Posted by Graeme Lee on January 19, 2008 at 5:02 PM
Hi all,
Thinking of making a trip to Islay at the beginning of April. Any advice for locations for birds, seals, landscapes would be appreciated. Will only be there for a week so will need to be choosy from what I've read.
Never been to Islay but a quick search reveals Machir Bay which sounds interesting and looks to have lots potential to me. The south east coast line looks very good on a map to me but doesnt look easy to get to. From a landscape point of view though I'm sure the island is oozing with potential and you cant go far wrong ...
Posted by Mike Smith on January 21, 2008 at 4:38 AM
You need to find out when Gordon Langsbury is planning to go for the Barnacle geese, every year he gets washed out -
Seriously though the weather can be verty fickle at that time of year, either good weather or a week stuck in your hotel.
Mike
Posted by Graeme Lee on January 21, 2008 at 9:12 AM
ok, cheers guys
Posted by Philip Kirkham on January 21, 2008 at 12:56 PM
Hello Graeme
Islay is superb, alive with land mammals, sea mammals, and birds, together with some excellent scenery.
The OA is good for Chough and Eagles, Loch Gruinhart is good for geese, waders, etc..Have a trip to Ardtalla beach, excellent chances of otters there.
Have at least 1 day trip to Jura (only about £13 ferry) it is stuffed with red deer and adders.
My only reservation about your trip is the timing - a little late for the barnacles, although some may still be there, and a little early for the corncrakes.
Best wishes
Phil
I have heard on the grapevine that the barnacles are already shifting north, so you will more than likely miss them.
T
Posted by Graeme Lee on January 22, 2008 at 4:11 PM
Thanks Phil and Tom. Can't change times so am going to have to take pot luck. Will certainly ask more questions when I go again and time it better. Appreciate the comments
Discussion
6 repliesThinking of making a trip to Islay at the beginning of April. Any advice for locations for birds, seals, landscapes would be appreciated. Will only be there for a week so will need to be choosy from what I've read.
Any help would be very much appreciated
Graeme
Seriously though the weather can be verty fickle at that time of year, either good weather or a week stuck in your hotel.
Mike
Islay is superb, alive with land mammals, sea mammals, and birds, together with some excellent scenery.
The OA is good for Chough and Eagles, Loch Gruinhart is good for geese, waders, etc..Have a trip to Ardtalla beach, excellent chances of otters there.
Have at least 1 day trip to Jura (only about £13 ferry) it is stuffed with red deer and adders.
My only reservation about your trip is the timing - a little late for the barnacles, although some may still be there, and a little early for the corncrakes.
Best wishes
Phil
I have heard on the grapevine that the barnacles are already shifting north, so you will more than likely miss them.
T