birding...

Kitiwakes Rissa tridactyla ©Nigel Blake http://www.nigelblake.co.uk/

The Western Isles (in many places still referred to as the Outer Hebrides) covers an area approaching 300,000 ha of which much is inland water (there are over 6000 lochs and lochans and over 1300 streams). Although the islands comprise only just over 1% of land area of Britain but almost 16% of the area of standing waters (lochs). There is a high average annual wind speed and rainfall. Berneray to Barra is often referred to as the Southern Isles and causeways link all but the last. The ferry from Oban links Barra and there is also a foot ferry from Ludag on South Uist. All down the western side of the Southern Isles is a broad fertile band of shell-sand fertilised land known as the machair with its profusion of wild flowers in the summer. Over 70% of the land is in crofting tenure and therefore farmed at low intensity.

On the east side of the islands lie most of the hills although the highest are only just over 600m. On a clear day it is well worth a trek to the top of Eaval on North Uist to appreciate how much water there is around. Lewis and Harris are joined together and form the largest land mass. Apart from the main ferries operating from the mainland travellers from or to the Southern Isles can use the Sound of Harris ferry. Here it is generally much more rocky and the hills on Harris rise to 799m (Clisham). There is only a little machair but in Stornoway can be found the only appreciable woodland. From the Butt of Lewis to Barra by road is over 100 miles. There are many other smaller islands and some support important colonies of sea-birds.

One of the largest colonies of Storm Petrels in Britain is on North Rona, of seven Leach`s Petrel colonies four are in the Outer Hebrides, the largest Gannetry is on Boreray, there is an important Great Skua colony on St Kilda while the largest colonies of Puffins are to be found here and on the Shiant Islands. It is hoped to enlarge this section at a later date.

Red-throated Divers are present and Black-throated on some of the larger lochs. Golden Eagles and Hen Harriers are often encountered but there is the ever-present threat of the insidious egg-collector (four eagle eyries were robbed in 1999). The Outer Hebrides are probably most famous for its population of Corncrakes (305 calling males in RSPB survey in 1999). About a third of the British population of Dunlin used to breed on the Uists machair but a survey in 1995 revealed a large decline due mainly to egg predation by introduced Hedgehogs. Snipe and Redshank have been badly hit also while a decline in breeding Ringed Plovers was found to be due to increased predation by Common Gulls. These problems (together with that of Mink predation of colonies of nesting gulls and terns) is being addressed at the present time. Lapwing are still numerous throughout while other species which are in decline on the mainland such as Skylark and House Sparrow are still plentiful. Twite are widespread and the Southern Isles still supports a good population of Corn Buntings. Races of Song Thrush and Dunnock should be looked for.

As to individual sites, with the profusion of good habitat, anything can turn up anywhere but there are some good localities set out below.

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Hotel Hebrides

Hotel Hebrides - Pier Road, Tarbert, Isle of Harris HS3 3DG - in the heart of the Hebrides, will re-open after extensive refurbishment, in August 2008 as a boutique-style hotel offering quality accommodation [Awaiting ‘Visit Scotland’ grading]. Peace, tranquility, sublime comfort, exceptional food – and some of the most beautiful landscapes in Scotland. 23 individually designed en-suite bedrooms ranging from singles to king size. Elegantly appointed beds, direct-dial phones, Freeview flat screen TVs, tea-making facilities & hairdryers. The Pierhouse Restaurant is open for morning coffee, lunch, afternoon teas and dinner. Menus change daily featuring the best local seasonal produce. We also arrange cruises and excursions exclusive to residents. Open all year. Contact Chirsty or Angus. Tel: 01859502364 or E-mail: stay@hotel-hebrides.com Click the sea-view to view our website…