Western Isles questions (1 Viewer)

[Mendobirder]

All of Scotland has become super popular these days and prices are being hiked to match it, sadly. I do hope you get a really good trip booked though. A car from Glasgow airport would be no bad thing, I'm guessing you have experienced the roads

Yes indeed, we spent three weeks in the Highlands a few years ago, I got around pretty well on the single-tracks. Though I have to admit the drive out from Salen to Ardnamurchan was a bit much, as we failed to account for the traffic coming at us from the Kilchoan ferry... many of whom were clearly not Scots as they had very little discipline!

 

[Moadib]

For birding, personally I prefer Islay to Mull, you'll get the Golden and White-tailed Eagles same as on Mull, and often better views and you have Choughs as well! It's a smaller island, easier to get around and accommodation is easier to find and often less expensive than Mull, apart from the last week in May which is the Islay Festival and probably booked up years in advance!

Can I ask, are chough still common on Islay? Have enjoyed most of the islands several times but somehow despite a long held desire to go, I've never got to Islay. Would love to go over, and seeing chough there would be ideal.

 

[Andrew Whitehouse]

Can I ask, are chough still common on Islay? Have enjoyed most of the islands several times but somehow despite a long held desire to go, I've never got to Islay. Would love to go over, and seeing chough there would be ideal.

I'm not aware of any substantial decline in Choughs. There are around 50 pairs, with most being in the western and southern areas (the Rhinns and the Oa). Sites like Machir Bay and Ardnave are good for them.

 

[earthdragon64]

I think Chough are doing well on Islay, I certainly see them whenever I go there which is mostly late Autumn. I agree that Machir Bay and Ardnave are definitely the best places to spot them. The west side of Ardnave looking out at Nave island is also great for WTE. We go there every couple of years, mostly late Autumn, and I'd really reccomend it. It's not so busy at that time of year and usually the weather is pretty decent too.