Scotland in Style Post-trip May 21—29, 2011
Posted by Andrew Whittaker
Andrew Whittaker
Andrew Whittaker's passion for birding and natural history started at the early age of seven in the UK. Since 1982 Andy has worked and studied birds worldwide in C...Related Trips
This tour had something for everyone: dramatic Scottish highland scenery, great birding, stupendous historical sites (castles, stately homes, and battlefields), and a visit to one of the world's finest Scotch whisky distilleries, where we sampled a wee dram! Combine this with being based in a wonderful historic Scottish hotel where we were treated to superb meals (we all certainly gained a few kilos) and marvelous family hospitality, and you have to think that life can't get much better!
Despite some very adverse weather hitting Scotland during our stay, birding highlights were many. I know for sure that none of us will ever forget the stunning Red Kites soaring right over our heads, or the Gray Heron swallowing whole that unfortunate mallard duckling! Other interesting behavioral observations included Red Grouse and curlews leading chicks off the roadside, and a Common Merganser and a brooding Lapwing attacking that Cock Pheasant.
Bubbly, clear mountain streams produced stunning Gray Wagtails and magical White-throated Dippers, while mirror-flat lochs, surrounded by breathtaking mountains and old pristine Caledonian pine forest rewarded us with Black Grouse, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Scottish Crossbill, Common Redstart, Eurasian Bullfinch, Goldcrest, and flocks of endearing tits that included Crested, Blue, Coal, and Great. Throughout, we were treated to spectacular moorlands scenery that was not without its birds either, including a feeding male Capercaillie, Willow Ptarmigan (Red Grouse), and a hunting Short-eared Owl. Stunning coastal sea cliffs provided us with countless thousands of breeding seabirds including Atlantic Puffin, Razorbill, Common Murre, Black-legged Kittiwake, Northern Fulmar, and magnificent gannets and stunning Common Eiders offshore.
Fond childhood birding memories flooded back to me as I heard the pleasant rambling song of the Yellowhammer—"a little bit of bread and no cheese"—emanating from the hedgerows, while European Goldfinch, European Greenfinch, Eurasian Siskin, and Eurasian Linnet all competed for our attention.
We also dove into a wealth of Scottish history, visiting the historical sites of Cawdor Castle (linked with Macbeth and Shakespeare); the medieval fortress of Urquhart Castle, situated on the banks of the famous Loch Ness; Balmoral Castle; and Culloden Battlefield, where many English and Scottish lives were lost in bloody battles.
And let us not forget the mammal highlights, among them close studies of the poorly-known nocturnal pine marten and badger, which were a highlight for your leader too.
All in all a fantastic group enjoyed a superb Scottish experience. I'm already looking forward to my return next year.