July Blog

I spent most of June on holiday in Benbecula in The Outer Hebrides. It’s always great to be back every year visiting family, seeing the usual haunts and more importantly it’s Birdlife & Wildlife. Last year for some very strange reason I didn’t see a lot of Birds which was very odd but I’m happy to say this year I saw lots of birds. When I landed on the island I was greeted by Lapwings, Oystercatcher’s, Buzzard & Short Eared Owl that was a great start to kick off the holiday for 2 weeks.

Most days I spotted a Collared Dove perched on the tree in the garden sometimes there were two and they were the first birds I would hear calling first thing in the morning. In the garden I would see rabbits & Blackbirds so there were plenty to see on days when I had a rest because there were some days that were damp and raining but there was plenty to see & do.

I have been to the Uist’s & Benbecula all my life but I have never ever ever been to Harris, Lewis & Stornoway so on the first week in the holidays we went up for a couple of days we as my parents & I and it was brilliant. We visited the famous Callanish Stones which were very impressive but just be aware there are two different stones. The first stones we saw we were slightly disappointed as they were very small not like the ones you see in pictures but we were told they were just a few yards away and when we saw them you knew they were the big deal very impressive and worth seeing,

The birdlife in the Islands were incredible, during the drive around, spotted a Sea Eagle or White Tailed Eagle which was amazing to see gliding in the air and swooping down. The Butt Of Lewis was incredible just to see the lighthouse and being at the very top of The Outer Hebrides it was stunning. The were cliffs so that means lots and lots of birds. There were Fulmars, Kittiwakes, Shags & Great Skua. I took my time scanning and watching these birds until it was time to head to Stornoway as that was our base for the night were I spotted a Hooded Crow on nexts doors roof it was a great day exploring Lewis & Stornoway.

Before catching the ferry back to Berneray it was time to explore Harris. As much as I enjoyed Lewis I enjoyed Harris a little bit more. It was the perfect day to explore the famous Golden Road with its amazing scenery and sheep coming to say hi while we stopped to have a bite to eat.

The highlight of the trip we passed a house with long grass I immediately said stop I heard a Corncrake. Sadly I didn’t see it but it was very close, an old lady came out the house and showed us a book called The Corncrake An Ecology Of An Enigma by Frank Rennie. She said her daughter bought her it and said it was a good book, I found it it on Amazon and ordered myself a copy and I did read it when I got back and it is a great book.

After a successful trip it was nice to have a week left in Benbecula, after a few much needed restful days went exploring our favourite places in North Uist including a good spot to see Golden Eagles which they did show up I don’t think many locals & tourists know.

A trip to The Hebrides wouldn’t be complete without a visit to RSPB’s Balranald Nature Reserve. It was great and heard another Corncrake in the field sadly no sighting but birds I did see were Hen Harrier, Skylark, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Herring Gull & Eider Duck.

Sadly the two week holiday in The Outer Hebrides came to an end I couldn’t believe how quickly it went and I can’t wait to visit next year. The birdlife was amazing here is the list of birds I saw.

Short Eared Owl
Buzzard
Golden Eagle
Sea Eagle
Heron
Curlew
Lapwing
Oystercatcher
Cuckoo (heard)
Corncrake (heard)
Skylark
Herring Gull
Starling
Collared Dove
Blackbird
Song Thrush
House Sparrow
Sand Martin
Goldfinch
Eider Duck