ABRIDGED ITINERARY
– full details at: birdwatching.co.uk/reader-holidays
Day 1: Saturday
Arrival, welcome, dinner and briefing.
Day 2: Sunday – Strathspey and the local area We may visit exclusive private estate woodlands or other favoured spots depending on where birds are showing, to see Capercaillie and Black Grouse. We also walk in the nearby Abernethy Forest to look for Red Squirrel, Roe Deer and Crested Tit. Scottish Crossbill are also found in this habitat, with both Crossbill and Parrot Crossbill present, too. Days 3-5: Monday to Wednesday – Aberdeenshire Adventure
We head east for the area around the Ythan estuary, with a chance of rarities such as Snow or Red-breasted Goose among the commoner species, plus King Eider, and possible rafts of Common Scoter with a chance of Velvet Scoter, Surf Scoter, or perhaps even a Black or Whitewinged Scoter thrown in! Expected are Great Northern and Red-throated Divers. Waders could include Purple Sandpiper, Turnstone, Bar-tailed Godwit, Knot, Dunlin and Ringed Plover.
The next day we work the Loch of Strathbeg RSPB reserve carefully, especially for scarce wildfowl, then move along the coast, to find Grey Partridge, Corn Bunting, Stock Dove and Tree Sparrow.
Day 6: Thursday – Cairngorms and Strathspey
A complete contrast as we head for the hills to find Ptarmigan, plus Snow Bunting and Mountain Hare, while birding around beautiful autumnal woodlands may produce Lesser and Common Redpolls, Fieldfare, Redwing and much more. Day 7: Friday – Round up day
We keep our last day flexible so that we have the opportunity to catch up on species missed or to target any exciting rarities within reach. Day 8: Saturday Breakfast and departure. MORE INFO
Food: There is a choice of evening meal, and vegetarian, vegan and other diets are welcome. Breakfast may be chosen from a full Scottish menu. You don’t need flasks for hot drinks. Walking will be light, although the optional mountain walking for Ptarmigan is strenuous. Guests can opt out of this excursion.
Weather: Expect a wide variation in weather conditions. Bring waterproofs, walking boots or shoes and warm clothing. Hat and gloves are essential for the mountain and exposed coastal locations. Biting insects are not expected. Group size: Maximum 7 clients per guide. Optics: Telescopes will be useful, and you should bring binoculars. We have a limited number of top quality Swarovski binoculars, which you may borrow at no charge. A camera would be useful. Guides: George Gay, Jonny Pott, Mark Warren Price: £1,295pp, no single supplement, deposit £200.