Bird and Nature Photography Holidays in Scotland

Scottish Bird Photography Holiday in Spring

By late May the Highlands are alive with new arrivals heading to the far North to attract mates and eventually breed. This intensive mini-break focusses on the species that call mountain and moorland home with particular emphasis on Dotterel courtship. There is only a short window before the more attractive females depart to Norway to breed for a second time and our tour is scheduled to maximise the

peak of activity. We will also plan the itinerary to maximise light and setting to ensure you have a memorable encounter. In most years we have also photographed Ptarmigan in their summer colours as well as Ring Ouzel and Wheatear. There is an outside chance of summer plumage Snow Buntings but their whereabouts changes year on year. We will change our itinerary to maximise the light and species dependant on the prevailing conditions.

Key reasons to choose ebirder:

In partnership with the UK’s Wildlife Hotel, the Grant Arms includes private en-suite accommodation, with WIFI and a three course Dinner
Photograph courting Dotterel and in some years Dotterel in the snow with a fine supporting cast
Maximum of four photographers
Long summer hours mean that we can utilise different parts of the day dependant on weather and sightings
We will be climbing mountains and out to maximise the light conditions so a reasonable degree of fitness is required.

Bird Photography Holidays and Tours in Scotland Overview

Our bird photography holidays, trips and tours in Scotland are designed for those looking to spend a period of time enjoying photographing a range of species at thoroughly researched and productive locations in the Scottish Highlands and Islands.

The bird photography tours include Mull, Skye, Islay, Cairngrom, Outer Hebrides, Speyside and the Moray Firth.

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Our most popular photography tours in Scotland include:

Photographing White Tailed Eagles, Otters and Puffins on Mull
Deep winter photography in the Scottish Highlands for Mountain Hare, Crested Tit and Ptarmigan
Private charters to photograph White Tailed Eagles
Photographing Corncrakes and Short Eared Owls on tour in the Outer Hebrides
Puffin photography tours

Key reasons to choose ebirder:

We are based in The Scottish Highlands – we have local knowledge
Small group sizes assure that you will have adequate time and that your questions can be answered
Our locations are thoroughly researched to give the best opportunity to photograph wild birds and animals
In-depth instruction set in incredible landscapes
4×4 vehicle transport
Relaxed, informal and friendly
Cater for all levels of photographer with the same enthusiastic and positive approach
Focussed on your needs and making sure that you get the most from your experience

Check out our customer feedback or contact us for more information.

Our wildlife photography tours are designed to meet your needs. Whether you are a beginner keen to make progress or an experienced photographer looking to add to your portfolio we will aim to exceed your expectations. A one-to-one experience allows you to focus on what matters most:

Dedicating time to your key species
Obtaining practical field tuition
Working around your needs and objectives
Learning fieldcraft, such as getting close to difficult subjects like Mountain Hare
We can organise accomodation and make logistical bookings e.g. ferries
Take you to new and exciting photography locations off the beaten track

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Example Tours Offered:
Bird Photography Tour of Mull
Otter Photography on Mull and Islay
Winter Wildlife in the Scottish Highlands
Photographing White Tailed Eagles on Mull
Short Eared Owls, Corncrakes and Waders on the Outer Hebrides

Owl Photography Holiday on the Outer Hebrides

The Outer Hebrides form a widespread archipelago across the West Coast of Scotland. As an ‘Island on the Edge’ the Uists are a unique and special place for wildlife photography in the UK. With a wealth of specialist birds

Daily activities

Most days will follow roughly the same profile as we use the summer hours to maximise time in the field. Typically we will start early (5AM if weather permits) and continue until breakfast. There will then be some more time to recuperate and rest or do you own thing, before heading back into the field in the evening and staying out as long as light permits.

The main targets for the trip are;

Hen Harrier and Short Eared Owl
Corncrake
Breeding plumaged Waders on the Machair
Nature special to the area that we may encounter; Red Throated Diver, Golden eagle, Golden Plover, Cuckoo, Skuas, Terns, Corn Bunting, Otter, Red Deer

You can see the 2014 trip report here

Hen Harrier and Short Eared Owl

Raptor numbers tend to cycle between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ years. In good years the islands are awash with owls and seemingly every suitable post has a resident owl sat keeping watch. Even in leaner years the islands represent the best place in the UK to photograph Owls and Harrier. By using the crepuscular hours we will maximise our chances of seeing and photographing these special birds. In 2012 we saw over 100 in owls in just four days!

Corncrake

The Uists are the main UK stronghold of the enigmatic Corncrake and in some years we have managed fantastic encounters. There are about 1000 pairs of the skulking rail on the islands and during June the males are often calling vigorously to announce their presence. We will visit the best sites based on our experience to ensure we do everything we can to get a Corncrake photograph. (please note the bird is schedule one and cannot be disturbed during the breeding season so we take precautions where necessary to ensure we are within the law)

Breeding Plumage Waders on the Machair

The Usits abound with waders. Snipe, Dunlin, Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Curlew, Redshank and Golden Plover will be our main targets as they settle down for the summer on the stunning Machair (think Hebridean meadow full of pretty flowers!). With luck we may also photograph Ringed Plover, Whimbrel, Sanderling or one of the Red Necked Phalaropes that have now taken up residence on the islands. In previous years this has proved one of the highlights.

Special Nature

The Outer Hebrides abound with other interesting and sought after species. In 2012 we came across a Golden Eagle within shooting distance and in 2013 Otters could be photographed easily. With an open mind our guests are sure to make the most of the trip. Whether it be breeding Whooper Swans and Tufted Ducks or Twite and Corn Buntings singing from the Machair. The Uists have a lot to offer and we look forward to guiding you.

FAQ

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Mull Bird Photography Holiday

Few locations in the British Isles offer bird and wildlife photographers the wealth of opportunities present on the magical Isle of Mull. Incredible scenery, close wildlife encounters and a diversity of birds and animals not to be rivalled ensure Mull resides long in the memory and deep in the heart of many wildlife photographers.

We are delighted to be one of the only operators offering dedicated wildlife and bird photography workshops and tours of Mull, and now in our fifth year.

Key reasons to choose ebirder:

Two Eagle trips including a private charter
Private charter to Lunga to photograph Puffins
Maximum of four photographers (most operators have at least 6!)
Operating photography workshops to Mull for over 5 years
Fully equipped farmhouse accommodation with private bedrooms, two lounges & large dining kitchen

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Highland Winter Wildlife Photography Holiday

Lying so far north, the Scottish Highlands in Winter can be a truly magical place – this is winter wildlife photography at its best. Arctic winds force birds and other wildlife to change their behaviour just to survive the unforgiving conditions.

Join us as we head out to selected sites to photograph the specialities of the region, including; Crested Tit, Snow Bunting, Red Deer, Red Grouse, Ptarmigan and Mountain Hare.

We will change our itinerary of the Winter Wildlife Photography Tour to maximise the light and species dependant on the prevailing conditions.

Our exclusive photography trips are for up to four photographers only
Award winning local guide with friendly and helpful outlook
Capture a variety of species in winter settings
We have proven success of getting images in a range of conditions
Staying at the marvellous Grant Arms Hotel (the UK’s wildlife hotel!)

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