Tour leader Peter Clement writes about our recent Islay & Jura tour …
The tour was a great success, despite the occasional rather damp conditions. On Islay we managed to see almost uncountable numbers of Barnacle geese and good numbers of Greenland white-fronts and Greylag Geese. We also managed to find a flock of about 20 Pale-bellied Brent Geese which were a bit of a surprise. On the Oa, a pair of Golden Eagles put on a terrific soaring display over the cliffs with a pair of Ravens in close attendance. Spirits were undimmed on our one truly wet day – firstly with close views of Whooper Swans and a pair of (albeit rather soggy) Chough and, secondly, fortified with a spot of culture as we toured one of the island’s world renowned malt whisky distilleries.
Jura, more rugged, windswept and mountainous, had a more remote island atmosphere with all of the habitation largely along the eastern side. From the hotel we looked out over a large, sheltered bay where we saw an Otter close inshore, before and during breakfast on the first day and later several Grey and Common Seals together with some Great Northern Divers. Large numbers of Red Deer are a feature of the island and these were everywhere, several of which were clearly alpha-males with many-pointed antlers and large harems. On a jaunt to the other side of the island we made a spectacular hit with both Golden and Sea Eagles in the air above us. These and several more Otters that fed and swam not 50 yards from us completed a truly memorable trip.
For more details of our Islay & Jura tour email pauldukes@naturetrek.co.uk or call 01962733051.