Day Tours in North Uist, Benbecula and South Uist

Western Isles Wildlife Tours are the only wildlife tour company to be based in the islands throughout the year and are therefore in a unique position to provide the best tours you can get with the most up to date knowledge. We can offer anything from day excursions to week long trips with everything included.

On a typical day tour we usually see a selection of raptors which may include Hen Harrier, Golden Eagle, White-tailed Eagle, Peregrine Falcon and Merlin; whilst on a good day we occasionally see all eight resident species of birds of prey. Black-throated Diver, Red-throated Diver and Great Northern Diver are often seen year round with particularly good numbers in late autumn and early spring. Corncrakes are best seen in May and early June whilst Red-necked Phalaropes are also easiest in late May and early June. Spring and autumn passage is excellent for a variety of waders and wildfowl with rare species turning up regularly. So far this year we've found Bonaparte's Gull and Nightingale whilst in 2010 we discovered Pacific Golden Plover, Lesser Yellowlegs and Arctic Warbler. In 2008 we found Killdeer, Semi-palmated Sandpiper and Bee-eater. Otters are seen on the majority of tours year round and we visit the best sites for these playful mammals whether we're in North or South Uist. Other mammals seen on virtually all the tours include Red Deer, Grey and Common Seals.

We can also provide more specialist trips  to locate rare orchids and birds.

 Full day tour includes:

 The services of a professional guide for the day (average time in field around 8 hours).

Transport to and from pre-arranged pick up point.

Tips on where to find wildlife throughout the rest of your stay.

Day trips cost only £50 per person (minimum of two per trip). Lunch can be provided for an extra £5.00 per person.

How to book: Please contact Stephen Duffield on steveduffield@hebrides.net

 Phone: 07867 555971 or 01870 620241

                                                To see what we have seen on some of these tours click here or have glance at some                                                    of the feedback from tour participants.

 Longer Trips (4 - 7 days)

All inclusive trips include: accommodation in comfortable guesthouses; breakfast. lunch and dinner (drinks are not included); transport and travel on and between islands; services of an expert local guide.

Basic package: If you prefer to organise your own accommodation and meals then this will significantly reduce the cost of your trip. A basic package allows a lot of flexibility so please ring or email me to discuss this alternative. We can also arrange self catering accommodation if you prefer.

Tour Calendar 2011 / 2012:

April

28th April - 5th May 2012: Diver Tour - 7 full days taking in all the islands from the Butt of Lewis to South Uist for £850.

May

14th - 19th 2012: Corncrakes and Skuas - 6 days birding in the southern isles for £650.

21st - 26th 2012: Corncrakes and Skuas - 6 days birding in the southern isles for £650.

28th - 2nd June 2012: Corncrakes and Phalaropes - 6 days birding in the southern isles for £650.

June

26th June - 3rd July 2012: Barra to Butt - 7 nights tour taking in Lewis, Harris and the southern isles. Cost £900 all inclusive.

July

21st = 28th 2012: Barra to Butt - 7 nights tour taking in Lewis, Harris and the southern isles. Cost £900 all inclusive.

August

27th - 3rd September 2011: From Barra to the Butt - 7 full days taking in all the main islands from the Butt of Lewis to Barra for £850.

September

17th - 24th 2011: Migration Special - 7 nights tour taking in Lewis, Harris and the southern isles. Cost £850 all inclusive.

October

1st - 6th 2011: Autumn Gold - 5 nights in the southern isles. Cost £650 all inclusive.

8th - 13th 2011: Autumn Gold - 5 nights in the southern isles. Cost £650 all inclusive.

Meet your tour leader – Steve Duffield. He has studied birds for many years, first starting birding 29 years ago at age 8. Steve also has a passion for many other aspects of natural history and is currently the county moth and butterfly recorder. He has travelled widely in Asia, Europe, Americas and once to Africa but loves the wilds of Scotland. Before settling in the Outer Hebrides he spent two and a half years in Shetland working for both SNH and the RSPB. He has also worked as warden, seabird surveyor, seal warden and most recently as goose officer. He is also an enthusiastic mountaineer and rock climber, when time permits.