Puffin photography in scotland (1 Viewer)

[aushalk]

Hi All,

I am hoping to go to west coast of Scotland for a few days (I was told it is the place to go) towards end of spring/summer. My objective is to photograph puffins in action and this would be my 1st attempt. I would very much appreciate advise/opinion from fellow birders on the following


1. Where should I go. Should I be staying on mainland or try any specific island

2. Should I take a guided tour or would I be OK on my own

3. Accommodation

4.Time of the year

5. Any other useful tips/advice

6. Useful websites/links

many thanks in advance

Ausha

 

[edenwatcher]

Hi Ausha,
On the west coast I would recommend the island of Lunga in the Treshnish Isles. It is accessed on boat trips from Mull (combined with Staffa and Fingal's Cave). The puffins there are probably the tamest I've seen anywhere. It can be done on a daytrip from the mainland but it would be better to stay on Mull, where there is great wildlife to be seen anyway. That way you can choose a fine day. May/June is probably the best time but July would be fine. More midges on Mull later though. The weather is likely to be best in June.
As a Fife resident I should probably put in a recommendation for the Isle of May on the east coast. Puffins are tame here too and there are far more than on Lunga.

Hope this helps.

Rob

 

[TWM]

The west coast is not going to be your best bet for Puffins, I don't think.
As Rob says the Isle of May is a good bet, Sumburgh Head on Shetland is really good, there's also various sites on the East coast of Scotland that have Puffins but they don't have the west coast scenery!

 

[aushalk]

Rob,TWM

many thanks to you both.

could you give me some advise on where to stay on the east coast please
Thanks

Ausha

 

[delia todd]

Hi Ausha

I stayed here for the Scottish Bash last year. Very nice with superb views over the estuary. Walking distance from the ferry too.

There's lots of accommodation in Anstruther and surrounding area.

D

 

[MarkHows]

I don't want to put you off Scotland as it is a fantastic place to go, but thought I had better mention the Farne islands another good place to visit for puffins.


Mark

 

[Astrokev]

I don't want to put you off Scotland as it is a fantastic place to go, but thought I had better mention the Farne islands another good place to visit for puffins.


Mark

I would second Mark's suggestion of the Farne Islands. I've had excellent Puffins there in the past and am currently looking forward to a trip in the 3rd week of May, specifically for photography. In addition to the puffins, lots of other close-up bird life would make this a trip to remember that I heartily recommend.

Kevin