat including Kakamega Forest, one of the top locations in Kenya. 

Our birdlist is amazing: African Cuckoo-Hawk, Mountain Buzzard, Crowned Eagle, Alpine Swift, Purplethroated 

and Grey Cuckoo-Shrike, Mountain and Cape Wagtail, Slender-billed Greenbul, Mountain 

Yellow-Warbler, Cinnamon Bracken Warbler, Black-throated, Black-collared and Chestnut-throated 

Apalis, White-browed Crombec, Hunter’s Cisticola, Silvery-cheeked and Crowned Hornbill, African Black 

Duck, Red-fronted Parrot, Hartlaub’s Turaco, Spectacled Weaver, Grey-headed Negrofinch, Scaly, 

Jackson’s and Moorland Francolin, Moorland Chat, Brown-backed Scrub-Robin, Ruppell’s Robin-Chat, 

Abyssinian Crimsonwing, Abyssinian Ground Thrush, Black-fronted Bushshrike, Malachite, Scarlet-tufted 

Malachite, Golden-winged and Eastern Double-collared Sunbird, Black-headed Waxbill, Olive Ibis, 

Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Slender-billed, Abbott’s, Sharpe’s , Kenrick’s and Waller’s Starling, Montane 

White-eye, Fine-banded Woodpecker, White-headed Wood-Hoopoe, Bar-tailed Trogon, Yellowcrowned 

Canary, Dusky Turtle Dove, African Green Pigeon, Lemon Dove, African Olive Pigeon, and 

Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeon are just some, at just one location! Big game are incidental but 

unavoidable, and you will enjoy good views of a wide range of wildlife. 

FREE! ‘Birds of Eastern Africa’ 

by Ber van Perlo is included in your 


REST OF WORLD 


27

NEW! MEXICO Birding and Mayan Culture on the Yucatan peninsula 

SUN 17 NOVEMBER – THURS 28 NOVEMBER 2019 


Leaders: Gabor & Andrea Orban, joined by another member of our Heatherlea team 

with more than 10 clients. Max 12 clients. Departure from London Gatwick - other regional 


Enjoy great birding and winter sunshine in the Caribbean! This twelve-day holiday covers varied birding 

habitats, and is timed to coincide with the passage of Neotropical migrants. With the prospect of colourful 

endemic species, a boat-trip into bird-rich lagoons, tasty Mexican food, well-located hotels and breath-taking 

scenery, we focus upon tropical birding at a leisurely pace. 

The holiday also has a strong cultural aspect as we also visit amazing world-famous Mayan archaeological sites 

including Chichen Itza, Uxmal, and Coba. Chichen Itza is a Unesco Cultural World Heritage Site, recently listed 

among the seven new Wonders of the World, a large, dazzling ancient city that once was the centre of the 

Maya empire in Central America between 750 AD and 1200AD. Our 

local guide Andrea, will be present to concentrate on cultural aspects 

in all the Mayan sites we visit. Those who wish can spend time inside 

the ruins with Andrea, while others can keep birding with specialist 

birding guide Gabor (joined by another from the Heatherlea team 

with more than seven clients)! Jungle birding is rewarding at all the 

heritage sites. 

The holiday is a tour of northern and central Yucatan, in a total of five 

centres as we cover the main habitats to see a host of tropical 

species. Our targets include endemics Yucatan Bobwhite, Yucatan 

Wren and Mexican Sheartail, plus many regional specialities including 

Yucatan Jay, Yucatan Woodpecker, White-bellied Wren, Ocellated 

Turkey, Canivet’s Emerald, Black Catbird and Orange Oriole. Caribbean 

specialities include Caribbean Eleania, Western Spindalis, Caribbean 

Dove and Bananaquit, we take a boat trip into mangrove lagoons at 

Rio Lagartos to see waterbirds including Bare-throated Tiger-heron, 

Boat-billed Heron, Caribbean Flamingo and more, and a range of 

migrating North American warblers, shorebirds and passage migrants 

make for a constantly changing cast of birds. We also pay attention 

to the many colouful butterflies we encounter, and a wide range of 

mammals and reptiles. 

FREE! 'Birds of Mexico and 

Central America' by Ber van Perlo 

is included in your holiday price. 

MOROCCO A big birdlist with a real flavour of North Africa! 

THURS 21 MARCH – SUN 31 MARCH 2019 


Leader Cristian Jensen. Max 12 clients. 



REST OF WORLD 

An eleven day delight, covering the birdlife of desert, mountain, coast and wetland, plus the spectacle of 

spring migration. Morocco has specialities and near-endemics only found in the south of the Western 

Palearctic, and could have been designed for birding! Habitats include stony deserts, sand dunes, lakes, rivers, 

estuaries and the immense Atlas Mountains. In late March passerines are migrating to Europe and the beautiful 

Moroccan landscape explodes into bloom, helping birds such as Nightingale, warblers and buntings on 

northward migration, adding an extra dimension to the tour. Morocco still has a rural style of life lost in most 

European countries, which has helped birdlife for centuries. 

By fully exploring all these habitats we should find a mouth-watering list of species. Key birds include 

Tristram’s Warbler, Desert Sparrow, Bald Ibis, Houbara Bustard, Moussier’s Redstart, Fulvous Babbler, Hoopoe 

Lark, African Desert Warbler, Brown-necked Raven, Spotted, Little and Baillon’s Crakes, Black-crowned Tchagra, 

Marbled Duck, Glossy Ibis, Common Bulbul, Lesser Short-toed Lark, Cream-coloured Courser, Blue-cheeked 

Bee-eater, Rufous Bush Robin, European Roller, Pin-tailed, Spotted, Crowned and Black-bellied Sandgrouse, 

Thick-billed, Bar-tailed, Desert, Thekla, and Temminck’s Horned Lark, Black, White-crowned Black, Red-rumped 

and Desert Wheatear and Trumpeter Finch. Raptors should include Lanner, Long-legged Buzzard, Booted Eagle, 

Montagu’s Harrier, Black-winged Kite, Golden and Bonelli’s Eagle and possibly stunning Lammergeier. A birdlist 

with a real flavour of North Africa! 

We visit many special places, including the High Atlas Mountains at Oukaimeden, where we search the 

snowline for handsome Crimson-winged Finch. At the famous Tagdilt Track, careful searching could reveal 

Houbara Bustard, Cream-coloured Courser, Black-bellied & Crowned Sandgrouse, Thick-billed, Bar-tailed, 

Desert and Temminck’s Horned Lark. Our secluded auberge at Merzouga is right on the edge of the Sahara, 

and we pass numerous wadis and palm-fringed oases, with Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, Lanner and Eagle Owl 

before reaching the edge of the red sand dunes of the Erg Chebbi – the largest dune system in Morocco. A 

major prize should be found around the various cafes that are dotted about the landscape, elusive Desert 

Sparrow. Other species here include Fulvous Babbler, Hoopoe Lark, African Desert Warbler and Brown-necked 

Raven. There are sometimes seasonal lakes, which attract numerous wildfowl and waders – an amazing sight 

out here in the desert. You will travel from the snowline to Sahara on this holiday! 

We stay in comfortable en-suite accommodation throughout. An optional visit to Marrakech city may be 

possible one evening. 

We don’t include a Field Guide here, we 

recommend ‘Collins Bird Guide to Europe’. 

28 


NEPAL Birding and mammals for the first-time visitor 

FRI 15 MARCH – FRI 29 MARCH 2019 


Leader top Nepalese guide Suchit Basnet joined by Heatherlea guide Toby Green with 

more than 7 clients. Max 12 clients. Departure from London Heathrow. 


Memorable and often enchanting, this tour is filled with birds, 

mammals, landscape and lifestyle experiences. Key places include 

the country's two finest reserves, Chitwan National Park and Koshi 

Tappu. We also have an excellent day birding at BOTH ends of 

the tour, as we drive to the 2,740-metre summit of Phulchowki 

close to Kathmandu, where our birdlist will grow quickly with 

Suchit; on this trip, you have friends in high places! 

The holiday is primarily focused on birding, including wintering 

wetland birds, passerines from Siberia and high Himalayan 

breeders plus many resident species. Expect well over 200 birds 

including woodpeckers, minivets, warblers, flycatchers, laughingthrushes, 

yuhinas, fulvettas, sunbirds and flowerpeckers. We look 

for rare Ibisbill, and may see sought-after and delightful Eurasian 

species including Red-flanked Bluetail, Siberian Rubythroat and 

Wallcreeper. Other fantastic birds include Cutia, Swamp Francolin, 

Tickell's Red-breasted Blue Flycatcher and many more - a big list 

of special species! 

Chitwan holds a wealth of mammals, and we seek these as we 

explore by jeep, rubber boat and on foot. Greater One-horned 

(Indian) Rhinoceros, Wild Boar, Sambar, Muntjac, Spotted and Hog 

Deer, Indian Grey Mongoose, Rhesus and Common Langur 

Monkey are among the commoner mammals, and Sloth Bear and 

Gaur may also be seen, as may Gharial, Mugger Crocodile, Ganges 

River Dolphin and if we are lucky, Bengal Tiger. 

At the end of the holiday we include a thrilling Mount Everest 

panoramic flight, plus a fascinating visit to some of Kathmandu's 

famous monumental sites, often regarded as a highlight of the 

trip by many. 

FREE! ‘Birds of Nepal’ by 

Richard Grimmett and Carol 

Inskipp is included in your 


TRINIDAD, TOBAGO AND ST LUCIA 

Our unique three island Caribbean adventure - now with egg-laying Leatherback Turtles! 

THURS 25 APRIL – TUES 7 MAY 2019 


Leader Pete Cosgrove joined by expert local guides on each island. Max 12 clients. 

Departures from London Gatwick. 


A significant improvement on the traditional combination of Trinidad and Tobago, this top-value itinerary 

also includes St Lucia, where birding is excellent. You will add many species here unavailable in ‘T&T’, including 

St Lucia Parrot, Wren, Oriole, Black Finch, Warbler, and Antillean Pewee. Other specialities include St Lucia 

Nightjar, Antillean Bullfinch, Purple-throated Carib, Green-throated Carib, Antillean Crested Hummingbird, 

White-breasted Thrasher, Scaly-breasted Thrasher, Pearly-eyed Thrasher, Gray Trembler, Antillean Euphonia, 

Lesser Antillean Flycatcher and Lesser Antillean Saltator. 

On Trinidad, the Asa Wright experience is unforgettable. Birds 

include Tufted Coquette, Barred Antshrike, Violaceous Trogon, 

Channel-billed Toucan, Golden-headed Manakin, Bearded 

Bellbird, Chestnut Woodpecker, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, and 

rare Moriche Oriole among many others. We enjoy key ‘Trini’ 

experiences including Scarlet Ibis coming to roost, the Oilbirds 

in Dunstan Cave, the Caribbean coast and the open grasslands, 

and the birdlife of the northern primary forest. We also seek 

key species including endemic Trinidadian Piping-guan, and 

visit a secluded beach to watch giant Leatherback Turtles 

egglaying. . 

Tobago is beautiful and laid-back, a fitting final destination for 

our holiday. We explore the forested areas to find 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 and tropicbirds. 

On each island we are joined by the best available local experts, with whom we have worked for many years. 

All are adept birders who know how to produce key species for you with a minimum of exertion! Experience 

a kaleidoscope of bird life, butterflies and wild flowers, set against the impenetrable tangle of the forest on 

a relaxed and enjoyable holiday. A classic Caribbean birding experience! 

FREE! ‘Birds of Trinidad 

and Tobago’by Richard 

French is included in your 

holiday price (one copy per 

room booked). 

REST OF WORLD 


29

PERU 

Peru is one of the most important birding destinations in the world, containing so 

many different habitats, in wild and hard to reach places, that even now, new bird 

species are being discovered every year. Many areas are completely unexplored by 

birdwatchers, and only recently have some fascinating places, with rich bio-diversity 

and a large concentration of species, become available to western enthusiasts. With 

Heatherlea you have two options full of fabulous birding. Visit the south on a 

memorable itinerary including the Manu biosphere and Machu Picchu. Alternatively, 

visit the north and add an extension to Machu Picchu if you wish. 

NORTHERN BIRDING 

WED 2 OCTOBER – MON 14 OCTOBER 2019 

PRICE: £4795PP Ssupp: £545 Deposit: £1000PP 

Heatherlea Guide Gerard Gorman joined by expert local Guide 

Wilson Diaz. Max 12 clients. Departure from London Heathrow. 


Enjoy a fascinating selection of birdlife in the famous and very important Northern Birding 

Corridor, with a long list including iconic and breathtaking species. This trip is 

exceptionally good for hummingbirds, including Koepcke’s Hermit, Black-throated Hermit, 

Fork-tailed Woodnymph, White-chinned Sapphire, Rufous-crested Coquette, Reddish 

Hermit, Blue-fronted and Green-fronted Lancebills, Violet-fronted Brilliant, Long-tailed 

Sylph, Speckled Hummingbird, White-bellied Woodstar, Sword-billed Hummingbird, 

Collared Inca, Andean Emerald, White-bellied Hummingbird, Purple-throated Woodstar, 

Purple-throated Sunangel, White-bellied Woodstar, Royal Sunangel, Tawny-bellied Hermit 

and not forgetting Marvellous Spatuletail, the world’s most spectacular hummer. You can 

also expect tanagers, toucans, raptors, finches and fruiteaters, with chances of 

unforgettable Andean Condor and Cock-of-the-Rock, as we visit unspoilt forests where 

many brightly-coloured birds can be expected in the canopy. We also include an easygoing 

day to see Humboldt's Penguin and Inca Tern. 

SOUTHERN BIRDING and MACHU 

PICCHU 

TUES 15 OCTOBER – MON 28 OCTOBER 2019 

PRICE: £5995PP Ssupp: £795 Deposit: £1000PP 

Heatherlea Guide Gerard Gorman joined by expert local Guide Wilson Diaz. 

Max 12 clients. Departure from London Heathrow. 


REST OF WORLD 

FREE! ‘Birds of Peru’ by Schulenberg et.al, is 

included in your holiday price (one copy per 

room booked). 

Wonderful Peruvian birding from the Pacific coast near Lima to the unique Manu Biosphere, 

together with an exploration of Cusco, Aguas Calientas and the ancient city of Machu Picchu, 

at the very heart of the Inca Empire. We recently extended this tour by five extra nights, 

allowing us to take more time to build an unforgettable experience in this wonderful country. 

We spend most of our time in the south, and visit humid, unspoilt temperate forests where 

flocks of brightly-coloured birds can be expected among the forest canopy of bromeliads and 

mosses. Hummingbirds, tanagers, toucans, raptors, finches and fruiteaters, the birdlife is 

astounding, and we plan to see a large selection in one of the world's most bird-rich regions. 

It would be very difficult to cover all the birdlife of southern Peru during one holiday, and we 

concentrate on the area around Cuzco, to combine our birding experience with the cultural 

treasures of Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the city of Cuzco itself. In this 

south-eastern part of the country, the Inca influence is particularly strong, and tradition still 

rules the daily lives of people, who are very proud of their heritage. Excursions are at a slow 

pace, and you will have plenty of time inside Machu Picchu for photographs, and to enjoy 

local birds including Inca Wren, and Cuzco Brush-Finch. Our hotels have been chosen carefully 

for both birding and easy access to the city of Cuzco. 

The second part of the trip takes us to the cloud forests of the fabulous Manu National Park 

in the Andean foothills. We visit an area where altitudes range between 1500 and 3000 

metres, offering a high diversity of mountain birds. The main attraction here is the Cock-ofthe-Rock 

lek located just outside the lodge. 

We also include an easy-going day on arrival to see Humboldt's Penguin and Inca Tern, and 

the entire trip should be of great interest to all who want a bird-filled holiday with important 

cultural heritage viewing, and a real flavour of Peru, all conducted at a non-intensive pace. 

30 


UGANDA 

FRI 25 JANUARY – WED 6 FEBRUARY 2019 


Leader Gerard Gorman joined by experienced local guide Johnnie Kamugisha. 

Max 12 clients. Departure from London Heathrow. 


Uganda is one of the most attractive destinations in East Africa for the wildlife enthusiast. Straddling the 

Equator and sharing a long land border with Kenya, the country is friendly, with good quality accommodation 

and improved travel. Uganda's wealth of birds and mammals make a wildlife visit thoroughly absorbing. 

This holiday is a carefully designed safari through many of the most wildlife-rich areas, focused on birding and 

mammals, and with excellent opportunities for photography. Uganda boasts around 1080 birds, and on this 

carefully prepared itinerary we hope to see approx 300 species, including the impressive Shoebill, striking 

Bateleur Eagle and elusive African Finfoot. Among the wide diversity of birds we seek are many avian 

specialities of central Africa, and a good number of endemic species. Large mammals of interest include Lion, 

Hippo, Elephant and Nile Crocodile, and a key highlight of the holiday will be the opportunity to see both 

Mountain Gorilla and Chimpanzee. 

As might be expected, our journey takes us to many of the most 

important wildlife locations in Uganda. Our first key destination is the 

Mabamba Wetlands, where we quietly approach Shoebill and many 

other wetland birds in canoes; Kibale National Park is wonderful for 

primates including Chimpanzee; the famous Queen Elizabeth National 

Park and its Kazinga Channel should yield Hippo, Nile Crocodile and 

a wide diversity of birdlife; Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park 

offers the opportunity to encounter Mountain Gorilla, and Lake 

Mburo, our final National Park, holds Eland, Burchell's Zebra, Cape 

Buffalo and many more new birds. Our tour includes three enjoyable 

boat trips, giving us exceptional views of birds and animals with 

minimum effort, an important part of this holiday. 

This non-intensive tour seeks to avoid trekking and strenuous hikes to see wildlife, though ‘tracking’ to see 

gorillas and chimps involves walking to whichever part of the forest is favoured by these animals at the time 

of our visit. We have excellent chances of seeing both large primates, and it is possible to spend up to an hour 

with the Gorillas, depending on our luck with their location. 

As an idea of the huge diversity of wildlife targeted on this holiday, mammals alone might include Mountain 

Gorilla, Chimpanzee, Lion, Leopard, Hippo, African Elephant, Burchell's Zebra, Rothschild's Giraffe, Nile 

Crocodile, Red Colobus, Black and White Colobus, Red-tailed Monkey, Blue Monkey, Grey-cheeked Mangabey, 

Spotted Hyena, Eland, Impala, Uganda Kob, Defassa Waterbuck, Reedbuck, Topi, Oribi, Bushduiker, Olive 

Baboon, Giant Forest Hog, Warthog, Cape Buffalo and more. 

FREE! ‘Birds of Eastern Africa’ 

by Ber van Perlo is included in 


YELLOWSTONE & THE GRAND TETONS Birds and mammals in Yellowstone 

SAT 20 JULY – THURS 1 AUGUST 2019 


Leader Ian Ford, joined by expert local guides. Max. 12 clients. 

Departures from London Heathrow. Pre-flight airport hotel and lounge are included. 

A tremendous tour of both National Parks, as we visit spectacular locations to see a fantastic range of birds 

and mammals. Summer is a time of abundance in Yellowstone, and we should see Grey Wolf, Black and Grizzly 

Bear, American Bison at the rut, Coyote, Pronghorn, Bighorn Sheep, Elk, Moose, Mule Deer, White-tailed Deer, 

River Otter, American Beaver, American Badger, Red Fox – no wonder Yellowstone has been compared to an 

African safari! Summer is a good time for mammals, wolves with young should be found, and both bear species 

are active. 

Birds are spectacular too, including Trumpeter Swan, White-faced 

Ibis, Ruffed and Blue Grouse, American Three-toed Woodpecker, 

Western Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeak, Bald Eagle, Golden 

Eagle, Steller’s Jay, Sandhill Crane, Red-naped Sapsucker, Redbreasted 

Nuthatch, Cordilleran Flycatcher, Mountain Bluebird, 

Clark’s Nutcracker, Barrow’s Goldeneye, American Dipper, Lazuli 

Bunting and Osprey. In a small mountain town we expect Rufous 

and Broad-tailed Hummingbird at feeders. 

Geological delights include the world heritage geyser basins, and 

we hope to witness at least two Old Faithful eruptions. Other 

geysers are impressive too, as are hot springs, which are every 

colour of the rainbow! The dramatic Upper and Lower Falls of 

Yellowstone River are well worth visiting, and we take an exciting 

birding/beaver raft trip on the Snake River. We also visit the 

10,000-foot mountain pass that crosses the great Beartooth 

Plateau to see some of North America’s finest landscapes, an 

unforgettable scenic experience. 

Additionally, our journey begins at Great Salt Lake, where wetlands 

of worldwide importance hold many tens of thousand Eared 

Grebe, Wilson’s Phalarope, American Avocet and other shorebirds. 

This can be a memorable birding experience! 

FREE! ‘Birds of Western North 

America’ by David Allen Sibley is 

included in your holiday price 

(one copy per room booked). 

REST OF WORLD 


31

MAINLAND SCOTLAND WITH HEATHERLEA 

YOUR GATEWAY TO SCOTTISH BIRDS AND WILDLIFE! 

Choose Heatherlea, 

the Scottish birding specialists 

with everything you need. 

MAINLAND SCOTLAND 

Heatherlea are Scotland’s premier birding and wildlife holiday operator. 

Founded in 1991, our 29th season will again be based at our HQ, The 

Mountview Hotel in Nethy Bridge, in the heart of the beautiful Cairngorms 

National Park, in the Scottish Highlands. We offer birdwatching and wildlife 

holidays every week from Jan – Nov. You can come at any season; wildlife 

is always great in this part of the world. Stunning and varied habitats are 

close at hand, and from mountains and ancient forest to wonderful 

coastline and beautiful islands, you will visit Britain’s most breathtaking 

scenery. We are not ‘intensive’ or ‘twitchers’, but are dedicated to showing 

you wildlife, and above all, we have fun. You won’t feel out of place if you 

have less experience than others, and many of our guests become friends 

visiting year after year. We take care to make sure everyone enjoys an 

unforgettable holiday. 

Our full-week ‘Mainland Scotland’ holidays take you to places close to our 

Hotel, where wildlife is special. Many also include a night or two in a 

second centre for your comfort, as far away as Handa, the Orkney Islands, 

Skye, Mull, or the isles of Lewis and Harris. This is a unique way to see the 

‘Highlands and Islands’ during one visit, made possible with Heatherlea 

because we own our hotel and keep your room secure, while you enjoy 

birding the islands. 

We show you all the wildlife, and include all accommodation, food, travel, 

access fees and ferry charges. You get terrific value from our fully inclusive 

holidays, so book with confidence – there are no hidden extras! 

Above all, your holiday includes the services of a Heatherlea Guide, a very 

valuable asset. We are famous 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. He organises 

everything to suit wildlife, weather and your progress through the week, 

and because our groups are small, your Guide has 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. We 

maintain the emphasis on personal service, with a limit of just seven 

clients per guide on all our full-week Scottish trips. Heatherlea are the 

first mainland Wildlife Experience to be awarded five stars, the highest 

possible rating, by VisitScotland. 

GROUPS 

Heatherlea organise group holidays for magazines, RSPB Members Groups, 

wildlife organisations, other holiday operators, and groups of friends. We 

are very experienced and can take the hassle away from holiday 

organisation and delivery. Just relax and let us look after you! Group 

holidays can be tailored exactly to suit your needs. You can bring any 

number of people, any time of year, to see any combination of birds and 

mammals, and we offer very attractive terms. If you would like to chat 

over the possibilities, please ring. You will be surprised how easy it is with 

Heatherlea! 

+ = 

tremendous quality and value 

32 


CHOOSE HEATHERLEA GUIDES FOR SCOTTISH WILDLIFE 

Our resident Guides are very experienced Scottish leaders with unbeatable 

local knowledge. Ian Ford, Toby Green, Rob Jordan, Phil Knott, Scott O’Hara, 

John Picton, Jonny Pott, Dave Pullan, Kevin Shaw and Mark Warren are highly 

skilled birders and real ‘people people’, who can’t wait to show you the 

wonderful wildlife of the Scottish Highlands! 

We are birding continuously, building knowledge each week as the seasons 

unfold. Which Blackcock lek is still going strong? Where are Golden Eagles 

actually being seen? Your Heatherlea Guide knows where the birds have been 

showing, and the best way to maximise your chances. We gather an 

enormous reservoir of information not available anywhere else, and always 

try to make sure everyone sees the birds. Heatherlea work alongside local 

landowners and estates to develop brilliant birding close to hand, often with 

unique access, and there are some extra benefits too. As an example, we 

never leave before 6am to see Black Grouse and Capercaillie. 

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! 

Don’t forget that our holidays show you all Scotland’s birds and other wildlife. 

We have a huge choice, with full-week holidays and short breaks for busy 

birders. Whichever you choose, all holidays include everything you need. You 

may be tempted to ‘do it yourself’, but don’t forget how much more you will 

spend on fuel, guided trips, lunches, ferries, wildlife watches and access to 

reserves – and that’s before you have found the wildlife you came to see! 

Heatherlea travel by roomy minibus, important for birders. Passengers get 

lots of leg room, good all-round visibility, the chance to reach out for optics, 

and great views when we need to stay inside. We probably see Capercaillie, 

Black Grouse, Red Grouse and Short-eared Owl better inside the minibus 

than from outside! 

‘Exceptional’ 

VisitScotland 

‘The whole day was very enjoyable and expertly led. To achieve an award 

of five stars, a score of at least 85% must be achieved. Heatherlea score 

at this level or higher in every category, and the award of five stars is 

confirmed.’ 

VisitScotland. 

NETHY BRIDGE, the centre of Scottish birdwatching 

You can’t beat Nethy Bridge as a Scottish birding base, perfect for 

Capercaillie, Scottish (Parrot) Crossbill, Crested Tit, Ptarmigan and Black 

Grouse. We are on the edge of the Abernethy Forest, and a casual stroll can 

produce Capercaillie, Scottish (Parrot) Crossbill and Crested Tit before 

breakfast. Red Squirrel, Siskin and Great Spotted Woodpecker are regular on 

our feeding station, Osprey and Buzzard pass overhead, and Dipper breed on 

the clear River Nethy 200 metres away. Kestrel, Hobby, Merlin, Sparrowhawk, 

Peregrine and even Golden Eagle, Goshawk and White-tailed Eagle are on 

our ‘hotel list’. Woodcock are common in spring and summer, Grey Wagtail, 

Goldeneye, several breeding waders, and even Otter and Pine Marten have all 

been spotted within a mile or two, especially along the nearby River Spey. In 

summer we have Tawny Owl and perhaps Long-eared Owl with young. 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 an excellent general store/post office, with postcards, 

presents, newspapers and all the other little things you might wish. ‘Nethy’ 

is just right – brilliant for birding, close to services, yet unspoilt and 

delightful in character. A real Highland village at the heart of the 

Cairngorms National Park! 

We have carefully designed each holiday to give you the best wildlife 

watching according to changing seasons. That’s why our ‘Spring into 

Scotland’ holidays in April are very different from our ‘Eagles, Divers and 

Dotterel’ weeks in July, and our ‘Highlands in Autumn’ trips in October 

differ again. You can count on Heatherlea to find key Scottish wildlife 

whenever you visit – a wealth of wonderful wildlife experiences! Ideally 

placed to reach every important habitat, we can easily transfer east or 

west, to see that special bird which puts the cap on a great week. 



33

THE MOUNTVIEW HOTEL – your perfect birding base! 


Our ‘Mainland Scotland’ holidays are based at our own property, The Mountview 

Hotel, a 3-star Edwardian Country House Hotel in the charming village of Nethy 

Bridge, in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. The Mountview is certainly 

well named; 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 four Kincardine peaks. The ancient Caledonian Forest begins behind the 

Hotel, and the clear 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. There are toads 

and frogs near our pond, and our wildflower meadow holds Moonwort and 

Northern Marsh Orchid. 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 and a hospitality tray. WIFI is free of charge. 

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. Non-birding 

guests are welcome. 

Our award-winning kitchen team is led by Caryl and highly skilled Head Chef 

Ettienne Els. Expect a wide selection of fresh Scottish produce, bought locally 

where possible, and prepared with skill and imagination by highly trained chefs. 

If you have special dietary needs we cater personally for you and offer imaginative 

vegetarian and vegan dishes. Dinner is usually at 7pm, allowing time to relax after 

an exhilarating day in the field, and our groups eat together in our Residents’ 

Dining Room. You can expect a variety of traditional food, full of flavour and 

offering a delicious taste of Scotland. To accompany your meal, our Wine List 

offers high quality wines, and excellent value. You can also choose from a wide 

selection of local beers, malts, other spirits (try our range of Scottish gins!) and soft 

drinks. 

THE MOUNTVIEW RESTAURANT 

Non-residents are welcome in our popular Restaurant. Many of our birding friends 

join us for dinner here, especially either side of a SCOTTISH ISLAND holiday. Nonresidents/guests 

are welcome to join you for dinner. 

GREEN HEATHERLEA 

Our kitchen is a hive of activity, and we pride ourselves on the artisanal nature of 

our Hotel. Caryl makes all our jams and jellies herself and is often out sourcing soft 

fruit from local farms, handpicking rowanberries in local woodland or choosing just 

the right fruit for our preserves. Strawberry, damson, worcesterberry, rhubarb and 

ginger, rowan jelly, apple jelly, marmalade and lemon curd are just a selection, and 

from the local forests we gather blackberries, chanterelle, porcini, and blewits. 

Over the years our list of home bakes has become extensive; as well as our 

renowned flapjacks and shortbreads, we also make banana bread, ginger cake, fruit 

cake, carrot cake and many different sponge cakes. Baskets of homemade bread 

and rolls accompany dinner, and these may include buttery brioche, wholemeal 

plaited bread, Italian-style ciabatta, spelt bread, pain brie, granary rolls, bath buns 

or ale bread. 

As part of our policy of using the best, freshest produce, we manage our own 

vegetable garden, where produce is grown according to organic principles. Our 

garden provides most of our herbs, and almost everything in summer has a flavour 

from our garden. Expect a selection from mange-tout peas, sugar snap peas, 

tomatoes, Swiss chard, courgettes, garlic, pak choi cabbage, beetroot, broccoli, 

potatoes, curly kale, lovage, tarragon, thyme, fennel, dill, landcress, rocket, sage, 

lemon balm, ginger mint, applemint, spearmint, and cos, curly endive, freckles, 

lollo rosso, green salad bowl and red salad bowl lettuces. Our own Kitchen Garden 

reduces food miles and our salads and vegetables taste great too! 

34 


CAPERCAILLIE 

and the ‘Heatherlea Private Estate’ 

In our opinion, there is no ‘best time’ to see Capercaillie. Much of Scotland’s 

remaining population is within a few miles of Mountview Hotel, and we see the 

birds all year round. Birds are active in spring, then quieter in the moulting season 

between June and August, though female birds with chicks are seen in these 

months. Autumn and winter can be surprisingly good, not least because dawn, 

when birds are particularly active, breaks much later. Our experienced and capable 

guides have their ear to the ground, and our local knowledge and strong contacts 

give you the very best chances whenever you come. 

A key advantage for Heatherlea is our relationship with local landowners, 

especially our unique ‘Private Estate’ access. Heatherlea are the only birding tour 

operator allowed to enter these lands, managed principally for deer stalking and 

fishing. We usually visit after breakfast, which not only avoids any possible 

disturbance during the breeding season, but also means you don’t have to rise at 

the crack of dawn to see the birds. Access is through secure gates, and we stay 

inside our ‘mobile hide’ minibuses, driving around tracks with keen eyes to all 

sides! Our buses are high enough to allow good views into the forest above the 

berries carpeting the forest floor. In spring, birds are often perched in trees, 

snipping new growth from the edges of branches, and may ‘freeze’, allowing 

superb views. In summer and autumn, birds are more frequently seen on the 

ground, and often stand to attention, or slowly walk into the forest. We pay 

special note to areas recently cleared of trees, where berries are exposed and 

Capercaillie come to feed. 

Using vehicles gives us a big advantage: we approach the birds without scaring 

them, as they do not generally regard our buses as a threat. Secondly, our group 

stays together, so usually the bird is enjoyed by everyone in the bus, rather than 

by one or two people at the front of a group on foot, when birds are likely to take 

flight. This method conforms of course with the ‘Capercaillie Code of Conduct’. 

We are convinced we give you the very best opportunity to see these wonderful 

birds in Scotland. Capercaillie can certainly be frustrating, and whilst sightings are 

not guaranteed, we have a very high success rate over many years. Should we fail 

to see the birds in our Private Estate, or bad weather intervene, we have other 

places to visit, and detailed local knowledge. Some weeks we see Caper without 

even visiting our Estate, and support the RSPB Capercaillie Watch in springtime 

when available, as a back-up for our main efforts. 

Please don’t join any of our tours in the expectation of seeing Capercaillie at all 

costs. This species is increasingly scarce in Scotland, and we won’t disturb the 

birds just to see them, nor organise daytrips specifically for Capercaillie. We do 

however have a very high reputation for finding the birds – you really can see 

Capercaillie! 

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 Forth Road Bridge 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 COACH Scottish Citylink (www.citylink.co.uk 0871 266 3333) 

Coach travel is possible from England, but takes a long time – most of our guests prefer 

rail or air travel. 

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

on the Virgin East Coast Line. This leaves London Kings Cross at 

12.00, arriving Aviemore at 19.29. This train stops at York (13.54), Darlington (14:22), 

Newcastle (14.55) 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 07.25, 08.30 (fast train to London – 

recommended), and 10.27. Please check details before you travel. Rail enquiries: 03457 

484950, www.nationalrail.co.uk . 

BY AIR New flights to Inverness are 

becoming available all the time, for latest info 

call our office. Fly from: 

Heathrow – British Airways 

Gatwick, Luton, Bristol – Easyjet 

Belfast, Birmingham, Exeter (via Manchester), Isle of Man (via 

Manchester), Jersey, Manchester, Southampton (via Manchester) – Flybe 

Amsterdam - KLM 

www.flybe.com (0371 700 2000) 

www.easyjet.com (0330 365 5000) 

www.ba.com (0844 493 0787) 

Travel from Inverness Airport to Nethy Bridge by taxi, or by rail from 

Inverness to Aviemore. We can provide current details by phone or 

email. 

Disclaimer: This information is published to help you and all details 

were correct at June 2018, but 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 

drop-off at 08:20 hours and 10:20 hours, on SATURDAYS ONLY. Please 

give at least 24 hrs notice when booking. 



35

Field Notes - Mainland Scotland 

‘Mainland Scotland’ holidays include everything you need for a 

great birding holiday. En-suite accommodation, all food 

including breakfast, packed lunch and dinner, all minibus 

transportation, ferries, access charges, guidance and much more 

are included in the price. 

Your holiday (based on a full week itinerary) includes: 

✓ seven nights en-suite accommodation. A VisitScotland approved three-star 

hotel, The Mountview Hotel in Nethy Bridge has comfortable en-suite rooms 

including TV and hospitality tray. 

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

Single guests may be upgraded to a double room at no extra charge. Deposit is 

£200pp. 

✓ 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. 

✓ seven days with Heatherlea, including full Scottish breakfast, a substantial 

packed lunch (six days) and a delicious dinner. 

✓ Your holiday will be led by one or more of our resident Guides, Ian Ford, Toby 

Green, Rob Jordan, Phil Knott, Scott O’Hara, John Picton, Jonny Pott and Mark 

Warren. 

✓ all transport by comfortable minibus. 

✓ the services of your Guide during six full days birding, including optional early 

and late excursions. Maximum group size seven clients per Guide (or eight clients 

for four night holidays). 

✓ all access fees, ferry charges and transfers. 

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

✓ 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 


How our Mainland Scotland holidays work: 

• Breakfast is usually at 7.30am or 8.00am. Sometimes we organise an earlier 

breakfast if we have a distance to travel, you will be given full information during 

the holiday. We leave for a full day (with a substantial packed lunch!), returning 

about 5.30pm – 6.00pm for dinner at 7.00pm. Dinner on arrival date may be a 

little earlier or later to suit train timetables, and early breakfast is available on 

the final day. 

• 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! You don’t need flasks for hot 

drinks, or wellies. 

WALKING 

Walking is generally light to moderate, and if you can walk a few miles in half a 

day you will find these holidays very comfortable. Many days contain hardly any 

walking at all, as we take you directly to key sites. An exception is our day on the 

Cairngorm mountain, where walking can be strenuous, particularly in the months 

May – July when we usually require a long walk to see Ptarmigan and especially 

Dotterel. You can ‘opt-out’ of this day if you wish. 

BITING INSECTS 

Biting insects are not expected January to May, or October to December. In the 

months June to September, biting insects are not generally a problem. We don’t 

linger around standing water, and if insects do occur, we move away! 

TURNING THE TIDE AGAINST PLASTIC 

Picnic lunches prepared at Heatherlea are now virtually free of disposable 

plastic (clingfilm is used sparingly). We don’t use single use plastic water bottles, 

sandwich boxes or cutlery, and re-usable mugs are provided for drinks. We have 

asked all our 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). 

MAINLAND SCOTLAND HOLIDAYS (pages 38 – 50) 


On our Mainland Scotland weeks you can expect 100 – 135 species depending on the 

season, including all the key Scottish birds. For more details including a Trip Report 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, Victoria and Kevin are 

here to help. 

Your guide(s) will be a member of the Heatherlea team: Ian Ford, Toby Green, Rob Jordan, 

Phil Knott, Scott O'Hara, John Picton, Jonny Pott, Dave Pullan, Kevin Shaw or Mark Warren. 

Weekly holidays begin with dinner on Saturday evening, though you are welcome to 

arrive any time after 2pm. 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’. 

36 


PICTURE CREDITS 

Our thanks go to many people who provided images for use in this brochure. Our apologies to anyone 

we have missed! 

Photos: Peg Abbott, David Acfield, Eric Angus, Hilary Atkins, Suchit Basnet, Nigel Bewley, Birdlife Belarus, 

David Boorman, Paul Carter, Peter Cosgrove, Wilson Diaz, Mags Fewkes, Finnature, Jeff Fisher, Ian Ford, Liz and 

Roy Gaff, George Gay, Simeon Gigov, Gerard Gorman, Toby Green, Trausti Gunnarsson, Gareth Hawkes, 

Cristian Jensen, Andy Jones, Rob Jordan, Tang Jun, Phil Knott, Jozef Leestman, Stijn Leestmans, James Leonard, 

Murdo Macdonald, Paco Madrigal, Emma McBride, Neil McIntyre, Chrys Mellor, Orsolya Meszaros, Derek Mills, 

Adrian Mills, Scott O’Hara, Gabor & Andrea Orban, Jari Peltomaki, Pablo Petracci, Heinz Plenge, Jonny Pott, 

Dave Pullan, Rupert Pye, Josele Saiz, Graeme & Karen Searle, Kevin Shaw, Rob Skinner, Rodrigo Tapia, Ted Smith, 

Greg Smith, Nigel Sprowell, Matt Sullivan, Pat Taylor, Adams Toussaint, Chris Townend, Paul & Janet Tublin, 

David Tillman, Andres Trujillo, Mladen Vasilev, Glenn Vermeersch, Washington Wachira, Mark Warren, 

David Whitaker, Sue Whitehead. Cartoons for ‘Getting here is easy!’ Clive Francis. 

BINOCULARS and TELESCOPES 

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. Your guides are also equipped 

with Swarovski telescopes which they are happy to share, though of course you 

might have to wait for a look! Please book loan binoculars in advance; availability 

is limited and cannot be guaranteed. 

‘‘You have an excellent working relationship 

with Swarovski Optik who have provided 

some very expensive binoculars that you 

offer on free loan to your guests; this is an 

excellent extra service.’ VisitScotland 

YOU CAN FIND OUR PRODUCTS 

AT EXCLUSIVE SPECIALIST RETAILERS 

AND ONLINE AT WWW.SWAROVSKIOPTIK.COM 

BY APPOINTMENT TO 

HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II 

SWAROVSKI OPTIK 

SUPPLIER OF BINOCULARS 

THE NEW EL 

LIMITLESS 

PERFECTION 

The new EL Family from SWAROVSKI OPTIK is the best ever. 

Its FieldPro package takes comfort and functionality 

to a new level. Its perfect optical performance and precision, 

 

touches to this long-range optical masterpiece. 

Enjoy moments even more – with SWAROVSKI OPTIK. 

SEE THE UNSEEN 

WWW.SWAROVSKIOPTIK.COM 



37

HOGMANAY BIRDING FESTIVAL 

SAT 29 DECEMBER 2018 – SAT 5 JANUARY 2019 

SAT 28 DECEMBER 2019 – SAT 4 JANUARY 2020 

PRICE £1295PP (2018-2019) PRICE £1395PP (2019-2020) 

No single supp. ‘Early Birder’ discounts may apply, contact us before booking! 

Full details and a Trip Report are on our website. 

Please read FIELD NOTES on page 36. 

Come to the Highlands and enjoy fantastic birding both before and after New Year. We 

explore in Strathspey, at the coast and perhaps further afield, depending on weather. 

During local days we concentrate on finding Black Grouse, Capercaillie, Crested Tit, 

Scottish (Parrot) Crossbill and Ptarmigan, with Golden Eagle soaring over the often snowcovered 

hills, scattering coveys of Red Grouse off the summits. Both guides and guests 

frequently comment that this is the best time of year to see many Scottish species, with 

prolonged and confiding views of flighty birds such as Crested Tit, Goldcrest and 

Treecreeper. 

If weather allows we will head to the West Coast to give our New Year list a real boost with 

top targets including Great Northern and Black-throated Diver, Black Guillemot and Whitetailed 

Eagle. A real chance of Otter too in some of the most stunning scenery in Scotland. 

We also enjoy a day in the glens as we target Golden Eagle, Dipper and hopefully a good 

range of other upland birds, which may include Peregrine, Goshawk or Hen Harrier. Red Deer 

and Mountain Hare should also show well in stunning Highland scenery. A final visit to the 

coast, perhaps the Black Isle, the Moray Coast or even Aberdeenshire, may yield a range of 

farmland and coastal species. 

At the coast, where winter lists can reach 60 species in a day, with wintering passerine flocks 

often numbering into the hundreds. We aim to round up any rarities within reach, perhaps 

including Ring-billed Gull, Surf Scoter, Great Grey Shrike, Snow Goose, Waxwing and any 

other northern surprises. 

Hogmanay is a time of great celebration in the Highlands, and we may visit a nearby village 

party, which could typically involve live music and dancing. For those who prefer to stay 

indoors we will clear a space in our restaurant and celebrate ‘The Bells’ in the warmth. 

Breakfast is usually slightly later on the morning of 1 Jan, though with a brand new birdlist 

to begin you may wish to be up early! 

NEW YEAR BIRDLIST BOOSTER 

Total species approx. 90. Other wildlife should include Red Squirrel, Red 

Deer, Roe Deer, Grey Seal, Common Seal, Mountain Hare, and possibly 

Otter. 

Seven nights at Mountview Hotel 

Combined with: 


New Year Birdlist Booster (p38) 

5 – 12 JANUARY, 12 – 19 JANUARY 

PRICE: £1195PP 

No single supp. ‘Early Birder’ discounts may apply, contact us before 

booking! Full details and a Trip Report are on our website. 



This holiday is great fun, ideal for both the serious birder or 

beginner, and a chance to get your 2019 British Yearlist off to a 

cracking start! Key birds are those you have to visit Scotland to 

see, so we target Capercaillie, Crested Tit, Ptarmigan, Scottish 

(Parrot) Crossbill, Black Grouse and Golden Eagle. Next we seek 

a host of northern winter visitors, and during the rest of the 

week round-up rarities, including adventures at under-watched 

coastal spots. We spend a lot of time at the coast, where King 

Eider and Surf Scoter are regular, and at this exciting time of year 

anything can turn up, including exceptional rarities. By the end, 

you should have 'done' Scotland for your yearlist. Target 110+ 

species, including many 'difficult' birds you might otherwise miss. 

The holiday is based at Heatherlea’s HQ here at the Mountview Hotel in Nethy Bridge, which 

gives us full flexibility to maximise our birding. We aim to spend two days in the forests and 

glens targeting the Scottish specials, striving for good views of all of the tough Highland 

species, a real boost to any British yearlist! We include a trip to either the rugged West Coast 

in search of White-tailed Eagle and divers or visit the arable and flat Aberdeenshire coast. 

Key Targets: 

Capercaillie, Black Grouse, Ptarmigan, Crested Tit, Scottish (Parrot) Crossbill, Golden Eagle, 

White-tailed Eagle. 

Probables: 

Whooper Swan, Pink-footed Goose, Greylag Goose, Greater Scaup, Long-tailed Duck, 

Common Scoter, Velvet Scoter, Red-breasted Merganser, Goosander, Red Grouse, Redthroated 

Diver, Great Northern Diver, Slavonian Grebe, Red Kite, Purple Sandpiper, Iceland 

Gull, Dipper, Hooded Crow, Raven, Tree Sparrow, Lesser Redpoll, Common Crossbill, Snow 

Bunting, Yellowhammer, Pale-bellied Brent Goose and Peregrine. 

Highly possible: 

Bean Goose, Barnacle Goose, King Eider, Surf 

Scoter, Grey Partridge, Hen Harrier, Goshawk, Merlin, Peregrine, Golden 

Plover, Black-throated Diver, Glaucous Gull, Waxwing, Great Grey Shrike, 

Brambling, Twite and Corn Bunting. 

Outside chance/rarities (by no means a definitive list, all these have 

been seen at this time in the past few years): 

Ross’s Goose, Red-breasted Goose, American Wigeon, Green-winged 

Teal, American Coot, American Black Duck, Ring-necked Duck, Black 

Scoter, White-billed Diver, Red-necked Grebe, Harlequin Duck, Greater 

Yellowlegs, Bonaparte's Gull, Ring-billed Gull, Kumlien’s Gull, Ross's Gull, 

Ivory Gull, Brünnich’s Guillemot and Little Auk. 

Seven nights at Mountview Hotel. 

Combine with: 


Hogmanay (p38), Short Breaks (p39) 

38 


SHORT BREAKS & BIRDERS BLASTS 

BIRDING SHORT BREAKS IN THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS 

Price: see panel. No single supp. ‘Early Birder’ discounts may apply, contact us before booking! Full details are 

on our website. Please read FIELD NOTES on page 36. 

Ideal for your first wildlife holiday, or for busy birders who don't have a full week to spare, these holidays are 

an exciting ‘dip’ into the birdlife of the Highlands, which should find many of the key specialities, and a host 

of northern birds difficult to see elsewhere in Britain. Our extensive local knowledge will take us to the best 

places to maximise our birding time. 

All include four nights DBB (Dinner, Bed and Breakfast), plus three full days birding with an experienced 

Heatherlea Guide. Great fun and superb birding! 

SHORT BREAKS are easy-paced and target the birds which make Scotland such a special destination for 

so many birdwatchers-great for beginners! 

BIRDERS’ BLASTS are perfect for all levels of birding ability, but run at a slightly faster pace, packing in a 

lot of birds and lots of sites. 

SHORT BREAKS IN WINTER 

Price £695PP 

Sat 19 Jan – Wed 23 Jan, Sun 27 Jan – Thurs 31 Jan, 

Mon 4 Feb – Fri 8 Feb, Tues 12 Feb – Sat 16 Feb 

BIRDERS’ BLAST IN WINTER 

Price £695PP 

Wed 23 Jan – Sun 27 Jan, Thurs 31 Jan – Mon 4 Feb, 

Fri 8 Feb – Tues 12 Feb 

See Capercaillie, Golden Eagle, Crested Tit, Scottish (Parrot) Crossbill, Black 

Grouse and more. Add waders, seaduck, divers, waders, gulls and farmland 

birds, and you have an absorbing and rewarding few days of winter birding. 

SHORT BREAKS IN EARLY AUTUMN 

Price £725PP 

Sat 17 – Wed 21 Aug, Wed 21 Aug – Sun 25 Aug, 

Sun 25 Aug – Thurs 29 Aug 

Sea and coastal birding should be memorable as we catch early migration on 

an exciting pelagic birding adventure across The Minch to the Outer Hebrides 

(NB short break only). We also round-up the best birding inland in August. 

SHORT BREAKS IN AUTUMN 

Price £695PP 

Sat 2 Nov – Wed 6 Nov, Sun 10 Nov – Thurs 14 Nov 

BIRDERS BLAST’ IN AUTUMN 

Price £695PP 

Wed 6 Nov – Sun 10 Nov, Thurs 14 Nov – Mon 18 Nov 

See Capercaillie, Golden Eagle, Crested Tit, Scottish (Parrot) Crossbill, Black 

Grouse and much more. Add rare geese, seaduck, divers, waders, gulls and 

farmland birds, and you have an absorbing and rewarding few days birding 

during November. 

Outline Itinerary: 

DAY 1: 

Arrival, welcome, dinner and briefing. Don’t forget our courtesy collect and 

return service to Aviemore. 

DAY 2: 

LOCAL SPECIALITY DAY 

A pre-breakfast outing for Black Grouse, and we should also see Red Grouse. 

After breakfast, we visit ‘hotspots’ to see Crested Tit and other pinewood 

species. Scottish (Parrot) Crossbill are usually present in small numbers. We 

also target Capercaillie, in our private estate. Red Squirrel are often seen on 

our Hotel feeders. 

DAY 3: 

EAGLE DAY 

A favourite day looking for Golden Eagle, our top target. Other species might 

include Peregrine, Red Grouse, White-tailed Eagle and Raven, with Dipper at 

lower elevations. We should see Red Deer, Roe Deer, feral goats and 

Mountain Hare. Many guests say this is the day they were hoping for when 

they chose to holiday in Scotland! 

DAY 3 Early Autumn only: 

WEST COAST SEATRIP 

Travel with us all the way to the Outer Hebrides! Seabirds might include Great and 

Arctic Skua, Storm Petrel, Sooty and Manx Shearwater, Gannet, Kittiwake, terns, 

gulls and auks including Puffin and Black Guillemot. Rarities may include Leach’s 

Petrel, Sabine’s Gull and both Long-tailed and Pomarine Skua. Close to land, we 

have chances of White-tailed Eagle and Hooded Crow. Minke Whale, Basking 

Shark, Bottle-nosed and Common Dolphin and Harbour Porpoise are possible. 

Enjoy Scottish pelagic birding with experienced guides at the best time of year! 

DAY 4: 

COASTAL DAY 

The Moray Coast, where winter birding is excellent. There are rafts of Common and 

Velvet Scoter, and good numbers of Long-tailed Duck and Eider. Goosander, Redbreasted 

Merganser, Slavonian Grebe, Red-throated and Great Northern Diver will 

be offshore, and in recent years rarities included King Eider, Surf Scoter and Whitebilled 

Diver. Iceland and Glaucous Gull are regular and many waders and wildfowl 

can be expected. This is an excellent time to see farmland birds, including Corn 

Bunting, Tree Sparrow, Grey Partridge, Reed Bunting and Yellowhammer, with 

occasional Twite amongst the Linnets. 

DAY 5: 

FINAL DAY 

Breakfast and depart 

This outline itinerary is a guide only, actual holiday content may vary according to elements beyond our control (eg weather). 



39

HIGHLAND WINTER BIRDING 

16 – 23 FEBRUARY, 23 FEBRUARY – 2 MARCH 

PRICE £1295PP 




A wonderful winter birding itinerary, as we seek speciality birds inland, plus visit four 

Highland coastlines, including places often unknown to UK birders to round up the 

winter birds of northern Scotland. This holiday almost always yields at least a few rarities 

and should be of great interest to all! Includes two nights in Thurso, in under-birded 

Caithness. 

Locally we seek Black Grouse popping and cooing at the lek, Crested Tit and Scottish 

(Parrot) Crossbill in the nearby Abernethy Forest, and Capercaillie by safari in our private 

estate or elsewhere. We visit local glens with Golden Eagle our top target, and Buzzard, 

Treecreeper, Siskin, Hen Harrier, Sparrowhawk and White-tailed Eagle more than possible. 

Ptarmigan are all white in winter, as are Mountain Hare. 

Sutherland and Caithness are the most remote counties in Britain. On the way, Glaucous 

and Iceland Gull are regular in harbours, and we may see Ring-billed or even Ross’s or 

Ivory Gull. In secluded coastal bays, wintering divers are occasionally joined by a beautiful 

White-billed, or uncommon passage Grey Phalarope or Little Auk. The far north holds 

Twite, Snow Bunting, and perhaps many migrating Fieldfare, Redwing and Starling, which 

we scan for that special rarity. This is a real birding adventure, depending on our skills, 

weather and a slice of luck – our list in recent years includes Common Crane, American 

Wigeon, Greenland White-fronted Goose, Ring-necked Duck, Long-billed Dowitcher and 

Bonaparte’s Gull. Other local birds are Hen Harrier, Peregrine, Short-eared Owl, Merlin, 

‘real’ Rock Dove, Raven, Hooded Crow, Black Guillemot and Great Northern Diver. 

We visit the east coast for Common and Velvet Scoter, Long-tailed Duck and divers, and 

previous holidays have yielded Kumlien’s Gull, Green-winged Teal, American Wigeon, Surf 

Scoter and King Eider. We may find Red Grouse, Corn Bunting, flocks of grey geese and 

waders perhaps including Purple Sandpiper, and Golden Plover. Waxwing and Great Grey 

Shrike are often seen, With good numbers of seabirds, waders, geese and farmland birds, 

expect around seventy species on this day. 

Total species for the holiday approx 120. Other wildlife should include Red Squirrel, Red 

Deer, Roe Deer, Grey Seal, Common Seal, Mountain Hare, and possibly Otter. 

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

Thurso 

Combine with: 


Short Breaks (p39), Highlands & the East Coast (p40) 

SCOTTISH ISLANDS 

Mull & Islay (p53). 

HIGHLANDS and the EAST COAST 

2 – 9 MARCH 





This winter holiday combines favoured birding areas with some new and exciting sites. 

Specialities such as Black Grouse, Ptarmigan, Capercaillie and Crested Tit often show well, 

and we also explore rural and coastal Aberdeenshire, and the rich pinewoods, stunning 

rivers, and glens of Royal Deeside. We have excellent chances of finding our own rarities 

and build a healthy birdlist from mountain to sea. 


Top local targets include Capercaillie, Black Grouse, Crested Tit and Golden Eagle, with local 

Dippers near nest sites, and Goosander and Goldeneye on the rivers. Local goose flocks 

often contain migrant birds and we are vigilant for stray Bean, White-front, Snow or Ross's 

amongst the commoner Pink-feet and Greylags. 

In Aberdeenshire, we have time to explore, working a good selection of favoured harbours 

and bays, with journeys between the sites being through mixed open land favoured by 

finches, waders and a farmland birds. This whole coastline is massively under-watched, with 

very few resident birders. We have excellent chances of rarities, this being a good time for 

White-billed Diver, King Eider and rare gulls. Offshore we should find good numbers of 

Scoter, Divers and Auks, with the bonus of Purple Sandpiper and Turnstone. We return west 

through mixed farmland, birding near the River Dee and around the Winterwatch site of Mar 

Lodge. With luck we may pick up Crossbills, Goshawk, Golden Eagle and Red Grouse amid 

stunning scenery. 

We look for Ptarmigan and Snow Bunting, using telescopes to locate the birds before walking 

closer (late snow or heavy melt can make conditions difficult). Local waders should be 

returning, and Lapwings and Oystercatchers may be displaying in rough pastures. 

Our final day may be in Strathspey, dropping down to the Black Isle or perhaps even an 

extended day over on the west coast, where we look for White-tailed Eagle, Otter and Blackthroated 

Diver. Total species approx. 120. 

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

Combine with: 


Highland Winter Birding (p40), 

Highlands and the West Coast (p41). 

40 


HIGHLANDS and the WEST COAST 

9 – 16 MARCH 





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 of 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 (Parrot) 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 day 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 a good time for White-billed Diver 

on the under-watched west coast and we will check Great 

Northern Divers carefully for their rarer cousins. 

Our exclusive private estate woodlands offer chances of Capercaillie. 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 Diver, Red-throated Diver, 

Goldeneye and Peregrine, and birchwoods hold Lesser Redpoll and Siskin. 

Lingering Waxwing and Whooper Swan are sometimes present. 

Birding the Moray Coast can include Osprey, Eider, Goosander, Merganser, 

Stonechat, Common and Velvet Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Great Northern and 

Red-throated Diver, Glaucous Gull, 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 Bottle-nosed Dolphin, and with auks, Gannet, gulls 

and more, this is a rewarding day! 

Total species for the holiday approx. 110. Mammals may 

include Otter, Common and Grey Seals, Mountain and 

Brown Hare, Red Squirrel, Red and Roe Deer and 

perhaps Harbour Porpoise or Bottle-nosed Dolphin. 

Six nights at Mountview Hotel. 

One night at a comfortable hotel on the west coast. 

Combine with: 


Highlands and the East Coast (p40), Highland Birding in March (p41) 

SCOTTISH ISLANDS Mull and Isla (p53) 

NEW! HIGHLAND BIRDING in March 

16 – 23 MARCH, 23 – 30 MARCH 



booking! Full details are on our website. 


An exciting holiday across the Highlands, designed to maximise our birding as 

winter turns to spring. Speciality species include Capercaillie, Parrot (Scottish) 

Crossbill, Crested Tit, Black Grouse, Golden Eagle, White-tailed Eagle, Ptarmigan, 

and good chances of three or even four diver species in breeding plumage at 

the coast. 

Winter birds are still with us in good numbers, and one of the main advantages 

of birding this far north is the opportunity to see many species at close quarters, 

probably including both Velvet and Common Scoter and Long-tailed Duck. In bad 

weather, these birds can sometimes be found at extremely close quarters in 

sheltered harbours. We will also pay attention to rarities within reach, and this can 

be an excellent time for ducks, geese and passerines to augment an already 

outstanding birding experience. 

Birding near to hand includes Black Grouse popping and cooing at the lek, Crested 

Tit and Scottish (Parrot) Crossbill in local Caledonian pinewood, and during these 

weeks we have good chances of Capercaillie. Other birds inland include Golden 

Eagle, Dipper, Buzzard, Goldeneye, Ptarmigan, Snow Bunting, Black-throated Diver, 

Red-throated Diver, Peregrine, Lesser Redpoll and Siskin. The first returning Osprey 

are possible, and breeding wader species include Lapwing, Oystercatcher, 

Redshank, Curlew, Common Snipe, Golden Plover, and lingering Waxwing and 

Whooper Swan. 

With all nights at Mountview Hotel, we have maximum flexibility to plan 

according to weather, tides and rare bird reports. The outline itinerary allows three 

days at the coast and three days in Strathspey, though if we are successful with 

key targets locally we may change this to maximise our birdlist. A highlight will be 

a stunning visit to the west coast - we will pick the best day possible; there is 

nowhere better than the West Coast of Scotland on a nice spring day! This 

holiday takes in some of our most stunning and iconic scenery, while enjoying 

superb birdlife as the season turns to spring. 

Total species c. 120. Mammals may include Red Squirrel, Red Deer, Roe Deer, Grey 

Seal, Common Seal. Otter, Mountain Hare, Bottle-nosed Dolphin and Harbour 

Porpoise are possible. 


Combine with: 


Highlands and the West Coast (p41), Spring into Scotland (p42). 



41

SPRING into SCOTLAND including MULL 

30 MARCH – 6 APRIL, 6 – 13 APRIL, 13 – 20 APRIL 





Perhaps the ultimate spring wildlife experience in Scotland! All our resident birds are displaying 

or breeding, winter birds are still here in good numbers, and summer visitors arrive daily. We 

also enjoy a two-night expedition to the magical isle of Mull, where the birding is fabulous and 

scenery unforgettable. 

Close to our hotel we visit exclusive private estate woodlands, and staying inside our roomy 

minibus, have reasonable chances of seeing Capercaillie. Moorland specialities include Golden 

Eagle, Peregrine, Merlin and as spring develops, Wheatear, Ring Ouzel and roadside Red Grouse 

and Black-throated Diver. 

Mull is a ‘must see’ place, and this holiday includes a thorough exploration. As we travel, Black 

Grouse, Common Seal and Hooded Crow are possible. On arrival, we target White-tailed and 

Golden Eagle, may see Short-eared Owl and Raven, and off the rugged shore usually find Otter. 

We have a full day to enjoy the island, with Hen Harrier, Redpoll, breeding Golden Plover, 

Slavonian Grebe, Common Seal, Twite, Black Guillemot, and Stonechat all more than possible. 

Later we look for Ptarmigan, Snow Bunting, Red-throated Diver, Goldeneye, Peregrine, Crested 

Tit and Scottish (Parrot) Crossbill. Local birchwoods hold Lesser Redpoll and Siskin flocks, and 

Osprey, Slavonian Grebe, Whooper Swan and waders mean we enjoy the best of local birding. 

Waxwing are sometimes present, and our guides work hard so we don’t miss any rarities. 

Coastal birding is particularly enjoyable, newly arriving migrants complementing remaining 

winter visitors. This day can include Osprey fishing, rafts of Common Eider, Goosander, Redbreasted 

Merganser, Common and Velvet Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Great Northern and Redthroated 

Diver, Glaucous and Iceland Gull, and spring waders including Purple Sandpiper, 

Turnstone, Bar-tailed Godwit, Knot, Dunlin and Ringed Plover. We often see Bottle-nosed 

Dolphin, and with auks, up to four species of tern, Gannet, gulls, Corn Bunting, Tree Sparrow, 

Yellowhammer, Grey Partridge and more, this is a really rewarding day. 

Total species for the holiday approx. 120 - 125. Other wildlife should include Red Squirrel, Red 

Deer, Roe Deer, Grey Seal, Common Seal, Mountain Hare and Otter. Bottle-nosed Dolphin and 

Harbour Porpoise are possible. 

HIGHLANDS and SKYE 

Five nights at Mountview Hotel. 

Two nights at a comfortable hotel on Mull. 

Combine with: 


NEW! Highland Birding in March (p41), Highlands & 

Skye (p42) 

20 – 27 APRIL, 27 APRIL – 4 MAY 





An adventure including two nights on Skye, a rewarding time to be on this most popular of 

Scottish islands before the busy tourist season, as birds settle to breed and migrants pass through. 

We enjoy eagles, Otter, seabirds and spectacular scenery. A cost-effective way of including Skye 

in your Highland birding holiday! 


Our award-winning hotel is close to a very active Black Grouse lek, which we visit on our first 

morning. A local walk takes us to Crested Tit and Scottish (Parrot) Crossbill. In quiet moorland we 

seek Black and Red-throated Diver and Red Grouse, Dipper, Buzzard, Goldeneye, Osprey, Peregrine, 

Ring Ouzel, Slavonian Grebe and waders including Golden Plover. Our private estate is good for 

Capercaillie at this time, a responsible way to search for the wonderful ‘Horse of the Forest’. 

En-route to Skye we seek roadside Ptarmigan on a mountain pass if weather allows. On arrival, we 

visit wild and remote corners where birders seldom venture, with plenty of time to seek Golden 

and White-tailed Eagle, Peregrine, Merlin and Hen Harrier. Along the miles of coastline we catch 

up with Great Northern Diver and Black Guillemot, and many migrants are possible at these underwatched 

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. 

One day we visit the mountain for Ptarmigan if needed, and possibly Snow Bunting. On a roundup 

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, plus a vast numbers arriving to 

breed. 

Total species for the holiday 120 - 130. Other wildlife should include Red Squirrel, Red Deer, Roe 

Deer, Grey Seal, Common Seal and Mountain Hare. Bottle-nosed Dolphin and Harbour Porpoise are 

possible. 

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

Combine with: 


Spring into Scotland inc Mull (p42), Birding the 

Highlands in May (p43). 

SCOTTISH ISLANDS North Ron in spring 

(p53), Outer Hebrides in spring (p54) 

42 


BIRDING THE HIGHLANDS in May 

4 – 11 MAY, 11 – 18 MAY 





Ideal for the seasoned expert or first time visitor alike, this holiday features most of our 

birdlife, with all spring migrants back and the last few wintering birds still with us. 

Includes an exciting birding boat trip! 

Local Black Grouse are popping and cooing at the lek, followed by a walk for Crested Tit 

and Scottish (Parrot) Crossbill. We stay locally for Osprey, Dipper, Buzzard, Goldeneye, 

Red Grouse, Black-throated Diver, Lesser Redpoll, Peregrine and Slavonian Grebe. In our 

private estate we seek Capercaillie, and in secluded locations Golden Eagle, Peregrine, 

Merlin and Ring Ouzel. A perfect start with many key birds on our first day! 

An exciting boat trip below Troup Head, to visit one of the largest seabird colonies of the 

British Isles and mainland Scotland’s only Gannetry. We seek Puffin, Kittiwake, Fulmar, 

Guillemot, Razorbill and ‘real’ Rock Dove, with a chance of passage skuas, gulls, terns and 

even White-billed Diver if very lucky! On the Cairngorm plateau, Ptarmigan have paired 

and Dotterel are arriving. Dotterel often give exceptional views in early May. Look out for 

Snow Bunting too. Great birding in a very special habitat. 

The rugged West Coast holds both White-tailed and Golden Eagle. Other birds may 

include Hooded Crow, Twite, Great Northern and Black-throated Diver and Black 

Guillemot. On the Black Isle, Red Kite, Tree Sparrow, Wigeon and Teal are joined by Bartailed 

Godwit and Ringed Plover, with perhaps Black-tailed Godwit, migrating Dunlin, 

lingering Iceland and Glaucous Gull and an unexpected rarity! 

The Moray coast holds Osprey fishing, rafts of Common Eider, Goosander, Merganser, 

Stonechat, Common and Velvet Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Sandwich, Common, Arctic and 

Little Tern, joined by auks, divers, and spring waders including Purple Sandpiper, Turnstone, 

Bar-tailed Godwit, Knot and Ringed Plover, many in bright plumage. Farmland specialities 

on this fertile coastline include Corn Bunting, Yellowhammer and Grey Partridge, a really 

rewarding day! 

Total species for the holiday 120 - 130. Mammals should include Red Squirrel, Red Deer, 

Roe Deer, Grey Seal, Common Seal and Mountain Hare. Bottle-nosed Dolphin and Harbour 



Combine with: 


Highlands and Skye (p42), NEW! Highlands & Corncrake (p43). 


North Ron & Orkney in Spring for birders (p53), Wild Skye 

(p54), Outer Hebrides in Spring (p54) Shetland in Spring for 

birders (p55), Orkney & Flow Country (p56), Shetland Island 

Explorer (p57). 

NEW! HIGHLANDS & CORNCRAKE 

18 – 25 MAY, 25 MAY – 1 JUNE 





A unique holiday, offering the chance to enjoy all the speciality birds of the Highlands AND 

Corncrake, on the same one-week holiday. All these are very possible; Capercaillie, Black 

Grouse, Red Grouse, Ptarmigan, Dotterel, Corncrake, White-tailed Eagle, Golden Eagle, Hen 

Harrier, Short-eared Owl, Peregrine, Black Guillemot, Puffin, Gannet, Manx Shearwater, 

Great Skua, Arctic Skua, Crested Tit, Scottish (Parrot) Crossbill, Osprey, Ring Ouzel, Dipper, 

Buzzard, Goldeneye, Black-throated Diver, Red-throated Diver, Slavonian Grebe, Lesser 

Redpoll, Hooded Crow, Corn Bunting, Snow Bunting …. A tremendous array of Scottish 

birdlife! 

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 White-tailed and Golden Eagle 

can be expected in reasonable weather. Hen Harrier and Short-eared Owl are frequently 

seen, and on our ferry crossings we can expect any of the four skuas, Gannet, Puffin, Black 

Guillemot, Manx Shearwater and a host of other northern species including Hooded Crow, 

Guillemot, Razorbill, 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 Capercaillie, Black Grouse, Red Grouse, Ptarmigan, Dotterel, Peregrine, Crested Tit, 

Scottish (Parrot) Crossbill, Osprey, Ring Ouzel, Dipper, Buzzard, Goldeneye, Black-throated 

Diver, Red-throated Diver, Slavonian Grebe, and many more. We visit the Caledonian 

pinewoods adjacent to Mountview Hotel, open moorland within a few miles drive, and the 

moorlands, 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, and another birding 

the Moray Coast, with the chance of farmland birds and perhaps a rarity! 

Total species c. 120. Mammals may include Red Squirrel, Red Deer, Roe Deer, Grey Seal, 

Common Seal. Otter, Mountain Hare, Minke Whale, Bottle-nosed Dolphin and Harbour 


Five nights at Mountview Hotel. Two nights on the Outer Hebrides. 

Combine with: 


Birding the Highlands in May (p43), High Season across 

the Highlands (p44). 


Shetland in Spring for birders (p55), Mull, Iona & 

Treshnish Isles (p55), Orkney & Flow Country (p56), 

Shetland Island Explorer (p57), Islands on the Edge (p57), 

Orkney Island Explorer (p58), Southern Hebrides (p58) 



43

HIGH SEASON ACROSS THE HIGHLANDS 

1 – 8 JUNE 





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 we seek Crested Tit and Scottish (Parrot) Crossbill, often adults 

with fledged young 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, Peregrine, breeding 

waders and Slavonian Grebe. 

Handa is a 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, every minute is absorbing. We stay overnight on 

the west, giving maximum time on Handa, and a second day to explore the underwatched 

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 Whitetailed 

Eagles soar over imposing crags. 

In June hen Capercaillie, perhaps with chicks, are more likely than cock birds. 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, and our record in May and June is very good. We also look for breeding 

Snow Bunting. 

At the coast Osprey fishing, Common Eider, Goosander, Red-breasted Merganser, 

Stonechat, Red-throated Diver, Gannet, Corn Bunting, Yellowhammer, the odd 

summering Common Scoter, and Sandwich, Common, Arctic and Little Tern are 

found. We also seek rarities within reach, 

perhaps rare waders at this time. A fitting 

finale to a great week’s birding! 

Total species c. 120. Mammals may include 

Red Squirrel, Red Deer, Roe Deer, Grey Seal, 

Common Seal. Otter, Mountain Hare, Bottlenosed 

Dolphin and Harbour Porpoise are 

possible. 

Six nights at Mountview Hotel. 

One night at a comfortable hotel on the 

west. 

Combine with: 


NEW! Highlands and Corncrake 

(p43), Highlands and Orkney (p44). 


Islands on the Edge (p57), 

Shetland Island Explorer (p57), 

HIGHLANDS and ORKNEY 

8 – 15 JUNE 





As Scottish summer gets into full swing we visit Orkney, where special birds include 

Hen Harrier and Short-eared Owl. With auks, skuas, terns and gulls, our three-day 

journey is full of excitement amid stunning coastal scenery. We also search the 

Caledonian pinewoods and rugged glens to find many special birds. 


We begin locally, looking for Crested Tit and Scottish (Parrot) Crossbill. Your list may 

include Osprey, Dipper, Buzzard, Goldeneye, Red Grouse, Black-throated Diver, Lesser 

Redpoll, Peregrine, breeding waders and Slavonian Grebe. The beauty of divers and 

grebes in breeding plumage spellbinds many of our guests, and we admire at close 

quarters. 

We enjoy two nights on Orkney, for waders, raptors and seabirds, giving us a real 

flavour of this fertile archipelago. We visit tiny fishing villages where a late staying 

Iceland Gull or breeding Black Guillemot is possible. Hen Harrier and Short-eared 

Owl breed, and both quarter rough grasslands and heaths. With the sound of Skylark 

and Meadow Pipit all around, we may add Merlin to our lists. We have a full day to 

visit the stunning seabird colony of Marwick Head, as well as birding numerous bays 

where we often find summer-plumaged Sanderling and Turnstone and a late Great 

Northern Diver. Although a birding trip, there is the option to visit the World Heritage 

‘Ring of Brodgar’ and ‘Stones of Stenness’. Ferry crossings should yield Great and Arctic 

Skua, and perhaps Red-throated Diver. In recent years we have seen Orca, Minke 

Whale and Otter, so don’t miss a minute! 

Capercaillie! We visit exclusive private estate woodlands where in June hen birds are 

more likely, perhaps with chicks. Later we seek Golden Eagle, Peregrine and Ring Ouzel 

to complete a lovely day. At coastal haunts, expect Osprey, Eider, Goosander, Redbreasted 

Merganser, Stonechat, Common Scoter, Red-throated Diver, Corn Bunting, 

Yellowhammer and Grey Partridge, plus any rarities within reach. NB, we don’t visit the 

Cairngorm plateau during this itinerary. 

Total species approx. 110. Other wildlife should include Red Squirrel, Red Deer, Roe 

Deer, Grey Seal, Common Seal and Otter. Mountain Hare, Bottle-nosed Dolphin and 

Harbour Porpoise are possible. 

Five nights at Mountview Hotel. Two nights 

at a comfortable hotel on Orkney. 

Combine with: 


High Season across the Highlands (p44), Outer Limits in 

Summer (p45). 


Orkney Island Explorer (p58), Southern Hebrides (p58), 

Shetland & Orkney (p59). 

44 


THE OUTER LIMITS in Summer 

15 – 22 JUNE, 22 – 29 JUNE 





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 (Parrot) Crossbill, Osprey, Dipper, Buzzard, Goldeneye, Red Grouse, 

Black-throated Diver, Lesser Redpoll, Peregrine, breeding waders and Slavonian Grebe. 

Our exclusive private estate woodlands often produce hen Capercaillie in June, perhaps 

with chicks and we use our minibus as a hide as we drive slowly along the forest tracks. 

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 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 for raptors 

on 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 diver on the peatlands. Our last 

morning may be spent looking for eagles, Otter and cetaceans perhaps 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! 

Total species for the holiday approx. 110. Other wildlife should include Red Squirrel, Red 

Deer, Roe Deer, Grey Seal, Common Seal and Otter. Mountain Hare, Minke Whale, Basking 

Shark, Bottle-nosed Dolphin and Harbour Porpoise are possible. 

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

Hebrides. 

Combine with: 


Highlands and Orkney (p44), Highland Wildlife (p45), NEW! 

Highlands & the Bass Rock (p46) 


Islands on the Edge (p57), Outer Hebrides and the Shiants 

(p60). 

HIGHLAND WILDLIFE Natural History of Northern Scotland 

Birds, mammals, insects and plants – ideal for the all-round enthusiast! 

29 JUNE – 6 JULY 





An absorbing round-up of the birds, mammals, insects and flora of our National 

Park, from alpines, Ptarmigan and Dotterel on Cairn Gorm to the summer plants 

and birdlife of the Moray Coast. We also visit key sites outside the Park for rare 

dragonflies, butterflies and flora. 

In our grounds you may see Moonwort, Northern Marsh Orchid, Creeping Ladies’ 

Tresses and Chanterelle. We check our moth trap daily, finding nationally scarce 

moths, though for many Poplar Hawk-moth is a highlight. We bird for Capercaillie, 

Scottish (Parrot) Crossbill and Crested Tit, and see Twinflower, Serrated and 

Common Wintergreen, Field Gentian and orchids including Fragrant, Coralroot, 

Greater and Lesser Butterfly. At the coast we search for orchids and wintergreens 

plus Scots Lovage and Oysterplant. Insects include Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, 

Northern Brown Argus, Dark Green Fritillary, Common Hawker, White-faced and 

Black Darter, Northern Damselfly, Four-spot Chaser and Northern Emerald. 

On the mountain are Ptarmigan, Dotterel, Ring Ouzel, Snow Bunting and Mountain 

Hare, and rare alpines including Moss Campion, Trailing Azalea, Dwarf Cornel, 

Alpine Ladies’ Mantle, Alpine Saw-wort, Lesser Twayblade, Scottish Asphodel, 

Alpine and Interrupted Clubmoss and Climax forest of Least Willow, with a chance 

of Black Mountain Moth. 

We visit Troup Head by boat to see mainland Scotland's only mainland Gannetry, 

and breeding Guillemot, Razorbill, Puffin, Black Guillemot, Kittiwake, Shag, Fulmar, 

and occasional marauding Great Skua or flashing Peregrine. Minke Whale, Bottlenosed 

Dolphin and Harbour Porpoise are also possible. 

In moorland we seek Osprey, Golden Eagle, Peregrine, Red and Black-throated Diver, 

Slavonian Grebe and Red Grouse. Orchids include Frog and Small White, plus Grass 

of Parnassus, Starry Saxifrage, Sundew, Butterwort, Intermediate Wintergreen, 

Water Lobelia and Stagshorn Clubmoss. Beautiful Yellow Underwing is a speciality 

moth, and we visit a loch famous for rare dragonflies. We should see Red and Roe 

Deer, and perhaps White-tailed Eagle. 

In Highland Perthshire top target is Mountain Ringlet butterfly, plus Golden-ringed 

Dragonfly and ‘scotica’ Large Heath. Later we visit one of the best flower meadows 

in the UK, hoping to see Small Cow-wheat and Birds-nest Orchid. 

Total birds for the holiday c. 100, plus a vast range of mammals, insects and 

plantlife! 


Combine with: 


Outer Limits in Summer (p45), Eagles, Divers and Dotterel (p46). 


Inner Hebrides from Canna to Iona (p59), Ultimate Outer 

Hebrides (p60). 



45

NEW! HIGHLANDS and BASS ROCK 

29 JUNE – 6 JULY 





On this new two-centre holiday we visit tranquil Caledonian pinewoods and the 

vast Cairngorm mountain plateau, enjoying glorious scenery, long evenings and 

some of the best summer birding in Britain. We also include two nights in Lothian 

and take a memorable boat trip to the Bass Rock, home of the largest ‘single rock’ 

Gannet colony in the world, holding over 150,000 individuals. 

We watch Golden Eagle, Slavonian Grebe, Red and Black-throated Divers, Peregrine, 

Scottish (Parrot) Crossbill, Crested Tit and more including Red Grouse, Ring Ouzel, 

Dipper, Buzzard and Goldeneye. In early July our private estate woodlands often 

produce hen Capercaillie, quite possibly with growing chicks, seen safely from 

Heatherlea mobile hides. Breeding Ptarmigan and Dotterel should give us a great day 

on the mountains, and we also utilise the evening light to seek out quartering Shorteared 

Owl over local heather moorland and look out for waders including Dunlin, 

Redshank and Common Sandpiper in smart summer plumage. 

Our visit to Lothian begins with a drive south through Perthshire, where we may visit 

Loch of the Lowes or other sites of interest to view nesting Osprey. We take a 

memorable private chartered boat visit to The Bass Rock, famous as the home of the 

largest Gannet colony in the world. Landing under strictly controlled access, we 

should have plenty of time to walk to the chapel, about halfway up, to observe and 

photograph Gannets to our hearts' content. We also visit Musselburgh, where 

breeding terns and the first early autumn migrants can be expected on return passage 

and take our time on the return journey to Nethy Bridge, perhaps looking for flocks 

of Crossbills in northern Perthshire, depending on the best available birding. 

A great new itinerary, with very limited availability. Numbers are restricted to seven 

clients on any one charter, so please book early to avoid disappointment. 

Total species c. 120. Mammals may include Red Squirrel, Red Deer, Roe Deer, Grey 

Seal, Common Seal. Otter, Mountain Hare, Bottle-nosed Dolphin and Harbour 


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

Combine with: 


Outer Limits in Summer (p45), Eagles, Divers and Dotterel 

(p46). 


Inner Hebrides (p59), Ultimate Outer Hebrides (p60). 

EAGLES, DIVERS and DOTTEREL including Mull 

6 – 13 JULY, 13 – 20 JULY 





Where do you go in the ‘quiet’ birding weeks of summer? The best birding in Britain 

awaits in Scotland, where we take you from magnificent mountain-top to the scenic 

grandeur of Mull! We watch Golden Eagle, White-tailed Eagle, Peregrine, Osprey, 

Slavonian Grebe, Red and Black-throated Diver, Ptarmigan, Dotterel and more. 


Crested Tit and Scottish (Parrot) Crossbill are our targets, followed by Dipper, Buzzard, 

Goldeneye, Redstart, Spotted Flycatcher and Tree Pipit. Rocky crags may hold Ring 

Ouzel, Stonechat and Wheatear, plus upland specialities Red-throated Diver, Lesser 

Redpoll, Red Grouse, Slavonian Grebe, Stonechat, Common Sandpiper and Osprey, 

and both Brown and Mountain Hare and Red Deer stags in full velvet., 

Land of eagles and otters, Mull is truly magical in High Summer, with young eagles 

newly on the wing. We should enjoy excellent views of both White-tailed and Golden 

Eagle, with good chances of other raptors including Hen Harrier, Peregrine, Merlin 

and Short-eared Owl. We aim to find Otter and usually pick up a selection of warblers 

and chats, with good chances of Twite. As we travel, watch out for Black Guillemot, 

Common Seal and Hooded Crow. A great adventure! 

Private woodlands may produce hen Capercaillie perhaps with young, and we stay in 

our minibus for undisturbed views. Your raptor list should be impressive, perhaps 

between eight and twelve species by the end of the week. 

If weather allows, we head for Ptarmigan and particularly Dotterel, both perhaps with 

piping young running behind. We also visit Troup Head, to see breeding Gannets at 

close quarters. Amongst the Guillemot, Razorbill and Kittiwake will be a few breeding 

Puffin, and the occasional passing Great or Arctic Skua. Black Guillemot are seen in 

single numbers, and Corn Bunting, Yellowhammer, Tree Sparrow and Rock Pipit are 

present. We also round-up any rarities within reach on this coastline, perhaps a scarce 

wader or gull at this time. 

Total species approx. 110. Other 

wildlife might include Red Squirrel, 

Roe Deer, Red Deer, Grey Seal, 

Common Seal and Otter. Mountain 

and Brown Hare, Bottle-nosed Dolphin 

and Harbour Porpoise are possible. 

Six nights at Mountview Hotel. One 

night at a comfortable hotel on Mull. 

Combine with: 


Highland Wildlife (p45), NEW! Highlands & Bass Rock (p46), 

NEW! High Summer Highland Wildlife (p47). 


Outer Hebrides and the Shiants (p60), Coll & Tiree in Summer 

(p61), Orkney in High Summer (p62). 

46 


NEW! HIGH SUMMER HIGHLAND WILDLIFE 

20 – 27 JULY 



Full details are on our website. 


A new, high summer version of our popular ‘Highland Wildlife’ 

tour, where changes in the season mean 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 (Parrot) Crossbill, Capercaillie, Red Grouse, 

Black Grouse, Black-throated 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 Northern Brown Argus with several dragonflies on the wing. 

Troup Head is fascinating from the water, with towering cliffs covered in thousands of noisy and smelly 

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, Bottle-nosed Dolphin or Harbour Porpoise. 

In Perthshire, we look for Whinchat, Hen Harrier and Golden-ringed Dragonfly. At Kelteney Burn we 

look for orchids still in flower, and at Fortingall 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, Black Mountain Moth 

and alpine flowers, which may include Frog Orchid, 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 Bats, 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. 


Combine with: 


Eagles, Divers and Dotterel (p46), NEW! 

Highlands and Wester Ross (p47). 


Coll & Tiree in Summer (p61), St Kilda & the 


NEW! HIGHLANDS and WESTER ROSS 

27 JULY – 3 AUGUST 



booking! Full details are on our website. 


An exceptional holiday, combining birding with three days exploring remote places 

on the rugged west coast. We take our time in picture-postcard villages including 

Applecross, Shieldaig, Pennan and Crovie, giving a different flavour of wildlife and 

culture on an easy-paced birding tour. 

We enjoy two nights on the west, watching for Golden and White-tailed Eagle, and 

perhaps a fleeting Merlin. Black-throated Diver are gathering in sheltered bays, 

Kittiwake and auks are on the water, a Great Skua may be following terns, and we 

scout for Otter. There will probably be a few waders in summer plumage in quiet 

places where freshwater streams provide feeding opportunities for Icelandic and 

Scandinavian Dunlin, Sanderling, Turnstone and Ringed Plover. Near Applecross we 

hope to find Ptarmigan. On a clear day we enjoy magnificent views across to Skye, and 

even the Outer Hebrides. We tour to Shieldaig, and take a boat trip from Gairloch, 

returning via Torridon to Nethy Bridge. 

Purple heather moors, deep greens in the ancient pinewoods and long days make this 

a lovely time in the Scottish Highlands. You should see Red Deer stags at their very 

best before the approaching rut, and we seek Slavonian Grebe, Red-throated Diver, 

Crested Tit and Scottish (Parrot) Crossbill. Hen Capercaillie with large chicks may 

show in our private estate. On the Black Isle we seek Curlew Sandpiper, Red Knot and 

Bar-tailed Godwit in bright colours, Peregrine sometimes prey on larger waders, Red 

Kite and Tree Sparrow are found at favoured sites, and we may see Bottle-nosed 

Dolphin on the turning tide. Gannets are probably the most populous bird on the 

cliffs, which may also hold a few Razorbill, Guillemot, Fulmar, Kittiwake, Shag, Corn 

Bunting and Rock Pipit. We also visit the picturesque local villages of Crovie and 

Pennan. We may see Short-eared Owl feeding large chicks on the open moorland, 

find Black Grouse beginning to return to their lek, Red Grouse in families with large 

chicks, a passing Hen Harrier, there are many possibilities! 

Total species approx 110. Mammals may include Red Squirrel, Red Deer, Roe Deer, 

Grey Seal, Common Seal. Otter, Mountain Hare, Bottle-nosed Dolphin and Harbour 


Five nights at Mountview Hotel. 

Two nights at a comfortable hotel on the west coast. 

Combine with: 


NEW! High Summer Highland Wildlife (p47), Highlands and the 

Outer Hebrides (p48). 


Orkney in High Summer (p62). 



47

HIGHLANDS and the OUTER HEBRIDES 

3 – 10 AUGUST, 10 – 17 AUGUST 


No single supp. ‘Early Birder’ discounts may apply, contact us 

before booking! Full details and a Trip Report are on our website. 


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. 

In our private estate, hen Capercaillie with large chicks may be taking autumn 

berries. Nearby we look for Crested Tit, Scottish (Parrot) Crossbill, Siskin, Tree 

Pipit, Redstart, Spotted Flycatcher and Lesser Redpoll. On the Cairngorms, 

Ptarmigan are skulking in the corries. 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 watching for passage seabirds, including petrels, 

skuas and shearwaters, perhaps with a Sabine's Gull or Great Shearwater to cap an exciting voyage. On 

arrival we have a full day to enjoy the delights of the Outer Hebrides in High Summer. Corncrake are present 

but very hard to see this late in the season. There are large numbers of migratory waders on the machair, 

beaches and mudflats, divers offshore and good numbers of Twite, Linnet and hopefully Corn Bunting 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. A scarce migrant could turn up too, perhaps Pectoral Sandpiper, Lesser 

Yellowlegs or White-rumped Sandpiper. We make the most of the long summer day with extended time 

in the field - an unforgettable experience. We return via Skye, and target any species outstanding from the 

Outer Hebrides, 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 an occasional Great or Arctic Skua. Passage waders might include Little Stint, Turnstone, Bartailed 

Godwit, Knot, Dunlin and Ringed Plover, many in breeding plumage. We look for farmland birds and 

round-up rarities within reach. 

Total species approx. 110. Mammals may include Red Squirrel, Red Deer, Roe Deer, Grey Seal, Common Seal, 

Otter, Mountain Hare, Minke Whale, Basking Shark, Bottle-nosed Dolphin and Harbour Porpoise. 

Five nights at Mountview Hotel. Two nights on the Outer Hebrides 

20 SCOTTISH SPECIALS in Autumn 

Combine with: 


NEW! Highlands and Wester Ross (p47), 

Short Breaks in Early Autumn (p39). 

31 AUGUST – 7 SEPTEMBER 






This holiday is designed for those who would like a holiday in Scotland to see northern 

speciality birds, and we target '20 Scottish Specials' to give the holiday a fun focus. 

Ideal whether you keep a UK birdlist or not, on this holiday we concentrate on rounding 

up as many key birds as possible, at a relaxed pace on days which are also great fun. 

Key targets; 

1. Golden Eagle 

2. White-tailed Eagle 

3. Capercaillie 

4. Black Grouse 

5. Red Grouse 

6. Ptarmigan 

8. Scottish (Parrot) 

Crossbill 

9. Dipper 

10. Peregrine 

11. Black Guillemot 

12. Hooded Crow 

14. Black-throated Diver 

15. Red-throated Diver 

16. Osprey 

17. Great Skua 

18. Arctic Skua 

19. Tree Sparrow 

7. Crested Tit 13. Raven 

20. Hen Harrier 

... and perhaps a few mammals too, including Otter, Bottle-nosed Dolphin, Brown Hare, 

Mountain Hare, Red Squirrel, Grey Seal, Common Seal, Red Deer and Roe Deer. 

Early September is a great time to visit the Highlands; all of our Scottish specials have 

fledged chicks, so bird numbers are at their peak and with dependent young it also means 

they can be easier to find than in the middle of summer. We also have the excitement 

of migration, with waders and wildfowl numbers building, with chances of rarities being 

found too. We visit the West Coast, to find Red and Black-throated Diver, Black 

Guillemot, Hooded Crow and White-tailed Eagle, amid stunning late summer scenery. We 

also have two days around the Moray Coast, to give us the best chances of skuas chasing 

the soon to depart terns and Kittiwakes, and also to see Ospreys fishing before they 

head back to Africa for the winter. The rich arable farmland here is good for Tree Sparrow, 

and with luck we should find Corn Bunting, Stock Dove, Yellowhammer and Grey 

Partridge too. Around the Cairngorms we work hard to find all four UK grouse species, 

as well as pinewood specialities such as Crested Tit and Scottish (Parrot) Crossbill, with 

good chances of Golden and White-tailed Eagles over the crags, and the possibility of a 

roaming Hen Harrier over the moorland. 


Can be combined with: 


Short Breaks in Early Autumn (p39), Raptors & Grouse (p49). 


North Ron & Orkney in early Autumn for birders (p62). 

48 


RAPTORS & GROUSE 

7 – 14 SEPTEMBER, 14 – 21 SEPTEMBER 





Autumn migration is in full swing, and our target birds are at their highest numbers with all 

youngsters fledged. We seek an ambitious list of raptors: White-tailed Eagle, Golden Eagle, 

Buzzard, Osprey, Red Kite, Hen Harrier, Peregrine, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel with chances of 

Merlin, Goshawk and Short-eared Owl. We stay overnight on Magical Mull, a superb place 

to gain close views in stunning scenery! Our grouse targets are Capercaillie, Ptarmigan, Black 

Grouse and Red Grouse, the four naturally occurring species in the British Isles. The 

Highlands of Scotland is the only place to see them all! 

We seek Capercaillie in remote woodlands, with several options if we aren’t in luck first time. 

Ptarmigan will be in high corries of the Cairngorms and this is the time of peak numbers. Red 

Grouse are found commonly on the moors around our Hotel in Nethy Bridge, while rarer 

Black Grouse are active locally. Other specialities inland include Crested Tit and Scottish 

(Parrot) Crossbill, the first autumn migrants are coming through, and summer birds are still 

here in good numbers. 

Other birds on our Mull trip include Black Grouse, Black Guillemot, Hooded Crow, Redthroated 

Diver, Slavonian Grebe, Goosander, Redpoll, Stonechat, Twite and more. 

On the Black Isle, there are building numbers of waders and wildfowl, flocks of 

Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting, Linnet and Tree Sparrow, and Merlin perched on bales and 

fenceposts waiting for flocks of Meadow Pipits and other passerines. 

September birding along the Moray Coast is particularly enjoyable, as newly arriving winter 

migrants complement remaining summer visitors. This day may include Osprey fishing, rafts 

of Common Eider, Goosander, Red-breasted Merganser, Stonechat, Common and Velvet 

Scoter, Black and Red-throated Diver, autumn waders including Turnstone, Bar-tailed Godwit, 

Knot, Dunlin and Ringed Plover. We search for any rarities or unusual sightings within reach, 

and have seen Pectoral Sandpiper, White-rumped Sandpiper and Little Gull at this time. 

Total species c. 120. Mammals may include Red Squirrel, Red Deer, Roe Deer, Grey Seal, 

Common Seal. Otter, Mountain Hare, Bottle-nosed Dolphin and Harbour Porpoise are 

possible. 

Six nights at Mountview Hotel. 1 night on Mull 



20 Scottish Specials (p48), The Outer Limits 

Adventure (p49) 


Outer Hebrides in early Autumn for birders (p63), 

North Ron & Orkney in Autumn for birders (p63), 

Shetland in Autumn for birders (p64). 

THE ‘OUTER LIMITS’ ADVENTURE 

14 – 21 SEPTEMBER, 21 – 28 SEPTEMBER, 

28 SEPTEMBER – 5 OCTOBER. 





A real adventure, including two nights in the island wilderness of Lewis, Harris and 

Skye. With Capercaillie, Black Grouse, Ptarmigan, Golden Eagle, White-tailed Eagle, 

Crested Tit and Scottish (Parrot) 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 Scottish 

(Parrot) Crossbill in small flocks. Golden Eagle, Peregrine, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk and 

Kestrel are in the glens, as 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 and Leach’s Petrel, Grey Phalarope and more 

from our ferry. Sooty Shearwater, Pomarine and Long-tailed Skua, Minke Whale, 

Bottle-nosed, Risso’s and Common Dolphins, Harbour Porpoise and Grey and 

Common Seal are all possible. On Harris we may see eagles whilst checking seaduck 

and waders for Surf Scoter, King Eider, three diver species and Slavonian Grebe. On 

Lewis we visit headlands for seabirds, waders and passerines, walk the woods for 

migrants and Hebridean races of Wren, Twite, Dunnock and Song Thrush, and target 

boggy lochans for American vagrants. We may get falls of Icelandic migrants, with 

Pink-footed Goose, Snow Bunting and the odd Lapland Bunting possible. Golden 

Eagle, Hen Harrier and Merlin are frequent. 

Back in the strath, Black Grouse are returning to the lek, and our private estate 

woodlands hold Capercaillie. 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 

King Eider and Surf Scoter, both regular in autumn. Ptarmigan are our target on 

mountain day, and Snow Bunting may be seen. 

Total species approx. 115. Other wildlife should include Red Squirrel, Red Deer, Roe 

Deer, Mountain Hare and sealife. 

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

Outer Hebrides. 

Combine with: 


Raptors & Grouse (p49), Highlands & Skye in Autumn (p50). 


North Ron & Orkney in Autumn for birders (p63), Outer 

Hebrides in Autumn for birders (p65), Shetland in Autumn for 

birders (p64), Unexplored Orkney (p64). 



49

HIGHLANDS and SKYE in Autumn 

5 – 12 OCTOBER, 12 – 19 OCTOBER 





Autumn on Skye is magical from mountain top 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 and are ranging on the coast. 

Back home in Strathspey, specialities and newly arriving thrushes, geese and waders 

provide superb birding during a classic week. 

We begin with Capercaillie and Blackcock, in private estate woodlands or other 

favoured spots depending on where birds are showing. A walk in the nearby 

Abernethy Forest may produce Crested Tit and Scottish (Parrot) Crossbill, and 

moorland specialities include Peregrine, Red Grouse, Merlin and Hen Harrier, with 

Goosander and Dipper on the rivers. 

After breakfast 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 large numbers 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. A wide range of birdlife includes Black 

Guillemot and Twite. 

In the hills we concentrate on Ptarmigan, and rarely fail to find the birds. Local birding 

gives excellent chances of Siskin, Lesser Redpoll, Bullfinch and woodland birds, 

already in winter flocks. Nearby fields often hold freshly arrived Redwing and 

Fieldfare, and flocks of finches and buntings that may hold 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. 

Combine with: 


The Outer Limits Adventure (p49), Highland Autumn Birding 

(p50). 


Shetland in Autumn for birders (p64), Unexplored Orkney 

(p64), Outer Hebrides in Autumn for birders (p65), Coll and 

Tiree in Autumn for birders (p66), Islay and Jura (p66). 

HIGHLAND AUTUMN BIRDING Specialities, seaduck and geese 

19 – 26 OCTOBER, 26 OCTOBER – 2 NOVEMBER 





A comprehensive itinerary, combining our best local autumn birding with an exciting 

three day adventure to remotest Aberdeenshire, one of the best yet most underwatched 

birding parts of the UK! 


Capercaillie and Blackcock are targets in exclusive private estate woodlands or other 

favoured spots. A walk in the nearby Abernethy Forest for Crested Tit and Scottish (Parrot) 

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 

also frequently seen. 

We head east to the Ythan estuary, where goose flocks can be in the thousands, perhaps 

with rarities such as Snow or Red-breasted Goose. King Eider may be close-by inside the 

mouth of the River Ythan. Vast rafts of Common Scoter are possible, with good chances 

of rarer Surf, or perhaps even Black or White-winged Scoter. More usual are Great 

Northern and Red-throated Diver. Waders include Purple Sandpiper, Turnstone, Bar-tailed 

Godwit, Knot, Dunlin and Ringed Plover and just about anything can turn up, particularly 

in easterlies, with seabirds sometimes chased by a late Pomarine or Arctic Skua. 

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, Stock Dove and Tree Sparrow, and in busy harbours we may find 

Iceland and Glaucous Gull. Royal Deeside, famous for Balmoral Castle, is good for 

Crossbills, Goshawk and Golden Eagle, and moors are packed with Red Grouse and a few 

Mountain Hare. 

We search for Ptarmigan, and rarely fail to find them. Local birding around beautiful 

autumnal woodlands may produce Lesser and Common Redpoll, Fieldfare, Redwing and 

more. Our last day is flexible so we have the opportunity to catch up on outstanding 

species missed or target any exciting rarities within reach. 

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

Combine with: 


Short Breaks in Autumn (p39), Highlands and Skye in Autumn 

(p50). 

OTHER SCOTTISHS 

Coll and Tiree in Autumn for birders (p66), Birding the East 

Coast in Autumn. (p70). 

50 


SCOTTISH ISLAND HOLIDAYS 

Birding and wildlife 

The Scottish islands are simply stunning, and with Heatherlea the best wildlife 

watching experiences are readily available. Fancy seeing Corncrake on Coll? How 

about shearwaters as you cruise to Canna? Many itineraries are unique, and in 

2019 we offer more holiday choice than ever, all designed to give you the best of 

wildlife at the best time of year. 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 (see below). 

Ideal for birders and general wildlife 

enthusiasts alike 

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 

and White-tailed Eagle, though on all we are keenly interested in mammals 

(especially Otter and cetaceans), insects, flora and more. We move at a leisurely 

pace, giving you time in the evenings before a relaxed dinner, though we move 

quickly when rare migrants and vagrants are in our sights. We also take time to 

enjoy the scenery; after all, we are visiting some of the most beautiful places on 

the planet! 

Personal Service 

We have a maximum number of seven clients per guide for these 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! 

What’s included in each holiday 

• comfortable en-suite accommodation. Any exceptions will be identified in 

advance. We choose from our personally inspected shortlist, where birders 

are welcome and the hospitality is special. Guests are never expected to 

share. Full details with your joining pack. 

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 (please contact us for up-to-date taxi 

details). Morning drop-offs to Aviemore train station are until 10.30am on the day 

of departure. 

As an alternative you can join the holiday at a point closer to our destination if 

that is more convenient - Oban, Aberdeen, Fort William and Uig on Skye are 

regular meeting points on some itineraries. 

Combination holidays 

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, 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 see individual holiday text for suggestions. 

ST KILDA 

OUTER 

HEBRIDES 

NORTH 

RONALDSAY 

ORKNEY 

SHETLAND 

• all meals from dinner on arrival, then packed lunch each day, until breakfast 

on the final day. 

• all ferries, other boat trips and flights as stated in the itinerary. Please note 

that transport to the joining point is not included, nor are flights from 

mainland airports to islands (e.g. Aberdeen – Shetland). All access fees. 

• the services of your Heatherlea Guide. 

• transfers from Nethy Bridge (see below). 

TIREE 

SKYE 

CANNA 

COLL 

MULL 

NETHY 

BRIDGE 

ABERDEEN 

Transfers included 

Many holidays, particularly to northern islands, begin here in Nethy Bridge, with 

courtesy transfers to ferry points or airports, 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 may 

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 Nethy Hotel are within easy walking distance, 

and we can transfer luggage on request. See ‘Getting Here is Easy’ on p28 for 

suggestions to help you reach Nethy Bridge. 

COLONSAY 

ISLAY 

SOLWAY FIRTH 

More Detail 

We can’t put everything in this brochure, there just isn’t space! To read an 

more information including a Trip Report, please visit 

www.heatherlea.co.uk or ask our office for a printed copy. 



51

SCOTTISH ISLAND HOLIDAYS ... ‘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! 

Heatherlea offer several spring and autumn itineraries where we 

concentrate particularly on the birds which can take your British list 

to new heights, and these are designated ‘for birders’ in this Brochure. 

Select specific ‘for birders’ holidays to North Ronaldsay, Outer 

Hebrides, Coll and Tiree, Isles of Scilly, Shetland and Fair Isle! 

During these holidays we maintain our ‘less intensive’ approach, and 

sometimes birds are trapped at observatories where we can observe 

them closely at leisure, or are available in roadside locations. At other 

times, birds are flighty or in places which might be difficult to reach, and 

then we change plan and move more quickly to find them. You will 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 wildlife and 

wildlife enthusiasts. 

Heatherlea are famous for connecting with rare birds, and one 

way of keeping in touch with our sightings is by subscribing to 

our social media. Here are just some of our postings from the 

Scottish islands! 

‘A glorious day on Uist today & more great birds. Corncrake in 

the sun, great views of Golden Eagle, 2 White-tails being 

mobbed by a Hen Harrier, close views of a Ringtail quartering 

the moor & a Short-eared Owl.’ 

‘A wanderer from the #Arctic - rare Bearded Seal on the last 

day of our '#Shetland in Spring' holiday. Our 7th sunny day in a 

row with lots of Red-throated Divers again, drake Garganey, Iceland 

Gull and Long-tailed Duck on the final afternoon.’ 

‘… And we fared pretty well today in #Shetland. No Marmora's 

Warbler but a cracking Hawfinch, Red-necked Phalarope and brilliant 

views of the Terek Sandpiper at Virkie late in the day. Red-throated 

Divers looking superb too!’ 

‘Yesterday was one of those special days on #Unst for our 

spring #Shetland group (and that's before we found UK's 6th 

Black-faced Bunting!). Gorgeous Red-backed Shrike before 

breakfast then stunning weather and seabirds out on 

Hermaness. Turtle Dove and migrants galore.’ 

‘Incredible finish to the day for our Shetland spring group 

finding Black-faced Bunting at Norwick beach!! We 

didn't even know about the Marmora's!! #mega #rare’ 

‘1st day on #OuterHebrides - what a start! The showiest 

#Corncrake I have ever seen, also Semi-palmated 

Sandpiper a few yards away, 2 Dotterel, and we found 

two Red-necked Phalaropes! Supporting cast of Little 

Tern, Corn Bunting, Arctic Skua, Short-eared Owls and 

Hen Harriers.’ 

‘Another great day on our #North Ronaldsay trip with 

these lovely close Red-throated Divers on the sea along 

with a steady trickle of migrants coming through!’ 

‘Great first day on @NorthRonaldsay with 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 

YB & Barred Warbler, Little Stints and a huge passage of Seabirds.’ 

‘Another great day on our North Ronaldsay trip with a lovely 

Bluethroat and Lapland & Snow Bunting, good numbers of Great 

Northern Diver.’ 

‘Result-Blyth's Reed Warbler found by our Unexplored Orkney 

group at Sandside, Deerness. Also Velvet Scoters, Slavs, L.T.Ducks- 

Great day!’ 

‘Cracking day on Shetland, RB Fly, YB Warbler, Rustic & a 

Little Bunting and this stonking American Buff-bellied Pipit 

= happy group.’ 

‘Another fantastic day on Outer Hebrides, another American 

Wigeon, Great White Egret, Snow Goose and drake Surf 

Scoter #Majic birding!’ 


The Heatherlea Scottish Checklist 

We have enjoyed showing the birdlife of Scotland to well over ten thousand people on guided holidays during the last 27 years, 

throughout the mainland and on most of the accessible islands. 

We felt there was a need for a ‘Scottish Checklist’ for use in the field, and decided to produce this little booklet for your personal 

use. It is consistent with both the British and Scottish Birdlists and contains all species in Categories A, B and C. 

This Checklist is priced at £6.95, though is free of charge to Heatherlea clients, while stocks last. We hope this little Checklist is 

useful to you, and that you enjoy rewarding and responsible birdwatching wherever you go in Scotland. To make sure of your copy, 

please contact our office at the time of booking your holiday. 

All clients will as usual also receive a personal Checklist on arrival, designed for use during their specific holiday. 

52 


MULL & ISLAY 

SAT 2 MARCH – FRI 8 MARCH 


Single supplement: £120. Deposit: £200PP 

Max 7 clients. Leader Phil Knott. 

A late-winter itinerary combining two of our favourite island destinations! We 

have timed this holiday so the winter wildfowl spectacle of tens of thousands 

of geese, ducks and waders on Islay can be coupled with both White-tailed 

and Golden Eagle, plus Hen Harrier, divers and Otters on Mull. A healthy birdlist 

on two scenic and wildlife-rich islands; what a way to complete your winter 

birding! Both islands are incredibly beautiful, and with the lovely glow of 

Scottish light in March, this is a photographer’s dream. 

We start on Mull, enjoying relatively empty roads to cover many of our 

favoured wildlife watching areas. Heatherlea have been visiting Mull in March 

for many years, and we know just the right spots to find our key targets 

whatever the tide, wind and weather. After a few days of gentle exploration, 

we head back to the Mainland, making a slow transfer to deepest Argyll. We 

then board the ferry for our transfer to Islay. The crossing takes around two 

hours, heading first down West Loch Tarbert, excellent for Great Northern 

Divers and Slavonian Grebe. This is a stunning voyage and in the right light is 

absolutely breathtaking. 

Islay is rightly famous for its wildfowl, we should see many thousands of geese, 

plus good numbers and diversity of waders and ducks. Islay is much more fertile 

and low lying than Mull, though we still expect to see eagles. With so much 

wildfowl diversity the raptors can’t stay away! This time of year is a key time 

for scarce winter visitors too, with good chances of Glaucous and Iceland Gull, 

Purple Sandpiper and Long-tailed Duck, with every chance of a rarity. In recent 

years Green-winged Teal, American Wigeon, Cackling Goose and Gyr Falcon 

have all been recorded at this time of year. Number of centres: 2. 



Highland Winter Birding (p40), Highlands & the West Coast (p41). 

NORTH RONALDSAY AND ORKNEY 

in Spring for birders 

SAT 27 APRIL – FRI 3 MAY, SAT 4 MAY – FRI 10 MAY 



Max 7 clients. Leader Toby Green and Scott O’Hara. 

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!) and 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. Anything 

can and often does turn up! 

We transfer from Heatherlea to mainland Orkney with our ferry crossing giving us a good 

birdlist. Our first full day in the field will be spent birding Mainland Orkney, where we 

hope to see nesting birds including Red-throated Diver, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl and 

an abundant variety 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. 

The transfer to North Ronaldsay, via our 15-minute flight in the 8 seat, Islander plane 

offers a unique opportunity to see the 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, though the island is flat, with good 

roads and easy access to most ‘hotspots’. In the right conditions, fantastic falls of 

Scandinavian bound migrants can make land, with Tree Pipit, Pied Flycatcher, Redstart 

and a wide variety of warblers and finches. Wryneck, Bluethroat, Red-backed Shrike, 

Icterine Warbler, Lapland Bunting and Common Rosefinch often turn up during this 

period. Early May has seen some of the best rarities in the last few years, Yellow-rumped 

(Myrtle) Warbler, Spotted Sandpiper, Subalpine Warbler, Black Kite, Glossy Ibis, Dotterel, 

American Wigeon, Green-winged Teal, Pectoral Sandpiper, Hornemann’s Arctic Redpoll 

and Little Bunting all recorded recently. 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, mostly in 

stunning summer plumage. 

Please note that this is a Birders tour, principally focused on finding and identifying rare 

birds. For those who would like a more general tour of North Ronaldsay & Orkney, we 

recommend our Orkney Island Explorer (p58) or Orkney in High Summer (p62) holidays. 

Total species c. 90. Number of centres: 2. 



Highlands and Skye (p42), Birding the Highlands in May (p43), 


Outer Hebrides in Spring (p54), Shetland in Spring for 

birders (p55). 



53

WILD SKYE 

MON 29 APR – SAT 4 MAY 




This exciting spring holiday takes us to some of the more remote parts of Skye, on a 

leisurely expedition which targets all of the key wildlife. Join us to see Golden Eagle, 

White-tailed Eagle, Twite, Great Northern Diver, Red-throated Diver, Black-throated 

Diver, Black Guillemot and other seabirds, with chances of Corncrake, Hen Harrier 

and Merlin. Passage waders should include Greenshank, and many commoner species 

will be in breeding plumage, including Dunlin, Sanderling and Bar-tailed Godwit. 

Mammals should include Otter, Common Seal, Grey Seal, and several cetacean 

species, often including Harbour Porpoise and Common Dolphin. 

Among the highlights, we visit the Sleat Peninsula, the “Garden of Skye”, looking for 

passage waders, birds of deciduous woodland, scrubby areas, stunning bays, and 

diverse moorland and coastal habitats. On the Waternish and Diurinish peninsulas 

we look for divers and passerines, and numbers of Skylark, Linnet, Twite and warblers 

are high. Here we listen and look for the very first returning Corncrakes whilst enjoying 

distant views across ‘The Minch’ to the Outer Hebrides. In rough conditions, we may 

see migrating seabirds (including Pomarine and Long-tailed Skua), with Puffin and other 

auks likely too. On the Trotternish Peninsula we take in some of the famous geological 

sites of Skye, such as the Quiraing, Kilt Rock, Needle Rock and the Old Man of Storr. 

We will visit sites from mountain slopes to hay meadows, right down to the seashore, 

and should connect well with Golden Eagles today. Other targets are recently arrived 

migrants, perhaps Tree Pipit, Whinchat, Cuckoo, Sedge Warbler, Grasshopper Warbler, 

Blackcap and Whitethroat. Often unfairly missed on trips to Skye, the large island of 

Raasay offers a full range of habitats and wildlife. We explore this rugged island to 

amass an impressive birdlist, and also hope to see Otter. We finish one day along a 

quiet moorland road to see Hen Harrier and Short-eared Owl, both scarce breeders 

on Skye. 

As we leave Skye, taking a slow and scenic drive back eastwards, we look for mountain 

birds including Ptarmigan. Heading back down through Torridon, we drive through 

rugged glens, surrounded by lofty peaks. Our lovely scenic birding experience ends on 

our return to Nethy Bridge at around 5.30pm. Number of centres: 1. 



Birding the Highlands in May (p43). 

OUTER HEBRIDES in Spring 

SAT 4 MAY – FRI 10 MAY, SAT 11 MAY – FRI 17 MAY 



Max 7 clients per leader. Leaders from our experienced team. 


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

stay for six nights on the Outer Hebrides to enjoy the very best, including 

Corncrake, both eagles, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl, four Skuas, waders in 

summer colours, Otter and perhaps Red-necked Phalarope, 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 cross the famous Skye Bridge, travelling across the island to Uig. Birding as we 

cross The Little Minch to Lochmaddy might include skuas, Manx Shearwater and 

Fulmar, Gannet, Black Guillemot and all the other 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! Summer-plumaged 

Great Northern Diver are likely, as are ‘real’ Rock Dove and Raven. Arctic Skua breed, 

Great Skua are usually seen, and we 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, and we often watch Otters 

playing on the coastline while an adult Sea Eagle circles above against a stunning 

backdrop. Rare and delicate Red-necked Phalarope are expected from the middle 

of the month, and other summer-plumaged waders should include good numbers 

of Whimbrel, both godwits, and thousands of Dunlin, Sanderling and Turnstone, 

many in summer plumage. Hen Harrier and Short-eared Owl are present in good 

numbers. We return via Skye, before returning to Nethy Bridge on Friday evening 

after a feast of birds! We stay in comfortable en-suite accommodation throughout. 

Total species c. 90. Number of centres: 1. 



Highlands and Skye (p42), Birding the Highlands in May (p43), 

NEW! Highlands & Corncrake (p43). 


North Ronaldsay & Orkney in Spring for birders (p53), Shetland 

in Spring for birders (p55), Orkney & The Flow Country (p56), 

Shetland Island Explorer (p57). 

54 


SHETLAND in Spring for birders 

SAT 11 MAY – SAT 18 MAY 


Single supplement: £250*. Deposit: £200PP. Price excludes flight from Aberdeen, which 

Heatherlea can arrange at cost. Max 7 clients. Leader Toby Green. 

*this single supplement can be reduced significantly should singles be willing to share a 

bathroom with one other person for a limited part of the trip. 

This holiday combines the long days of late spring with superb birding. May is a great 

time, with migrants arriving daily (sometimes in 'falls' of hundreds of birds), many in fine 

breeding colours. Lots of time will go into finding our own rarities, and typical scarce 

birds include Red-backed Shrike, Bluethroat, Common Rosefinch, Wryneck, Rustic 

Bunting and Subalpine Warbler, with ‘overshoots’ from the Mediterranean expected. If 

the winds shift to the south east, birds of Eastern Europe or even Siberia might be found. 

We visit Hermaness, with Great and Arctic Skua on the moorland, and nesting waders 

such as Golden Plover, Snipe and Dunlin, and at the cliffs we have incredible views into 

a bustling gannetry and seabird colony. Other key destinations include Sumburgh Head, 

one of the best land-based watchpoints for Killer Whales, and Fetlar, famous for nesting 

Red-necked Phalarope, which return about this time. Fetlar is a superb Otter spot that 

also boasts a very high density of nesting waders in the rich pastures plus migrant 

waders, ducks and passerines, with fences a favoured perch for Shrikes and Buntings. 

We take time to bird many of the voes and inlets, looking for passage seaduck and 

divers, including Great Northern Diver. White-billed Diver and King Eider are annual, 

and we may see a late Snow or Lapland Bunting, or even an early Dotterel. There is the 

possibility of Pomarine and Long-tailed Skua on passage. 

We often find migrant passerines out of their normal context, with Short-toed Lark 

and Red-throated Pipit annual in May. There are many nesting waders, with Redshank, 

Lapwing, Curlew, Oystercatcher and Ringed Plover at high densities, large numbers of 

Twite, Rock Pipit and Wheatear, and rare nesting birds including Red-throated Diver, 

Whooper Swan and Whimbrel; a feast of birding! 

This holiday is best suited to birders, because should a rarity turn up, or if we need to 

spend time identifying a tricky bird, that takes precedent. Historical sites, shops and 

cultural aspects take a backseat on this holiday in favour of more birding! Number of 

centres: 2. 

This holiday runs back to back with Fair Isle in Spring for birders (p56), allowing an 

extended Shetland experience! 

Can also be combined with: 

MAINLAND SCOTLAND Birding the Highlands in May 

(p43), NEW! Highlands & Corncrake (p43). 

SCOTTISH ISLANDS North Ronaldsay & Orkney in 

Spring for birders (p53), Outer Hebrides in Spring (p54). 

MULL, IONA and the TRESHNISH ISLES 

TUES 14 MAY – SAT 18 MAY 



Max 7 clients. Leader Rob Jordan. 

Mull is a wildlife paradise, with more 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 also intend 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, first visiting 

the Isle of Staffa, where we have enough time to visit Fingal’s Cave and also scan 

for Great Skua. Next, on to the tiny isle of Lunga, where the ‘Puffin experience’ is 

one of the best in the British Isles, as we pass right by the burrows (the birds are 

tolerant, and a careful birder can enjoy views from a few feet). Further along, auks, 

Shag and gulls can be safely appreciated at eye level just yards away. Photographers 

will love this! A quiet walk away from the main cliffs and we may hear Twite singing. 

Many Guillemot, Razorbill, Kittiwake and Shag are present, with Black Guillemot, 

Manx Shearwater and perhaps tiny Storm Petrel, Great Skua, Arctic Tern and ‘real’ 

Greylag Goose offshore. 

As well as thoroughly exploring Mull itself, including a special place or two rarely 

visited by birders, 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 Red Deer. On Iona at this time 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 are 

usually rewarded with a glimpse or two (excellent views in 2016)! On recent trips 

we have seen Common Dolphin, Minke Whale, Basking Shark and even a Bearded 

Seal – a really exciting holiday. Total species c. 70. Number of centres: 1. 


MAINLAND SCOTLAND NEW! Highlands & Corncrake (p43). 



55

ORKNEY and THE FLOW COUNTRY 

SAT 18 MAY – SAT 25 MAY 



Max 7 clients. Leader Scott O’Hara. 

A late-spring birding trip, combining the wildlife highlights of Orkney with the 

key sites and wildlife of the far north of the Scottish Mainland, including a tour 

around the Flow Country of Caithness and Sutherland. Timed so that breeding 

birds are on territory, with an excellent chance of scarce migrants too, this is a 

birding adventure in a really underwatched corner of the country! Key sites 

include Forsinard, The Loons, Birsay Moors and Marwick Head (all RSPB reserves), 

Duncansby Head, Strathy Point, Skaill Bay, St John's Pool and Loch Loyal, all at the 

best time of year for their respective wildlife. 

Wildlife highlights include several visits to seabird colonies, featuring Puffin, 

Guillemot and Razorbill densely packed and huddled in, with most birds about to 

lay eggs. Kittiwake, Fulmar, Shag and ‘Rock Dove’ can also be expected on the 

seacliffs, and the sound and smell of these northern colonies is a real experience. 

Gannet, terns, gulls and passerines such as Rock Pipit complete the avifauna here. 

We will also see good numbers of nesting waders and waterfowl, with scarce 

northern species such as Red-throated Diver, Black-throated Diver, Hen Harrier, 

Great Skua, Arctic Skua, Golden Eagle, Black Guillemot, Twite and a lot more to 

keep us on our toes. The first flowers and butterflies will be out too, with Small 

Blue butterfly a target for the lepidopterists and Scottish Primrose for the 

botanists! 

On the journey over to Orkney, we have good chances of cetaceans and we have 

timed this trip to coincide with peak Orca movements. The Pentland Firth has 

been the most reliable single site for Killer Whale sightings for the last few years, 

especially around late May. With visits to five key headlands for sea watches, two 

ferry crossings and an excellent information grapevine, we have every chance. 

Consolation prizes are Minke Whale, Risso’s Dolphin, White-beaked Dolphin and 

Harbour Porpoise. The longer we look, the more we see! Scarce migrant birds are 

very possible at this exciting time of year, and we will investigate any reported 

rarities and hopefully find a few of our own. In recent years Red-backed Shrike, 

Red-throated Pipit, Bluethroat, Rustic Bunting and Common Rosefinch have been 

found in the north at this time of year. Number of centres: 3. 


MAINLAND SCOTLAND Birding the Highlands in May (p43), 

NEW! Highlands & Corncrake (p43), 

SCOTTISH ISLANDS Outer Hebrides in Spring (p54), 

FAIR ISLE in Spring for birders 

SAT 18 MAY – FRI 24 MAY 


Single supplement: £75 (very limited availability). Deposit: £200PP 

Max 6 clients. Leader Toby Green. This holiday starts in Shetland. Price excludes 

flight from Aberdeen to Sumburgh, which Heatherlea can arrange at cost. 


Fair Isle is Britain’s most isolated inhabited island, and its record of attracting rare 

and unusual migrants has no equal. This is one of the most exciting birding 

destinations in the UK, and every birder should visit Fair Isle in spring! 

Our days are spent exploring, (you need to be mobile to enjoy this holiday to the 

full), with an optional pre-breakfast walk to check for overnight arrivals, and of 

course the major thrill of checking every bird to find our own rarities. Yellowrumped 

Warbler, Calandra Lark and Collared Flycatcher have been recorded at 

this time, and anything is possible! Late spring also offers very good chances of 

iconic birds such as Bluethroat, Red-backed Shrike, Wryneck, Ortolan Bunting and 

Common Rosefinch, and annual vagrants from as far afield as Siberia and North 

America. Birds can turn up anywhere, and we find and identify our own, while 

liaising with other birders on the island to share the excitement during five full 

days. Endemic Fair Isle Wren should also be seen. 

Spring offers the added benefit of tens of thousands of breeding seabirds at close 

quarters, including thousands of Puffin, with a short walk allowing you to sit 

amongst them. Seventeen breeding seabirds include Great and Arctic Skua, Arctic 

Tern and impressive gannetries. Waders often show well in summer finery, and we 

especially enjoy Purple Sandpiper, Turnstone and Sanderling in plumages not 

normally seen further south, with godwits and Whimbrel expected in small 

numbers. Commoner migrants should be well represented, and may include 

Spotted and Pied Flycatcher, Redstart and a range of warblers, buntings and pipits. 

We stay at the Observatory Lodge, which has comfortable en-suite 

accommodation and delicious home-cooked meals. Great birding starts often 

before even stepping outside, as trapped birds are brought back to the ringing 

room, so you may see a Blyth's Reed Warbler or Long-eared Owl at close quarters 

before putting your boots on! Number of centres 1. 


MAINLAND SCOTLAND, NEW! Highlands & Corncrake (p43), 

SCOTTISH ISLANDS, Shetland in Spring for birders (p55), 

Shetland Island Explorer (p57), Islands on the Edge (p57). 

56 


SHETLAND ISLAND EXPLORER 

SAT 18 MAY – SAT 25 MAY, SAT 25 MAY – SAT 1 JUNE 


Single supplement: £295*. Deposit: £200PP 

Price excludes flights from Aberdeen to Sumburgh, which Heatherlea can arrange at cost. 

Max 7 clients. Leader Mark Warren. 

*the single supplement can be reduced significantly on this departure if singles are willing 

to share a bathroom with one other person for a limited part of the trip. 

Shetland is rugged, windswept and wild, and at its best for exploration in May and June, 

when long, long evenings give way only to an ethereal twilight known as the ‘simmer dim’. 

We stand on the very far north of Unst, with views 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 windblown 

birds. We also take several spectacular boat trips to visit the more remote offshore 

islands, all busy with birds. 

We visit some of the biggest seabird colonies in Britain: Gannet, Puffin, Guillemot, 

Razorbill and Black Guillemot number over half a million in total. Kittiwake, and Common 

and Arctic Tern are harassed by marauding Great and Arctic Skua. Rock Pipit, ‘Shetland’ 

Wren, and breeding Wheatear, Meadow Pipit and Twite add to the spectacle. Freshwater 

lochs host Red-throated Diver, wildfowl and waders. Two birds of national significance are 

Whimbrel, declining but still breeding, and Red-necked Phalarope, in very small numbers 

on Fetlar. 

Many guests list 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 Otter 

and both Common and Grey Seals, with pups at this time of year. Harbour Porpoise, Minke 

Whale and Orca occur annually, and rarer cetaceans are possible. 

We take two dedicated birding boat trips plus several scheduled ferries as we cover the 

birdlife of at least seven islands. You will visit Fetlar, Mousa and Noss (non-landing), 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. Total species c. 65. Number of centres: 2. 


MAINLAND SCOTLAND, Birding the Highlands in May 

(p43), NEW! Highlands and Corncrake (p43), High Season 

across the Highlands (p44), 

SCOTTISH ISLANDS, Outer Hebrides in Spring (p54), 

Fair Isle in Spring for birders (p56), Southern Hebrides (p58). 

ISLANDS ON THE EDGE 

from Coll and Tiree to the Uists 

SAT 25 MAY – SAT 1 JUNE, SAT 8 JUNE – SAT 15 JUNE 


Single supplement: £195. Deposit: £200PP. Max 7 clients per departure. 

Leader Phil Knott (first departure), Ian Ford (second departure). 

This eight-day, nine-island tour takes us to North Uist, South Uist, Benbecula, Berneray, 

Barra and Eriskay plus three nights on Coll and Tiree. With the machair coming into full 

bloom, Corncrake rasping, Snipe drumming, Redshank, Arctic and Little Terns vociferously 

guarding territories, and Basking Shark, Minke Whale and Common and Grey Seals around 

the white, sandy shorelines, this holiday is a wonderful celebration of Scottish island 

wildlife. 

The holiday begins in Nethy Bridge. We cross Skye, taking the ferry to the Outer Hebrides, 

watching for cetaceans and seabirds in ‘The Minch’. We explore North and South Uist, 

Berneray, Benbecula and Eriskay, to see Otter, Golden Eagle, White-tailed Eagle, Hen 

Harrier, Short-eared Owl, Red-necked Phalarope, terns, skuas, auks, waders, Corncrake, 

Great Northern Diver, Common Redpoll, and Black Guillemot. Rarities could include 

Ring-necked Duck, American Wigeon, Glaucous or Iceland Gull, or even Snowy Owl. We 

reach Barra via Eriskay, and after exploring this small island take the ferry to Tiree, 

watching for cetaceans, Basking Shark, auks, divers, Gannets and perhaps Storm Petrel. 

Everyone loves to see Corncrake, and Tiree is home to more calling males than anywhere 

else in Britain. Tiree also has a nationally important population of breeding waders, and 

the machair is full of Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Redshank, Snipe and Ringed Plover chicks. 

Pintail is a rare breeder, and sounds at night could include the buzzing song of 

Grasshopper Warbler, the bizarre call of Water Rail, the liquid song of Quail or the ‘whiplash’ 

call of Spotted Crake. On nearby Coll, we listen and look for Corncrake, and search 

for Basking Shark and Otter along the coasts. Perhaps the most under-visited of all large 

Scottish islands, Coll and Tiree are special places. 

Our final ferry takes us between the Ardnamurchan Peninsula and Mull to Oban, keeping 

our eyes open for Harbour Porpoise, Bottle-nosed, Common and Risso’s Dolphins, Minke 

Whale and a host of seabirds including Manx Shearwater. From Oban, we drive back to 

Nethy Bridge. Total species c. 90. Number of centres: 4. 


MAINLAND SCOTLAND, NEW! Highlands & Corncrake 

(p43), High Season across the Highlands (p44), The Outer 

Limits in Summer (p45), 

SCOTTISH ISLANDS, Fair Isle in Spring for birders 

(p56), Southern Hebrides (p58). 



57

ORKNEY ISLAND EXPLORER Westray, Hoy, Rousay, Burray and 

both South and North Ronaldsay 

SAT 1 JUNE – SAT 8 JUNE 


Single supplement: £150. Deposit: £200PP. 

Max 7 clients. Leader Toby Green. 

This dedicated trip to Orkney is a wide-ranging exploration of these fabulous 

islands. The focus is on birding, though scenery and archaeology are important 

too during a great experience. 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, a number of waders, 

including breeding Black-tailed Godwit and Snipe, Water Rail, and Greylag Goose 

can be found on inland pools. We visit seabird cliffs, and see waders, divers and 

ducks inland, plus Brown Hare, and Common and Grey Seal. 

On Mainland we visit Marwick and Brough Head RSPB reserves, and also use our 

mobile minibus hide to explore moorlands. Island hopping is a key feature of this 

thorough exploration of Orkney, and we visit Westray, Rousay and Hoy, three very 

different islands with very different habitats and associated flora and fauna. 

Another highlight will be our ‘Islander’ flight to North Ronaldsay, to find passage 

migrants and stay at the famous Bird Observatory. In previous years we have seen 

Red-backed Shrike, Golden Oriole, Nightjar, Common Rosefinch and even a 

summering Grey Phalarope here. It isn’t all birding though and we have plenty of 

time to enjoy the unique feel of this enchanting small island. 

We also visit some of the finest prehistoric 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 5000-year-old Ring of Brodgar. 

We also visit the ‘Tomb of the Eagles’ if time allows. All entry fees are included 

in your holiday price. We also visit the Italian Chapel, Scapa Flow and the 

Churchill Barriers, with time in Kirkwall for the historic sites, or for a spot of 

souvenir hunting in the narrow lanes. Total species c. 80. Number of centres: 2. 



(p43) Highlands and Orkney (p44). 

SOUTHERN HEBRIDES 

from Colonsay to Islay 

SUN 2 JUNE – SAT 8 JUNE 





In this little visited part of Scotland’s Hebridean archipelago lie fascinating and 

diverse islands, hosting stunning wildlife as spring turns to summer in the Inner 

Hebrides. On this unique holiday we make a leisurely journey through these 

enchanting islands and their wildlife. We begin on Colonsay, where we spend three 

nights in comfortable accommodation as we make a thorough exploration. 

Colonsay holds a variety of habitats, including ancient and cultivated woodland, 

moorland and peat bogs, meadows and cultivated farmland, machair and coastal 

flats, pristine beaches and offshore islands, and a wealth of wildlife. Crofts should 

prove good for farmland birds including Corncrake and Twite. Overhead we watch 

for Golden Eagle, Peregrine and possibly Merlin, and Otter frequent the seaweedy 

coasts. We visit the gardens of Colonsay House, good for warblers and migrants as 

well as woodland flora and fauna, and famous as one of the finest rhododendron 

gardens in Scotland. We walk across a sandy tidal causeway (The Strand) to the 

RSPB island of Oronsay, where Chough and Corncrake are found, and spend some 

time here enjoying the views and solitude. Other important breeding birds include 

Lapwing, Redshank, Twite, Skylark and Linnet. 

Our next ferry takes us south, as we head for Islay, home to around 100 species of 

breeding birds. We take a cliff walk around the southern tip, search tidal lochs for 

ducks and waders, and look for Otter among seaweed-strewn bays. Inland habitats 

give us a good chance of Raven, Hooded Crow, Peregrine and Golden Eagle. Other 

raptors on Islay include Merlin, Buzzard, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, quartering Hen 

Harrier, and the occasional White-tailed Eagle. We also visit the Rhinns area of 

South-west Islay, and the dunes and beaches of Saligo and Machir Bay, to see 

breeding waders and farmland birds. If we are lucky we may find Marsh Fritillary 

butterfly on the wing. One day we make the short journey to Jura, to look for Otter 

and raptors, and are sure to spot Red Deer (there are approximately 5000 here!). 

Finally, we transfer back to the Scottish mainland and head homewards. Total 

species c. 80. Number of centres: 2. 



(p43), Highlands and Orkney (p44), 

SCOTTISH ISLANDS, Shetland Island Explorer (p57), 

Islands on the Edge (p57). 

58 


SHETLAND and ORKNEY 

SAT 15 JUNE – SUN 23 JUNE 


Single supplement: £295*. Deposit: £200PP. Max 7 clients. Leader Toby Green. 

Price excludes flight from Aberdeen, which Heatherlea can arrange at cost. 

*the single supplement can be reduced significantly if singles are willing to share a 

bathroom with one other person for a limited part of the trip 

Join us to enjoy some of the most impressive scenery and wildlife in Britain, and 

indulge in the culture, history and archaeology of these ancient lands. A fantastic 

experience in the long northern summer. 

We fly Aberdeen – Sumburgh 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 Whimbrel and Curlew, ‘real’ Rock Dove, Black Guillemot and 

‘Shetland’ Wren. We make a late evening visit to the Storm Petrel colony on 

Mousa, a spectacular sight and sound show! 

We 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 

Arctic Skua are present, and Harbour Porpoise are likely from land and boat. We 

make ferry trips to Unst, the most northerly inhabited island, and Fetlar, where 

dainty Red-necked Phalarope may be seen, and where Red-throated Diver, 

Whimbrel, Golden Plover, Great Skua, Arctic Skua and Twite breed. We have a 

good chance of Otter too. 

At Hermaness, a walk through the world’s second-largest Great Skua colony takes 

us to the northernmost cliffs of the British Isles. From the 400ft high cliffs, we 

overlook the lighthouse of Muckle Flugga and around 140,000 breeding seabirds! 

We also 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. Hen Harrier and Short-eared Owl quarter the moors in search of 

Orkney Vole, and Peregrine and Merlin hunt along the meadow fringes. Eight 

species of duck, including locally uncommon Shoveler and Pintail, waders 

including Black-tailed Godwit and Snipe, Water Rail, and Greylag Goose can be 

found on inland pools. We visit the 6-metre high Standing Stones of Stenness and 

the 5000-year-old Ring of Brodgar. 

We visit more seabird cliffs, and see waders, divers and ducks inland, plus Brown 

Hare, Common and Grey Seal and Otter. We visit some of the finest prehistoric 

archaeological sites in Britain. The settlement of Skara Brae is a must-see, we also 

visit Maes Howe, Scapa Flow, the Churchill Barriers and the Italian Chapel in a 

thorough exploration of these amazing islands. All access fees included. Return by 

air to Aberdeen. Total species c. 75. Number of centres: 3. 


MAINLAND SCOTLAND, Highlands & Orkney (p44). 

INNER HEBRIDES from Canna to Iona 

FRI 21 JUNE – FRI 28 JUNE 




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 darting 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! Ardnamurchan peninsula 

is often overlooked, yet blessed with wonderful wildlife, and we have access to 

remote wilderness sites here, where we seek Otter. We also expect excellent views 

of Golden Eagle, White-tailed Eagle. Mull is a wildlife paradise, with more eagles 

than anywhere else in Britain, 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. Next, on to the tiny isle of Lunga, where the ‘Puffin 

experience’ is one of the best in the British Isles, as we pass right by the burrows. 

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 be rewarded with a glimpse 

or two! Total species c. 75. Number of centres: 3. 


MAINLAND SCOTLAND, Highland Wildlife (p45), NEW! 

Highlands & Bass Rock (p46). 

SCOTTISH ISLANDS, Outer Hebrides and the Shiant Isles 

(p60). 



59

OUTER HEBRIDES and the SHIANT ISLES 

Skye, Harris, Lewis, Little Bernera and the Shiant Isles 

SAT 29 JUNE – FRI 5 JULY 




A real adventure, visiting some of the most remote and isolated parts of the British 

Isles, including chartered boat trips to Little Bernera, and the Shiant Islands. We 

travel across Skye, where highlights include both eagles, Otter and a quiet spot for 

Adders. We also search for Hen Harrier and Short-eared Owl on remote back roads. 

Depending on weather, we may explore Harris, where stunning beaches and superb 

mountains make the island so famous, with picture-postcard views around every 

corner, or head for Berneray across the Sound of Harris to see the dunes and 

machair. On Lewis, we take a RIB boat trip to Little Bernera, a fascinating and under 

visited island west of Lewis featuring good flora and fauna in breathtaking scenery. 

The overwhelming feel is of space and solitude, and you are unlikely to meet many 

other tourists! On Lewis, we explore the rarely visited southwest corner, targeting 

Golden Eagle, White-tailed Eagle, Merlin, Twite, Wheatear, Red-throated Diver, 

Cuckoo, Eider, Greenshank and other waders, Common and Grey Seal and Otter. 

Other highlights are a visit to the Callanish standing stones and ancient Dun 

Carloway broch. At the Butt of Lewis, seabirds fly around the north-western edge 

of the British Isles, and occasionally breeding birds from Iceland can land. 

A major destination is the Shiant Isles, twelve miles from the northern tip of Skye. 

This is a very important Puffin site, hosting around 240,000 birds, two percent of 

the world’s population! We charter our own RIB boat, and as we travel, the seas can 

teem with birds: Manx Shearwater, Arctic Skua, Great Skua around the ‘flurries’ of 

fish, many Guillemot, Razorbill, Kittiwake, the occasional Storm Petrel, and more! 

We have excellent chances of Rock Dove, Peregrine and White-tailed Eagle. On 

our final morning we visit Tiumpan Head, a great seawatching spot, with a long list 

of recorded cetaceans, before returning across the Minch. Total species c. 80. 

Number of centres: 3. 


MAINLAND SCOTLAND, The Outer Limits in summer (p45), 

Eagles, Divers and Dotterel (p46). 

SCOTTISH ISLANDS, Inner Hebrides from Canna to Iona 

(p59), Ultimate Outer Hebrides (p60). 

ULTIMATE OUTER HEBRIDES 

SAT 6 JULY – MON 15 JULY 



Max 7 clients. Leader Ian Ford. 


A complete 10 day tour of the Outer Hebrides, from the Butt of Lewis at the 

northernmost point, to Mingulay at the very southern end of the island chain. A 

comprehensive tour through the isles in high summer, we pay special consideration 

toward general natural history, including birds, cetaceans, insect life, abundant flora, 

and also key historical and cultural sites, 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 Callinish. We take minor roads to Uig for 

Golden and White-tailed Eagle and take 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, and 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 and perhaps a fleeting Merlin, plus both 

eagles. 

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. In the afternoon we continue south 

to Eriskay, another beautiful island now joined to South Uist by causeway. We travel 

by ferry to Barra, and this island of rich white sand backed by vibrant green croftland 

dotted with outcrops of rock, 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 en-route. Number of centres 4. 


MAINLAND SCOTLAND, Highland Wildlife (p45), NEW! 

Highlands & Bass Rock (p46). 

SCOTTISH ISLANDS, Outer Hebrides and the Shiants 

(p60). 

60 


ST KILDA AND THE HEBRIDES 

FRI 12 JULY – FRI 19 JULY 


Shared cabins. Single supplement: £15 (land). Deposit: £200PP 

Max 10 clients. Leaders Mark and Fleur Warren. 

A fabulous six-day cruise aimed at wonderful St Kilda, one of Scotland’s World 

Heritage Sites. Your chances of reaching the islands are excellent, because we 

travel with a skipper based on the land nearest to St Kilda itself. Operators based 

further away are more susceptible to weather conditions which may deny the 

opportunity to reach the islands. From Nethy Bridge we cross The Minch to 

Stornoway, where we relax with a walk in nearby woods to see island races of 

Wren and Song Thrush. On Saturday, we board our comfortable vessel for six 

nights on the ocean wave, climaxing in our expedition westwards to the outpost 

of St Kilda. There are no guarantees, but in reasonable weather we moor overnight, 

and spend a full day on the largest island, Hirta. This should give us time to find 

St Kilda Wren, a distinctive subspecies, 2-3g heavier than mainland birds. Soay 

Sheep, St Kilda Field Mouse and the history of this remote community will be of 

great interest, and sunrise and sunset are spectacular in good weather. 

St Kilda is famous for its huge seabird colonies. The spectacle and clamour of a 

million birds at the height of their breeding season, in north-west Europe’s largest 

colony, is unforgettable. Highlights include Puffin (more than 250,000 – the largest 

colony in Britain), Manx Shearwater, Fulmar (more than 100,000 – the largest 

colony in Western Europe), Guillemot and Razorbill. The Gannet colony is the 

largest in the world, estimated at over 120,000 birds. As we sail, Manx Shearwater, 

Arctic Skua, Great Skua around the ‘flurries’ of fish, Guillemot, Razorbill, Kittiwake, 

the occasional Storm Petrel… the seas can teem with birds. We should encounter 

Otter on rocky beaches and inlets, and Minke Whale, Basking Shark, Harbour 

Porpoise, Bottle-nosed, Common and Risso’s Dolphin are all possible. 

There is no fixed itinerary for the rest of the holiday, though spectacular island 

scenery is all around, and we will visit remote bays and unspoilt beaches where 

we explore the machair and its flora, perhaps including very rare orchids in flower. 

We may visit the islands of Scarp and Taransay, as we watch the weather and await 

the right conditions. Everyone should visit St Kilda at least once! Total species c. 

65. Number of centres: 2. 


MAINLAND SCOTLAND, NEW High Summer Highland 

Wildlife (p47). 

SCOTTISH ISLANDS, Orkney in High Summer (p62). 

COLL and TIREE in SUMMER 

MON 15 JULY – SAT 20 JULY 




A delightful holiday visiting two of Scotland’s remotest and most westerly 

islands. We will pick out sites carefully based on tide, wind and weather so that 

we can have a slow-paced natural history based exploration, with the best 

chances of key wildlife. 

Basking Shark is an important target, we are here at perhaps the best time for this 

strange and impressive large fish. The waters around Coll and Tiree hold some 

of the highest numbers of Basking Shark in the UK, and we may also see them 

from ferries between Oban and the islands. Our ferry journeys may also produce 

Storm Petrel, Manx Shearwater and many auks – excitement all the way! 

On Coll we look for Otter and 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 

will be sought. A full day on Coll will be spent looking for wildlife from waders 

in bright summer plumage now heading south, 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 and seabirds, 

arriving on a breathtakingly beautiful island with a ‘big sky’ feeling. The machair 

is stunning, with an abundance of plants including Pyramidal and Frog Orchids 

present, along with Lesser Meadow Rue. Seabirds, Corncrake, waders, passerines, 

rare plants and insects, there is so much to see on Coll and Tiree! Both islands 

have a high density of nesting waders, with most in post-breeding flocks, though 

some may still be breeding, including Corncrake. This late in the season, sightings 

of Corncrake are difficult due to tall grass and a reduction in the amount of 

calling and territorial behaviour, though we still have a chance! Migrant waders 

will also be returning from the north, with chances of rarities in the mixed flocks. 

We also enjoy an optional evening drive to listen for singing Spotted Crake and 

Corncrake whilst on Tiree. The holiday begins and ends in Oban, though transfers 

from Nethy Bridge are also available. No of centres: 2. 


MAINLAND SCOTLAND, Eagles, Divers & Dotterel (p46), 

NEW! High Summer Highland Wildlife (p47). 



61

ORKNEY in HIGH SUMMER 

Westray, Hoy, Burray and both South and North Ronaldsay 

SAT 20 – SAT 27 JULY 




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 and other flowers in coastal locations, whilst insect lovers will 

enjoy rare Greater Yellow Bumblebees at the same time! Birding is good 

throughout, with an opportunity to see Storm Petrel at close quarters. 

We transfer from Heatherlea to Orkney via ferry. 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 look at the Gannetry of Noup Head and take a number of 

walks on the varied coastline. On Hoy, we walk through the Great Skua colony to 

view the famous ‘Old Man’ seastack. On Mainland Orkney, top targets are Hen 

Harrier, Short-eared Owl and Merlin and perhaps late breeding Red-throated 

Diver. We visit many of the finest prehistoric archaeological sites in Britain. The 

World Heritage Site settlement of Skara Brae is a must-see, as are Maes Howe, the 

Broch of Gurness, the Tomb of the Eagles, the 6-metre high Standing Stones of 

Stenness and the 5000-year-old Ring of Brodgar. All entry fees are included, and 

we enjoy at a leisurely pace. We also visit Scapa Flow and the Churchill Barriers. 

There will be time in Kirkwall or Stromness for the historic sites, or a spot of 

souvenir hunting in the narrow lanes. 

We travel to North Ronaldsay via an 8-seat Islander plane offering a unique 

opportunity to see the Orkney Islands from above. Here we hope to see Storm 

Petrels, and our visit coincides with the period for large nightly catches, perhaps 

of over 100 birds, and with luck Leach’s Petrel too. An unforgettable experience, 

though netting sessions are weather dependent. Birding at this time may include 

Balearic, Great and Cory’s Shearwater, Roseate Tern, Spoonbill, Pacific Golden 

Plover, Lesser Yellowlegs, Pectoral Sandpiper, Grey Phalarope, White-winged Black 

Tern and Two-barred Crossbill - on North Ronaldsay anything is possible! Total 



MAINLAND SCOTLAND, Eagles, Divers & Dotterel (p46), 

NEW! Highlands & Wester Ross (p47), Highlands and the Outer 


NORTH RONALDSAY and ORKNEY in Early Autumn for birders 

SAT 24 AUGUST – FRI 30 AUGUST 



Max 7 clients. Leader from our experienced team. 


Due to the popularity of our autumn North Ronaldsay trips, we’ve added a further 

date for the start of passerine migration. Anything is possible, and during our visit 

we’ll be targeting key bird species including Wryneck, Barred, Icterine and Marsh 

Warblers, Red-backed Shrike and Common Rosefinch. Summer migrants of 

Scandinavian origin may include Willow, Garden and Wood Warbler, plus Pied 

and Spotted Flycatcher, Redstart, Whinchat, Tree Pipit and other common 

passerines. Rarer birds may include Citrine Wagtail, Greenish, Eastern Olivaceous 

and Sykes Warbler. 

The island also offers fantastic wader passage. Wood, Green and Common 

Sandpiper can be expected, as can Ruff and Black-tailed Godwit. Greenshank, 

Little Stint and Curlew Sandpiper are possible while regular rarities have included 

American Golden Plover, Pectoral Sandpiper and Red-necked Phalarope. Osprey, 

Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Merlin and Short-eared Owl frequently visit too. 

This is traditionally a good time for sea-watching, and 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. 

Dont forget that this is a wonderful time to visit Orkney, with rich flora and marine 

life. Whilst we may spend some time near key archaeological sites, this is primarily 

a birding holiday. Those wanting a more general look at Orkney, with special 

attention to the historical and cultural sites, flora or nesting seabirds, should 

consider the Orkney Island Explorer (p58) or Orkney in High Summer (p62) 

holidays , both of which include shorter stays on North Ronaldsay. Number of 

centres: 2. 


MAINLAND SCOTLAND, Short Breaks (p39), 20 Scottish 

Specials (p48). 

SCOTTISH ISLANDS, Outer Hebrides in early Autumn for 

birders (p63). 

62 


OUTER HEBRIDES in Early Autumn for birders 

SAT 31 AUGUST – FRI 6 SEPTEMBER 



Max 7 clients per leader. Leader from our experienced team. 

Early September is excellent for migration here. Waders may dominate, including 

godwits, sandpipers, plovers and scarce migrants including Western Sandpiper (in 

2016), Pectoral Sandpiper, Buff-breasted Sandpiper and Dotterel. This time of year 

is also excellent for rare passerines such as Barred Warbler, Rose-coloured Starling, 

Greenish Warbler, Red-backed Shrike and Lapland Bunting. We also investigate 

flocks of ducks off Harris, where Surf Scoter might be amongst the commoner 

species. 

The mouth-watering list of rarities found on these islands in recent times includes 

Wilson's Warbler, Upland Sandpiper, Lesser Yellowlegs, American Golden Plover, 

Ring-necked Duck, Snowy Owl, Grey Phalarope, Sooty Shearwater, Pomarine Skua, 

Yellow-browed Warbler, White-rumped Sandpiper, Green-winged Teal, Olivebacked 

Pipit, Waxwing, Glaucous Gull, Hawfinch, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Pallas’ 

Warbler, Baird’s Sandpiper, Ring-billed Gull, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Common 

Rosefinch, Yellow Warbler, Hoopoe, Sabine’s Gull, American Wigeon, Surf Scoter, 

Dusky Warbler, Siberian Chiffchaff, Bonelli’s Warbler, White’s Thrush, Mealy 

Redpoll, Arctic Redpoll, Solitary Sandpiper, Red-eyed Vireo, Rustic Bunting, 

Laughing Gull, Pacific Golden Plover, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler, 

Swainson’s Thrush, Veery, Marsh Sandpiper, Killdeer and Purple Martin. 

Even if migration is slow we have Golden and White-tailed Eagle, Merlin, Hen 

Harrier, Short-eared Owl, rafts of seabirds, Eider, and divers and Hebridean races 

of Dunnock, Song Thrush and Wren to find. Not forgetting 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. 

Birding starts on Skye, perhaps with a Golden Eagle. On the ferry to Lochmaddy 

all four skuas are possible. Manx and perhaps Sooty, Balearic or even Great 

Shearwater may be seen, and Fulmar, Gannet, Black Guillemot and other auks can 

be expected. 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 beaches. We visit Tiumpan Head and the Butt of Lewis, and the network of 

shallow lochs and lochans on the west of Lewis. Our return ferry is excellent for 

birding, and we scan migrating seabirds with a chance of both Storm and Leach’s 

Petrels. Number of centres: 2. 


MAINLAND SCOTLAND, Short Breaks (p39), Raptors & 

Grouse (p49). 

SCOTTISH ISLANDS, North Ronaldsay & Orkney in early 

Autumn for birders (p62). 

NORTH RONALDSAY AND ORKNEY in Autumn for birders 

SAT 14 SEPTEMBER – FRI 20 SEPTEMBER, SAT 21 SEPTEMBER – FRI 27 SEPTEMBER 




At this time migration is in full swing and depending on the predominant wind 

direction we can expect birds from east or west at peak time on this wonderful 

hotspot. Few birders venture to this remote outpost, so expect peace and quiet with 

a strong sense of exploration, and first rate birding. Once you get over the thrill of 

your 8-seat Islander plane journey, your welcome at North Ronaldsay Bird 

Observatory will be warm, and accommodation comfortable. In good weather, regular 

birds might include Richard’s Pipit, American Golden Plover, Wryneck, Bluethroat, Redbreasted 

Flycatcher, Icterine Warbler, Yellow-browed Warbler, Marsh Warbler, Ortolan 

Bunting, Lapland Bunting, Little Bunting and Common Rosefinch. This is also prime 

time for rare birds such as Great Snipe, Citrine Wagtail, Pechora Pipit, Radde’s Warbler, 

Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler, Brown Shrike, Arctic Warbler, Yellow-breasted Bunting, 

Rustic Bunting and Arctic Redpoll. Seawatching can be exceptional, with skuas, petrels 

and shearwaters all possible. While there is 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. 

We also enjoy birding around Orkney, visiting spots where anything can happen! If 

there is time we may visit the impressive standing stones at the Ring of Brodgar, stop 

at the delightful Italian Chapel and make time for an optional visit to Skara Brae, 

Europe’s oldest known settlement. Please note that this is a Birders tour, principally 

focussed on finding and identifying rare birds of our own. 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 North Ronaldsay & Orkney, we recommend 

our Orkney Island Explorer (p58) or Orkney in High Summer (p62) holidays. 

A completely different birding holiday destination, North Ronaldsay is easy to reach 

with Heatherlea. Comfortable en-suite accommodation throughout. Total species c. 

90. Number of centres: 2. 


MAINLAND SCOTLAND, Raptors & Grouse (p49), The 

Outer Limits Adventure (p49). 

SCOTTISH ISLANDS, Shetland in Autumn for Birders 

(p64), Unexplored Orkney (p64). 



63

SHETLAND in Autumn for birders 

SAT 21 SEPTEMBER – SAT 28 SEPTEMBER, SAT 28 SEPTEMBER – SAT 5 OCTOBER 


Single supplement: £250*. Deposit: £200PP. Price includes all ferries. 

Price excludes flight from Aberdeen, which Heatherlea can arrange at cost. 


*the single supplement can be reduced significantly if singles are willing to share a bathroom 

with one other person for a limited part of the trip. 

This exciting holiday offers the chance to see a variety of rare and scarce migrants 

amid spectacular scenery. We stay in two centres, one on Shetland Mainland, and 

one on Unst, Britain’s most northerly island, 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 Pallid 

Harrier, Surf Scoter, Little Auk, 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, Olive-backed and Buff-bellied Pipits, Citrine Wagtail, Redbreasted 

and Taiga Flycatchers, White’s Thrush, Swainson’s Thrush, Veery, Redflanked 

Bluetail, Yellow-browed, Yellow-rumped, Marsh, Barred, Lanceolated, 

Arctic, Thick-billed and Blyth’s Reed Warblers, Arctic and numerous races of 

Common Redpoll, Common Rosefinch, Little, Rustic and Lapland Bunting. A real 

feast of birding! 

What turns up depends upon the weather, so there are no guarantees, but we’ll 

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 (e.g. Brambling), thrushes and crests 

(with Yellow-browed Warblers) 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 rare birds 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 (p57) or our 

Shetland and Orkney (p59) holiday. Total species c. 80. Number of centres: 2. 


MAINLAND SCOTLAND, Outer Limits Adventure (p49), 

Raptors & Grouse (p49), Highlands and Skye in Autumn (p50). 

SCOTTISH ISLANDS, North Ronaldsay & Orkney in Autumn 

for birders (p63), Fair Isle in Autumn for birders (p65). 

UNEXPLORED ORKNEY 

SAT 28 SEPTEMBER – FRI 4 OCTOBER 



Max 7 clients. Leader Scott O'Hara. 


An exploration of the more remote parts of the archipelago, focused on birding 

while also enjoying some of the outstanding heritage of the islands. Birding 

possibilities are great, as early October is a rich time for southbound migrants, 

and local expertise gives us every chance of connecting with rare and scarce 

visitors. This exciting itinerary includes birding on Papa Westray and Sanday, 

remote and stunningly beautiful islands with huge potential, not previously 

generally available to birding groups. Most terrain is flat and easy to negotiate, 

while largely unrestricted access allows us to ‘get off the beaten track’. 

Our daily schedule may include sea-watching, with passing Sooty and Manx 

Shearwaters, skuas, divers and auks possible. General birding might bring Pinkfooted, 

Greylag and Barnacle Geese plus other wildfowl. Waders feature strongly, 

with the many coastal bays, beaches and harvested fields often full of birds. There 

will be plenty to look through in the hope of unearthing our own rarities! Raptors 

are very much a feature, with Hen Harrier, Merlin, Peregrine and Short-eared and 

Long-eared Owl likely. Large numbers of thrushes will be on the move from 

Scandinavia, as will finches and warblers. Just about anything is possible in the 

right conditions, and rarities vary each year depending on the prevailing winds, 

though the location of the islands makes Orkney ideal to receive wandering 

species from north, south, east and west – a brilliant birding experience. 

A number of rarities have been found in the Orkneys in autumn recently, including 

Siberian Accentor, Red-flanked Bluetail, Rustic and Little Bunting, Buff-breasted 

Sandpiper and American Golden Plover. In 2016, Heatherlea groups discovered 

Barred and Yellow-browed Warblers, and the first Orcadian Red-throated Pipit for 

almost twenty years! 

We spend two nights on Westray, giving time to fully bird the island, and placing 

us in prime position to visit nearby Papa Westray. Orkney offers stunning scenery 

and historical interest, and we visit important Neolithic sites on the mainland, and 

the wonderfully well preserved Knap of Howar on Papa Westray, while the beaches 

on Sanday are among the best in Britain. No of centres: 2. 


MAINLAND SCOTLAND, Outer Limits Adventure (p49), 

Highlands & Skye in Autumn (p50). 

SCOTTISH ISLANDS, North Ronaldsay & Orkney in Autumn 

for birders (p63), Outer Hebrides in Autumn for birders (p65). 

64 


OUTER HEBRIDES in Autumn for birders 

SAT 5 OCTOBER – FRI 11 OCTOBER 




The Outer Hebrides are famous for rarities in autumn, and this is a real birders’ 

treat as we seek wind-blown rarities at the best time of year. A good amount of 

our time will be spent looking for rare birds, checking patches of cover, ditches 

and gardens, whilst working through the flocks of waders, ducks or passerines, as 

many vagrants hide amongst their commoner cousins. Our recent finds have 

included a good number of American vagrants following westerly gales, with 

White-rumped, Baird’s, Pectoral and Spotted Sandpipers, American Golden Plover 

and Lesser Yellowlegs. Our best recent find has been a Red-eyed Vireo in a remote 

plantation! 

If winds are from the east anything is possible, with Yellow-browed Warbler, Rosecoloured 

Starling, Arctic Redpoll and Red-breasted Flycatcher annual. Almost 

anything is possible here, with incredibly rare birds recorded at this time of year 

in recent years, such as Hermit Thrush, White’s Thrush, Buff-bellied, Pechora and 

Olive-backed Pipits, Least and Semi-palmated Sandpipers, Snowy Owl, Ovenbird 

and Long-billed Dowitcher. If migration is slow we will not be bored, with a superb 

resident list of Golden and White-tailed Eagles, Hen Harrier, Merlin and Twite, 

not forgetting Otters! Regular, expected migrants at this time of year include all 

three divers, Long-tailed Duck and scoters, Snow Bunting, Jack Snipe and good 

numbers of Purple Sandpiper, Golden Plover and Sanderling, with Whooper Swans 

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, which in recent years has included Sabine’s Gull, 

Sooty Shearwater and Pomarine Skua alongside the commoner petrels, 

shearwaters, auks and skuas. Cetaceans have included Minke Whale and Common 

and Bottle-nosed Dolphins. Our exact itinerary is will be based on your Guide’s 

judgement regarding wind, tide and recent sightings. With stunning autumnal light 

on the rugged landscape we are sure of a memorable trip. A repeat of the amazing 

2011 Aurora Borealis display would be appreciated too! Total species c. 85. Number 

of centres: 2. 


MAINLAND SCOTLAND,Outer Limits Adventure (p49), 

Highlands and Skye in Autumn (p50). 

SCOTTISH ISLANDS,Unexplored Orkney (p64), Coll and 

Tiree in Autumn for birders (p66). 

FAIR ISLE in Autumn for birders 

MON 7 OCTOBER – MON 14 OCTOBER – NOW WITH AN EXTRA DAY! 


Single supplement: £75 (very limited availability). Deposit: £200PP. 

Max 6 clients. Leader from our experienced team. Price includes flight Shetland – Fair Isle and 

return. Price excludes flight from Aberdeen, which Heatherlea can arrange at cost. 

Fair Isle lies almost exactly halfway between Sumburgh at the tip of mainland 

Shetland and North Ronaldsay in Orkney, and is Britain’s most isolated 

inhabited island. Its track record of attracting rare and unusual migrants has no 

equal in Britain, and Fair Isle Wren is a unique island sub-species. We have 

chosen this week to maximise the chance of rarities, which previously 

included Pechora and Olive-backed Pipit, Lanceolated Warblers, White’s 

Thrush, Bluethroat, Red-eyed Vireo, Short-toed Lark and a whole host of 

scarcities and falls of northern birds. With the intense concentration of birders 

on this tiny island, it is hardly surprising that Fair Isle enjoys such a reputation 

for vagrants, migrants and rarities. Our days are spent exploring, perhaps with 

an optional pre-breakfast walk to check for overnight arrivals, as migrants are 

blown in daily, with the Observatory staff birding and ringing throughout the 

day. We will be able to view many of these activities without even leaving 

the building! According to the weather we may head to the crofts of the 

south, or more sheltered geos and beaches in the north. Birds can turn up 

anywhere, and we will find and identify our own, and of course liaise with 

other birders during five full days. With several miles of walking each day, a 

good level of activity is essential to get the most from this holiday. 

We stay at the Observatory Lodge, which has comfortable en-suite 

accommodation. There is a licensed lounge and the dining room is a convivial 

place offering large portions of delicious home-cooked meals with freshlybaked 

bread and home bakes. A comprehensive bird-log is held every evening. 

This holiday can easily be combined with Shetland or with a week at 

Mountview Hotel in Nethy Bridge, so visit Fair Isle with Heatherlea and choose 

the option which suits you best. This is one of the most exciting birding 

destinations in the UK, and everyone should visit Fair Isle at least once! Total 



MAINLAND SCOTLAND,Outer Limits Adventure (p49). 

SCOTTISH ISLANDS, Shetland in Autumn for birders (p64). 



65

COLL AND TIREE in Autumn for birders 

SUN 13 OCTOBER – SAT 19 OCTOBER 




Coll and Tiree lie on the outer, western edge of the Inner Hebrides, and 

their position makes them ideal for migrant birds. Northerly and western 

migrants take pride of place, though the islands also receive eastern falls, 

as birds migrating at altitude recognise these islands as their last available 

landfall before the Atlantic Ocean. The two islands are very different in 

character, with Coll being very rocky and windswept while Tiree offers 

a much gentler aspect with fertile crofts and very rich grazing. They are 

very under-watched but have a formidable track record of rarities, and 

Tiree has become one of the best places in the UK to catch up with rare 

and scarce waders. Scotland's fifth Brown Shrike, Baird’s, White-rumped, 

Semi-palmated, Buff-breasted and Pectoral Sandpiper, Cedar Waxwing 

and Scotland's first Northern Parula, have all turned up on Tiree in recent 

years. 

Other birds recorded on the islands in the last few years include Blyth’s 

Reed Warbler, Citrine Wagtail, Buff Bellied Pipit, Yellow-browed Warbler 

and Common Rosefinch. American Golden Plover, American Wigeon, 

Ring-necked Duck and Green-winged Teal are all regular, and seawatching 

can be very rewarding, perhaps including Grey Phalarope, Pomarine Skua 

and Sooty Shearwater, as well as good numbers of Great and Arctic Skua 

and Manx Shearwater. 

Flocks of Fieldfare and Redwing should be present, along with Brambling, 

Blackbird and Robin on migration, perhaps with an exotic rarity present 

too! Peregrine, Merlin, Hen Harrier, Raven Hooded Crow and flocks of 

Twite and Linnet are also likely, and we will watch for migrating Snow 

Bunting, Lapland Bunting and other passerines. 

Walking will be easy, and most birding can be done from our vehicle or 

nearby. There will be optional walks for those who wish them. Total 



MAINLAND SCOTLAND, Highlands and Skye in Autumn (p50), 

Highland Autumn birding (p50). 

SCOTTISH ISLANDS, Outer Hebrides in Autumn for birders 

(p65). 

ISLAY AND JURA 

SAT 19 OCTOBER – THURS 24 OCTOBER 





Islay is beautiful, with soft, rolling scenery and wonderful birdlife. 

We see large goose flocks including thousands of Barnacle and 

Greenland White-fronted. The sight and noise is unforgettable, 

and our mobile-hide minibus is invaluable when scouring flocks 

at close quarters. We may find Brent (pale-bellied), Greylag, Pinkfooted 

and perhaps wild Canada Goose, but our real effort will 

go into rarity hunting! Snow, Red-breasted, and races of Lesser 

Canada and Cackling Goose have all been seen. 

Chough breed on Islay, and we should see them floating on the 

breeze at very close quarters. Other regulars include Twite and 

Snow Bunting. We search for three diver species, Black Guillemot 

and other auks, and ducks with numbers of Scaup, Eider and 

perhaps a few Long-tailed and Common Scoter. We watch for 

local Golden and also White-tailed Eagle. Other raptors include 

Hen Harrier, Peregrine and regular Merlin. Waders include Golden 

Plover, Curlew, Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Dunlin, Ringed Plover, 

Turnstone, Sanderling and a few Purple Sandpiper, with the 

chance of American rarities. 

Jura is well worth a visit for the scenery alone, and is renowned 

for its population of Red Deer. We hunt for Otter along the 

coastline, and Jura offers perhaps the best Otter and raptor 

watching anywhere in the UK! Total species c. 80. Number of 

centres: 1. 


MAINLAND SCOTLAND,Highlands and Skye in 

Autumn (p50). 

66 


OTHER UK HOLIDAYS 

This new section contains our holidays around the Scottish mainland, 

from Solway to the Loch of Strathbeg, and also our brand new selection 

of English holidays. This is the first time we have featured the English 

mainland in our itinerary, and we will be adding more itineraries soon. 

Please watch our website and newsletters for full details! 

These holidays take you to remote or little known corners where birding 

is excellent but not easy to maximise without an experienced guide. All 

are ideal for birders and general wildlife enthusiasts alike, of any level of 

experience, though some are clearly targeted towards rarity finding. 

Everyone is welcome! 

Travel to join each holiday has been carefully considered for your 

convenience, and most include transfer from air or rail links. 

We move at a leisurely pace, giving you time in the evenings before a 

relaxed dinner, though we move quickly when rare migrants and vagrants 

are in our sights. We also take time to enjoy the scenery; after all, we 

are visiting some of the most beautiful places on the planet! 

Each holiday has a maximum number of seven clients per guide. 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! 

What’s included in each holiday 

• comfortable en-suite accommodation. Any exceptions will be 

identified in advance. We choose from our personally inspected 

shortlist, where birders are welcome and the hospitality is special. 

Guests are never expected to share. Full details with your joining pack. 

• all meals from dinner on arrival, then packed lunch each day, until 

breakfast on the final day. 

• all ferries, other boat trips and flights as stated in the itinerary. Please 

note that transport to the joining point is not included. All access fees. 

• the services of your Heatherlea Guide. 

We can’t put everything in this brochure, there just isn’t space! For more 

information please visit www.heatherlea.co.uk or ask our office for 

further details. 

NEW! SOUTHERN SCOTTISH MAINLAND – COAST to COAST 

THURS 24 JANUARY – THURS 31 JANUARY 

PRICE: £1595PP Single supplement: £175. Deposit: £200PP. 

Max 7 clients. Leader Ian Ford. 

A brand new holiday exploring the breadth of southern Scotland. We visit 

wonderful sites from Dumfries and Galloway in the west, through Clyde and 

Forth, to Lothian and the Borders; all excellent in winter! We explore the 

Solway Firth for wildfowl including the impressive spectacle of wintering geese, 

and all UK geese (species and races) are possible; a special target will be Taiga 

Bean Goose, now recognised as a distinct species. Other highlights will include 

a Red Kite feeding station, searching for Golden Eagle and Goshawk in the Hills, 

and Merlin, Peregrine, Hen Harrier and Short-eared Owl on the grasslands and 

moors. 

The Lothian coastline offers top quality birding at places such as Musselburgh, 

Aberlady Bay and Tyninghame, renowned for wildfowl, wader and sea-bird 

spectacles, and Red and Black-necked Grebe, Surf Scoter, Horned Lark, Water 

Pipit,Black Redstart, Waxwing and Great Grey Shrike are all very possible. Other 

delights may include Barn Owl, Red and Black Grouse, rare geese perhaps 

including Red-breasted or Snow Goose, Willow Tit, Long-tailed Duck, Black 

Guillemot, Slavonian Grebe, and a Starling murmuration. Estimating 110-120 

species, this is a great time and holiday to get your year-list off to a flying start. 

This comprehensive tour takes you to many rewarding places including WWT 

Caerlaverock, RSPB Mersehead, Ken Dee Marshes and Skinflats reserves, Loch 

Ryan, Luce Bay, the Galloway Forest and hills, Loch Ken, Tyninghame, John Muir 

Country Park, Dunbar, Barns Ness, Skateraw, Torness Thorntonloch, St Abb’s and 

Eyemouth. This holiday starts and ends in Dumfries. Number of centres: 2. 


MAINLAND SCOTLAND, Short Break (p39), Birders Blast (p39). 



67

NEW! FOREST of DEAN 

& THE SOMERSET LEVELS 

SAT 2 MARCH – SAT 9 MARCH 



Max 12 clients. Leader John Picton with another from our team with more than 7 clients. 

Enjoy some of the best winter birding in England, as we search for elusive and 

sought-after forest species, and also wintering waders and wildfowl in estuary 

and wetland locations. Rewarding birding in three fascinating and very different 

habitats in the south-west of England. 

In the Forest of Dean during February and early 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 of year. The Forest 

of Dean supports probably the largest population of free-living Wild Boar in the 

country and this is the best place to see them. 

In the Somerset Levels we look for wintering wildfowl and wetland species, 

including Bittern, Water Rail, Marsh Harrier, thousands of wintering duck, 

Pochard, Shoveler, Gadwall, Teal and Goldeneye amongst many others. We also 

seek the Common Cranes which live here, and the UK's largest Starling roost 

with up to a million birds which may go into their mesmerising murmuration, a 

truly unforgettable experience! This holiday starts in Gloucester and ends in 

Bridgewater. Number of centres: 2. 

NEW! NORTHUMBERLAND IN HIGH SUMMER 

Including the Farnes, Coquet Island, Lindisfarne 

and Kielder Forest 

SAT 22 JUNE – SAT 29 JUNE 

SAT 29 JUNE – SAT 6 JULY 

PRICE £1595PP Single supplement: £145. Deposit: £200PP. 

Max 7 clients. Leader Rob Jordan. 


A brand new holiday focusing on summer wildlife in one of the most picturesque 

and unspoilt parts of England. This slow-paced single-centre holiday takes in the 

highlights of the coast, islands, uplands, farmland and forest of this beautiful 

region, with a range of birds and wildlife on offer, and with visits to iconic cultural 

and historical sites along the way. 

It was the eminent historian and author G M Trevelyan who said “We walk all day 

on long ridges enough to give far views of moor and valley, and the sense of 

solitude below. It is the land of the far horizons.” Trevelyan was admiring the wide 

open, unpopulated expanses of Northumberland and the consequent 

peacefulness, and not much seems to have changed! 

On this summer tour of the avian delights of his home county, join Rob Jordan to 

find around 100 northern species as we explore; 

✔ The Farne Islands, with huse colonies of Puffin, Eider, Shag, terns, Guillemot, 

Razorbill, Kittiwake and Atlantic Grey Seal. 

✔ Cheviot Hill Valleys, where the upland scenery and habitat contain Dipper, 

Common Sandpiper, Grey Wagtail, Raven, Ring Ousel, Wheatear, Whinchat, 

Buzzard and Wild Goats. 

✔ The Holy Island of Lindisfarne, land of history and saints, peace and 

solitude, mudflats and waders, walks, flowers and butterflies. 

✔ RSPB Saltholme and Derwent Valley, where Avocet, Water Rail, Yellow 

Wagtail, terns, migrants, Red Kite, woodland birds, and a mixed-industrial 

landscape are found. 

✔ Coquet Island and the Northumberland coast with Roseate, Little and Arctic 

Tern, Kittiwake colonies and unspoilt beaches. 

✔ Kielder Forest & Hadrian’s Wall, with iconic scenery, Ospreys and the raptor 

watchpoint. 

68 


NEW! WEST CORNWALL IN AUTUMN 

FRI 4 OCTOBER – FRI 11 OCTOBER 2019 



Max 7 clients. Leader Mark Warren. 

West Cornwall is a completely under watched corner of the UK, providing an important 

filter for migrants as birds head south. Early October is one of the best times to visit, 

and extensive knowledge of all the birding hotspots, plus some quieter hidden places 

give us a great chance of a sizeable bird list. 

Birding is tremendous, and anything is possible here! Africa-bound passerines can 

include Wheatear, Redstart, Pied and Spotted Flycatchers and a variety of warblers, 

along with Firecrest, Black Redstart and finch, lark and pipit flocks. Migration isn’t 

limited to UK birds of course, and with luck we might find Wryneck, Red-backed or 

Woodchat Shrike, Red-breasted Flycatcher or perhaps something even rarer from the 

east. Winds from the west might yield a ‘mega’, Red-eyed Vireo, Hermit Thrush, Yellowbilled 

Cuckoo and Britain’s first Alder Flycatcher all being recent examples. Waders 

from the same part of the world including American Golden Plover, Pectoral and Buffbreasted 

Sandpipers turn up annually as do several species of American wildfowl. Scarce 

seabirds might include Sabine’s Gull, Leach’s Petrel, Grey Phalarope, and larger 

shearwaters, and our boat trip out into Mounts Bay will give us the chance of great 

views and possibly cetaceans too. 

The Penwith peninsula at the ‘end of the land’ is ideally placed and with beautiful valley 

habitats and rugged coastline, is one of the great places for birdwatchers to explore. 

Sheltered valleys such as Porthgwarra, Cot and Nanquidno offer superb potential and 

we’ll search them for migrants. West Cornwall offers some of the best sea-watching in 

the country and we’ll watch the conditions to choose the right headland. We’ll also 

visit the Lizard Peninsula where Choughs famously first made their return to the county. 

The Hayle Estuary, Marazion Marsh and Drift Reservoir are all excellent places for 

wetland birds and will be sure to feature too. 

Our daily schedule will be flexible, based on up-to-date local bird news and of course 

the weather. We won’t need to travel much, here in the far west great birding is right 

on our doorstep! Exciting birding in great coastal scenery at what is still a massively 

under-watched part of the UK. This holiday starts and ends in Penzance. Number of 

centres: 1. 


SCOTTISH ISLANDS, ‘Isles of Scilly for birders’ (p69). 

ISLES OF SCILLY for birders 

SAT 12 OCTOBER – SAT 19 OCTOBER 2019 



Max 7 clients. Leader Mark Warren joined by another from the Heatherlea team 

with over 7 clients. 

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. Lying 28 miles south-west of Land’s 

End, 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 70’s have been 

responsible for finding a number of ‘British firsts’, particularly those of Nearctic origin. 

The birdwatching can be fantastic and with a roll call of such ‘megas’ from last October 

including Blyth’s Pipit, Dusky Thrush, Caspian Stonechat, Pallid Swift, Red-flanked 

Bluetail, many Red-eyed Vireos, 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 during our Heatherlea trip! 

Prevailing weather dictates which rare/scarce birds arrive, no one year is the same. 

General birding will usually produce up to 100 species of a wide variety, from seabirds 

to migrating waders, wildfowl and gulls. We hope to see plenty of passerines and landbirds 

on southbound passage, plus ‘regular’ scarcities. It’s a holiday where truly anything 

is possible! We’ll 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, so we might 

see as much of the Scillies as possible during your holiday. Our guides are experienced 

here, and will select the best time to visit St Mary’s, St Agnes, Tresco, St Martin’s and 

Bryher. 

We retire to our hotel for the evening each day, and for those who are keen might head 

out to the Scillonian club for the birders log, and to help make outline plans for the next 

day. There are some rather fine local ales and ciders too! This holiday starts and ends 

in Penzance. Number of centres: 1. 


SCOTTISH ISLANDS, NEW! West Cornwall in Autumn 

(p69). 



69

BIRDING the EAST COAST in AUTUMN 

SAT 2 NOVEMBER – SAT 9 NOVEMBER 2019 



Max 7 clients. Leader Toby Green. This holiday starts and ends in Perth. 

This holiday is a tour of the top birding sites of Scotland's east coast in autumn. A much 

under-watched part of the UK, particularly at this time of year, there is excellent birding to 

be had from glen to open sea, as resident specialities are joined by flocks of migrants in 

every habitat. Rarities occur each year, and unexpected duck, gull, goose and passerine 

species will almost certainly cross our path as we thoroughly explore the whole north-east 

coast from Loch of Strathbeg to the harbours of the East Neuk of Fife including Montrose 

Basin, Lunan Bay and the Ythan Estuary. 

Large goose flocks around Fraserburgh and the Loch of Strathbeg should comprise of many 

Pink-footed, Barnacle and Greylag, and also both species of White-fronted and Brent Goose. 

We will check for uncommon species such as Bean, and perhaps rarities, such as Redbreasted, 

Snow or Ross's Goose. Regular white-winged gulls include Glaucous and Iceland, 

present in harbours and fields, and we may also find rarities such as Ivory and Ross's Gull. 

On the open seas, large flocks of Common and Velvet Scoter often contain a single Surf 

Scoter, and King Eider are sometimes found in well-known haunts, both on the open water 

or in quiet estuaries where the birds can be inspected at leisure. Green-winged Teal, 

American Wigeon and Smew are also possible. Red-necked Grebe and all three commoner 

diver species are also possible on the sea. Wader numbers will be significant in some places, 

with wintering Purple Sandpiper, Black-tailed Godwit and possible American rarities in our 

sights. Fieldfare and Redwing should be roaming in flocks, and Waxwing are always possible 

in these eastern locations. 

Resident birds include Hawfinch, Bittern, flocks of Snow Bunting, Twite, Grey Partridge and 

Corn Bunting, though our most memorable birding inland may be in the Angus Glens, where 

Golden Eagle, Black Grouse, Red Grouse and Stonechat are resident. There is also a chance 

of White-tailed Eagle, recently reintroduced in this part of Scotland. 

Mammals seen on our travels might include Otter, Grey Seal, Common Seal, Red Deer, Roe 

Deer, Red Squirrel, Brown Hare and perhaps newly resident wild European Beaver, a special 

treat if we can find them! 

You will enjoy some of Scotland's most exciting autumnal birding with an experienced 

Heatherlea Guide in a part of the country not usually explored by visiting birders. Number 

of centres: 3. 


MAINLAND SCOTLAND,Short Breaks in Autumn 

(p39), Highland Autumn Birding (p50). 

SOLWAY FIRTH 

SAT 9 NOVEMBER – THURS 14 NOVEMBER 2019 




A vast, internationally important area for wildfowl, the Solway Firth offers great birding at 

this time of year as we enjoy flocks of Barnacle, Pink-footed and Greenland White-fronted 

Geese, great raptor watching particularly Hen Harrier and Red Kite, waders, ducks and much 

more including good numbers of wintering Whooper Swan and a local population of 

Willow Tit. We will take you to Caerlaverock, Loch Ken and Ken Dee Marshes to see geese 

in tens of thousands, as numbers peak in mid-November. Rarities may include Red-breasted 

or Snow Goose, and Whooper Swan, Pintail, Gadwall, Golden Plover, Merlin and Peregrine 

are all regular. 

The local Red Kite feeding station has viewing areas and a hide, and birds can be seen 

soaring, perched and flying in to be fed. Elsewhere we search for Hen Harrier, Golden Eagle 

and perhaps Barn Owl. Waders and seaduck are present in large numbers, and we visit key 

places such as Luce Bay, Loch Ryan, the Nith estuary and the Wig to collect Common Scoter, 

Long-tailed Duck, Slavonian Grebe, Purple Sandpiper, and many more. Five nights in a very 

comfortable hotel, during this perfect late-autumn break. Total species c. 90. This holiday 

starts and ends in Dumfries. Number of centres: 1. 


MAINLAND SCOTLAND, Short-breaks (p39). 


70 


NEW HOLIDAYS for 2020 

Sounds a long way ahead? Here at Heatherlea we are 

already planning exciting new trips! 

CHINA – TIBETAN PLATEAU (June) 

Covering the birdlife of Qinghai and the Tibetan plateau, and including 

a visit to Lhasa. Timed to follow on from our birding trip in Sichuan, we 

travel at the best time for high plateau birds. 

NAMIBIA 

Contains many diverse habitats, including the spectacular Namib Desert 

and arid woodlands of the Namibian escarpment. With a total of c.650 

birds, and the possibility of extending to the world-famous Okavango 

in Botswana, we have plenty of options in a wonderful country for birders. 

Namibia has excellent infrastructure and many high quality lodges, a great 

destination for visiting birders. 

ARIZONA 

A two week trip to one of America’s most stunning destinations, this is a trip every 

birder should do at least once. Featuring the legendary birding of Southeast 

Arizona including desert and Mexican specialities, plus many migrants heading 

northward into the mountains, it’s an exciting time as we visit some of the most 

beautiful places in North America, including the breathtaking Grand Canyon. 

ST LUCIA 

In January warm, sunny days and gentle birding make this a first-rate destination 

for a relaxed holiday which features very good birding. St Lucia is beautiful and 

largely unspoilt, and its Parrot, Oriole, Warbler, Pewee, House Wren and Black 

Finch are endemic. There are other Antillean speciality birds too, a perfect birding 

antidote to the British winter! 

ANDAMAN ISLANDS 

This tropical paradise is one of the most significant bird areas in the whole of 

Asia, home to a spectacular number of endemic birds. Our focus is the easily 

birded South Andaman and Havelock Island, where 20 endemic and near-endemic 

species are part of a rich and varied avifauna. We begin in Chennai on India's 

eastern coast, where we enjoy some birding before continuing by air to the 

Andamans. 

HEATHERLEA 2019 HOLIDAY BOOKING FORM 

Full Name(s) ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 

Contact Address (for all correspondence)...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 

......................................................................................................................................................... Postcode ............................................................................................................................................................ 

Contact telephone................................................………....... E-mail .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 

Are you a member of a birdwatching group? (group name)…………………………….................................................................................................................................................................................... 

BOOKING DETAILS 

Please reserve...............room(s) single/double/twin for................person(s) Holiday name(s) ................................................................................................ 

Date holiday begins ........../........../........... Date holiday ends ........../........../.......... 

DEPOSIT PAYMENT 

I enclose my deposit of £______ per person to secure my booking. Deposit 

amount is identified on relevant holiday page. (Cheques to ‘Heatherlea’ please). 

OR please charge my debit card (credit cards no longer accepted) 

.......................................................................................................................................................... 

start date ………........................................... 

issue number ………............(if given) 

expiry date………......................................... 

3 digit security code.................................... 

I have read and accept your TERMS AND CONDITIONS. 

(Copies of Heatherlea TERMS AND CONDITIONS can be downloaded at 

www.heatherlea.co.uk, or please telephone for a copy before you sign this BOOKING FORM). 

Signature.................................................................................................................................... 

Ibisbill, Tibetan Plateau 

Date holiday begins 

............/............/............ 

Date holiday ends 

............/............/............ 

'Pitons' of St Lucia 

Several more new holidays are under development, including South Africa, Alaska, 

Colombia and a photographic holiday in Finland. 

We also have exciting additions nearer to home, here are some we are currently 

developing: 

LANCASHIRE and YORKSHIRE 

From Leighton Moss to Bempton Cliffs, with many interesting places in between! 

We will be birding in tidal estuaries, reedbeds, broad-leaved woodland and 

clifftops, and looking out for rare butterflies and orchids as we go. 

WALES 

From Angelsey to Skomer, there is a great deal to explore, with seabirds, flycatchers, 

warblers, raptors and both resident and migrant specialities. You won’t be surprised 

to hear that this may eventually be two holidays, not one! 

WILD DEVON 

Featuring the Exe estuary, both north and south Devon coastlines, Exmoor, 

Dartmoor and a day trip to Lundy Island. Includes Cirl Bunting, Dartford Warbler 

and a big list of wildlife. 

NORFOLK and SUFFOLK 

Coast, heaths, wetlands and more including important bird reserves. Exceptional 

birding whatever the season, and with rare breeding species, migrants and rarities, 

this part of the UK is always exciting. 

OUR SERVICE TO MAKE 

SURE OF YOUR COMFORT 

When you complete and sign the 

Booking Form, we will confirm in 

writing within seven days of receipt. 

At this time our Terms and 

Conditions become effective. We 

will also ask about diets (your 

specific dietary requirements are 

welcome at Heatherlea). 

Please return this form when complete to 

HEATHERLEA BIRDWATCHING, THE MOUNTVIEW HOTEL, NETHY BRIDGE, INVERNESS-SHIRE PH25 3EB 

BOOKING FORM NEW HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS FOR 2020 

71

CALENDAR 

HEATHERLEA 2019 HOLIDAY CALENDAR 

DATES MAINLAND SCOTLAND SCOTTISH ISLAND HOLIDAYS OVERSEAS 

Dec 29 2018 – Jan 5 2019 

Hogmanay Birding Festival 

Jan 5 – Jan 12 New Year Birdlist Booster Gambia 

Fri 4 Jan – Fri 11 Jan 

Spain - Birding and Lynx 

Mon 7 Jan – Mon 14 Jan 

Jan 12 – Jan 19 New Year Birdlist Booster Costa Rica Classic Tour 

Sat 12 Jan – Sun 27 Jan 

Jamaica 

Sun 13 Jan – Mon 21 Jan 

Jan 19 – Jan 23 Short Breaks winter NEW! Southern Scottish Mainland NEW! Uganda 

Jan 23 – Jan 27 Birding Blast Thu 24 Jan – Thu 31 Jan Fri 25 Jan – Wed 6 Feb 

Jan 27 – Jan 31 Short Breaks winter Holland and Flanders 

Jan 31 – Feb 4 Birders Blast Sat 2 Feb – Sat 9 Feb 

Feb 4 – Feb 8 Short Breaks winter NEW! Sweden for birders 

Feb 8 – Feb 12 Birders Blast Sun 3 Feb – Fri 8 Feb 

NEW! Kenya – Birding the Rift Valley 

Sun 3 Feb – Tue 12 Feb 

Feb 12 – Feb 16 

Short Breaks winter 

Feb 16 – Feb 23 Highland Winter Birding Iceland Birds and Borealis 

Thu 21 Feb – Mon 25 Feb 

Feb 23 – March 2 Highland Winter Birding NEW! Forest of Dean NEW! Canaries 

Sat 23 Feb – Sat 2 Mar 

Sat 23 Feb – Sat 2 Mar 

March 2 – March 9 Highlands and the East Coast NEW! Forest of Dean Fuerteventura in Spring 

Sat 2 Mar – Sat 9 Mar 

Fri 8 Mar – Fri 15 Mar 

Mull and Islay 

Sat 3 Mar – Fri 9 Mar 

March 9 – March 16 Highlands and the West Coast Nepal 

Fri 15 Mar – Fri 29 Mar 

March 16 – March 23 NEW! Highland Birding in March Camargue 

Sat 16 Mar – Sat 23 Mar 

Morocco 

Thurs 21 Mar – Sun 31 Mar 

Cuba including Havana 

Fri 22 Mar – Tue 2 Apr 

March 23 – March 30 

NEW! Highland Birding in March 

March 30 – April 6 

Spring into Scotland 

April 6 – April 13 Spring into Scotland Croatia 

Sat 6 Apr – Sat 13 Apr 

Portugal 


Italy - Po Delta and Venice 


NEW! Costa Rica: Birding Tour 

Sat 6 Apr – Sun 21 Apr 

Extremadura 

Wed 10 Apr – Wed 17 Apr 

April 13 – April 20 Spring into Scotland Skyros 

Fri 19 Apr – Fri 26 Apr 

April 20 – April 27 Highlands and Skye Mallorca 

Easter Sat 20 April 


Spain - Ebro Delta in spring 

Sat 20 Apr - Wed 24 Apr 

NEW! Spain – Catalonia and south-east 

Aragon 

Wed 24 Apr – Thu 2 May 

Trinidad, Tobago and St Lucia 

Thurs 25 Apr – Tue 7 May 

April 27 – May 4 Highlands and Skye North Ron and Orkney in Spring for birders NEW! Sweden in Spring 

Sat 27 Apr – Fri 3 May 

Wed 1 May – Sun 5 May 

Wild Skye - May 

Mon 29 Apr – Sat 4 May 

May 4 – May 11 Birding the Highlands in May North Ron and Orkney in Spring for birders Belarus 

Sat 4 May – Fri 10 May 

Sat 4 May – Sat 11 May 

Outer Hebrides in Spring 

Armenia 


Sat 4 May – Wed 15 May 

May 11 – May 18 Birding the Highlands in May Outer Hebrides in Spring NEW! Bulgaria and Northern Greece 


Sat 11 May – Mon 20 May 

Shetland in Spring for birders 

Estonia 


Tue 14 May – Tue 21 May 

Mull, Iona and the Treshnish Isles 

Tue 14 May – Sat 18 May 

May 18 – May 25 NEW! Highlands and Corncrake Fair Isle in Spring for birders 


Orkney and Flow Country 


Shetland Island Explorer 


May 25 – June 1 NEW! Highlands and Corncrake Shetland Island Explorer NEW! Svalbard with BBC Wildlife 

Sat 25 May – Sat 1 June 

Sun 26 May – Mon 3 June 

Islands on the Edge 

Finland 

Sat 25 May – Sat 1 Jun 

Mon 27 May – Sun 2 June 

June 1 – June 8 High Season across the Highlands Orkney Island Explorer NEW! China 

Sat 1 June – Sat 8 Jun 

Mon 3 Jun – Wed 26 Jun 

Southern Hebrides 

Sun 2 Jun – Sat 8 Jun 

Europe 

Rest of 

World 

72 


Rest of 

World 

Europe 

DATES MAINLAND SCOTLAND SCOTTISH ISLAND HOLIDAYS OVERSEAS 

June 8 – June 15 Highlands and Orkney Islands on the Edge Spain - From Pyrenees to Ebro Delta 

Sat 8 Jun – Sat 15 Jun 

Tue 11 Jun – Fri 21 Jun 

Austria 

Wed 12 Jun – Tue 18 Jun 

June 15 – June 22 The Outer Limits in summer Shetland and Orkney 

Sat 15 Jun – Sun 23 Jun 

Inner Hebrides 

Fri 21 Jun – Fri 28 Jun 

June 22 – June 29 The Outer Limits in summer NEW! Northumberland in High Summer 

Sat 22 Jun – Sat 29 Jun 

June 29 – July 6 Highland Wildlife Outer Hebrides and the Shiants NEW! China 

Sat 29 Jun – Fri 5 Jul Sat 29 Jun – Sun 21 Jul 2019 

Highlands and the Bass Rock 

NEW! Northumberland in High Summer 

Sat 29 Jun – Sat 6 Jul 

July 6 – July 13 Eagles, Divers and Dotterel Ultimate Outer Hebrides Brazil - The Pantanal 

Sat 6 Jul – Mon 15 Jul 

Thu 11 Jul – Tue 23 Jul 

St Kilda and the Hebrides 

Fri 12 Jul – Fri 19 Jul 

July 13 – July 20 Eagles, Divers and Dotterel Coll and Tiree in summer 

Mon 15 Jul – Sat 20 Jul 

July 20 – July 27 NEW! High Summer Highland Wildlife Orkney in High Summer Yellowstone 

Sat 20 Jul – Sat 27 Jul 

Sat 20 Jul – Thu 1 Aug 

Iceland in Summer 

Mon 22 Jul – Mon 29 Jul 

July 27 – Aug 3 

NEW! Highlands and Wester Ross 

Aug 3 – Aug 10 

Highlands and the Outer Hebs 

Aug 10 – Aug 17 

Highlands and the Outer Hebs 

Aug 17 – Aug 21 

Short breaks early autumn 

Aug 21 – Aug 25 

Aug 25 Aug – Aug 29 Short breaks early autumn North Ronaldsay and Orkney NEW! Ireland for birders 

in Early Autumn for birders 

Sat 24 Aug – Sat 31 Aug 

Sat 24 Aug – Fri 31 Aug 

Aug 31 – Sept 7 20 Scottish Specials Outer Hebrides in Early Autumn for birders Spain - Ebro Delta in autumn Short Break 

Sat 31 Aug – Fri 6 Sept 

Sat 31 Aug – Wed 4 Sep 

Spain: Picos de Europa Mountains 

Sun 1 Sep – Sun 8 Sep 

Sept 7 – Sept 14 Raptors & Grouse Bulgaria in Autumn 

Sat 7 Sep – Sat 14 Sep 

Andalucia 

Sat 7 Sep – Sat 14 Sep 

Sept 14 – Sept 21 The ‘Outer Limits’ Adventure North Ron and Orkney in Autumn for birders NEW! Mainland Ecuador 

Raptors & Grouse Sat 14 Sept – Fri 20 Sept Mon 16 Sep – Sun 29 Sep 

Sept 21 – Sept 28 The ‘Outer Limits’ Adventure North Ron and Orkney in Autumn for birders 

Sat 21 Sept – Fri 27 Sept 

Shetland in Autumn for birders 

Sat 21 Sept – Sat 28 Sept 

Sept 28 – Oct 5 The ‘Outer Limits’ Adventure Unexplored Orkney NEW! The Galapagos Islands 

Sat 28 Sept – Fri 4 Oct 

Sat 28 Sep – Mon 7 Oct 

Shetland in Autumn for birders 

Hungary in Autumn 

Sat 28 Sept – Sat 5 Oct 

Tue 1 Oct – Tue 8 Oct 

NEW! West Cornwall in Autumn for birders Northern Peru 

Fri 4 Oct – Fri 11 Oct 

Wed 2 Oct – Mon 14 Oct 

Oct 5 – Oct 12 Highlands and Skye in Autumn Outer Hebrides in Autumn for birders NEW! Chile 

Sat 5 Oct – Fri 11 Oct 

Mon 7 Oct – Thu 24 Oct 

Fair Isle in Autumn for birders 

Mon 7 Oct – Mon 14 Oct 

Oct 12 – Oct 19 Highlands and Skye in Autumn Isles of Scilly for birders Peru – Southern Birding and Machu Picchu 

Sat 12 Oct – Sat 19 Oct 

Tues 15 Oct – Mon 28 Oct 

Coll and Tiree in Autumn for birders 

Sun 13 Oct – Sat 19 Oct 

Oct 19 – Oct 26 Highland Autumn Birding Islay and Jura 

Sat 19 Oct – Thu 24 Oct 

Oct 26 – Nov 2 

Highland Autumn Birding 

Nov 2 – Nov 6 Short Breaks autumn Birding the East Coast in autumn Costa Rica Classic Tour - PLUS! 

Nov 6 – Nov 10 Birders Blast Sat 2 Nov – Sat 9 Nov Sat 2 Nov – Wed 20 Nov 

Solway Firth 

NEW! Kenya – Big Game & Birding 

Sat 9 Nov – Thu 14 Nov 

Sun 3 Nov – Mon 11 Nov 

Nov 10 – Nov 14 

Short Breaks autumn 

Nov 14 – Nov 18 

Birders Blast 

Nov 16 – Nov 23 

Goa – Kancun Coast to the Western Ghats 

Sun 16 Nov – Mon 1 Dec 

NEW! Mexico 

Sun 17 Nov – Thu 28 Nov 

Nov 23 – Nov 30 

Nov 30 – Dec 7 

NEW! Kenyan Ultimate Birding Tour 

Sun 1 Dec – Tue 17 Dec 

India – Birds, Tigers & Taj Mahal 

Mon 2 Dec – Thurs 12 Dec 

Dec 7 – Dec 14 

Sat Dec 28 2019 – Sat Jan 4 2020 Hogmanay Birding Festival 

CALENDAR 


irding and wildlife holidays 

Tel: 01479 821248 

website: www.heatherlea.co.uk 

email: info@heatherlea.co.uk 

twitter: @heatherleabirds 

facebook: heatherleabirdwatching 

Heatherlea 

The Mountview Hotel 

Nethy Bridge 

Inverness-shire 

PH25 3EB 

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