Reader Holiday
Join the Bird Watching team for a spectacular spring wildlife break
Join the Bird Watching team in the beautiful highlands of Scotland
Smeans rich wildlife potential amidst rugged beauty, and you can join us there for an exclusive trip from April 9-14, 2017. Bird Watching magazine editor Matthew Merritt and assistant editor Mike Weedon will be joined by UKBS editor, and Scottish birding aficionado, Gordon Hamlett to lead a week of wildlife watching, based at the lovely Grant Arms Hotel in Grantown-on-spey. The hotel boasts high quality en-suite rooms and traditional Scottish fare prepared with local ingredients, and while it takes care of bed, breakfast and dinner, we’ll provide optional guided walks, expert tips, bird quizzes, films and evening talks. From our Highland location we’ll be within easy reach of sites such as Glenmore Forest Park, for Crested Tits and Crossbills; the Cairngorms, for Ptarmigan and possible Snow Bunting; and the Findhorn Valley, for eagles and other raptors. There’ll also be the chance to visit Moray Firth sites such as Burghead and Spey Bay for wildfowl (including sea ducks), divers, grebes and waders. We’ll look for Red and Black Grouse and Capercaillie (see page 34 for a special feature on this lovely bird) in the forests and moors around Grantown. As well as the great birdlife, there’ll be the chance to see dolphins, Red Squirrels, Red Deer, Otter, Mountain Hare, and maybe even Pine Marten. The Grant Arms Hotel is home to the Birdwatching and Wildlife Club and its expert staff will be on hand to guide you to the best areas, offer local knowledge and seasonal tips if you prefer to organise your own time. It’s perfect for birdwatchers of all levels and a great way to meet like-minded people, share tips and make the most of this incredible time of year and wonderful place. A new subscription to our magazine can help cover the extra cost for non-subscribers, visit: birdwatching.co.uk/grant-arms