OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Sailing boats in Loch na Dal with mountains and a rainbow beyond, Sleat Peninsula, Isle ofSkye, Inner Hebrides, Argyll, Highland, Scotland, UK, April 2021
Barnacle goose Branta leucopsis flock in flight near Saligo, Islay, Argyll, Inner Hebrides, Scotland, UK, December 2021
Corncrake Crex crex male calling in rough grassland, Balranald RSPB Reserve, North Uist, Outer Hebrides, Scotland, UK, May 2022
Traigh nam Faoghailean bay on the Balnarald RSPB reserve, North Uist, Outer Hebrides, Scotland, UK, May 2021

The Inner and Outer Hebrides offer many photographic opportunities for people willing to brave the weather!  Even in mid summer the wind can blow relentlessly and play havoc with the mind. Even in June, not all of the breeding birds will have arrived.  Having said all that, these islands hold much to be admired.

The talk runs from South to North beginning on Islay in January where thousands of Barnacle and White-fronted Geese come to escape the harsh conditions in their breeding grounds further North.  These in turn will be preyed upon by Islay's growing population of White-tailed Eagles.  We then head up to Mull in April and May, where Eagles (both species) and Otters are the main species to be seen.  However, there is a wonderful 'supporting cast' to be found here including Dolphins, Twite, Common Sandpipers and Wheatears plus lots of wild flowers.  We also take a boat trip to the Treshnish Islands for seabirds.

Then after a quick visit to the Isle of Skye, we set sail for the outer islands, South and North Uist and then Harris and Lewis.  On all of these islands there are beautiful white shell-sand beaches which would be crowded if only it was a bit warmer.  Here we can see Hen Harriers, Short-eared Owls and again, both eagle species while in May and June the beaches hold migrating waders such as Whimbrels, Ruddy Turnstones and Sanderlings all heading to Iceland and Greenland to breed.  These really are all wonderful Islands for the photographer or any wildlife enthusiast to visit as I hope this talk demonstrates.

As usual, the talk is illustrated by my own acclaimed photography and is combined with a light and informative live commentary.

To book this talk either email or telephone me directly or, if you do not have the above information, I can be reached via my 'contact me' page.

White-tailed eagle Haliaeetus albicilla adults in flight in territorial dispute with foot grappling, Loch na Keal, Isle of Mull, Inner Hebrides, Argyll and Bute, Scotland, UK, May 2019
Red deer Cervus elaphus stag growing new antlers in velvet, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, Scotland, UK, May 2021
Moon rising over the Sound of Mull and the Craignure ferry port from the Isle of Mull Hotel, Argyll and Bute, Scotland, UK, April 2018
European otter Lutra lutra female and cubs with fish on seaweed covered rocks, Loch na Keal, Isle of Mull, Inner Hebrides, Argyll and Bute, Scotland, UK, June 2005