|
|
|
|
The Western Highlands offer a wide range of habitats for birdwatching from the mountains and moors where grouse and eagles can be seen on the sea cliffs famous for a variety of seabirds including, Puffins, Razorbills, Skuas, Kittiwake etc. On the patio you can see Bullfinches, Chaffinches, Greenfinches, Siskins, Great Tits, Blue Tits, Coal Tits and Yellowhammers amongst others. From the patio you can see Herons, Buzzards and Cuckoos to name a few. There are also a pair of Golden Eagles that sometimes make an appearance from their eyrie on the cliffs above Destitution Road (A832) A number of boat cruises are available from Ullapool which will take the visitor around various small islands where many seabirds can be seen nesting during the summer months. For the more adventurous bird watchers a trip to Handa Island is not to be missed.
Handa Island Puffins and razorbills infest the Great Stack A Fulmar rides the air currents Puffins and Razorbills on the cliffs click on thumbnails for full images Handa Island is owned by Dr. Jean Balfour and managed for its wildlife by the Scottish Wildlife Trust. It is situated a mile or two from the mainland opposite Scourie Bay. This tiny island was once inhabited by twelve families who appointed their own parliament and queen - the oldest widow in the community. In 1846 the tradition died when the potato famine forced the islanders to leave for the mainland. The Island is now a seabird sanctuary with vast populations of Puffins, Terns, Fulmars, Shags, Gulls, Kittiwakes, Auks and the rare Great and Arctic Skuas. Most of the sea birds nest on the 500 foot high cliffs which rise vertically out of the sea and the visitor will be able to see a wide variety of species throughout the year.
The cliffs of Handa provide homes for over 100,000 pairs of various seabirds Click on thumbnails for full images Access to the island is via small boat from Scourie and any potential visitors should check the availability of transport before departing from Ullapool. It is a trip not to be missed and all visitors should be prepared for a 6-hour walk around the island, various weather conditions and often muddy/wet ground conditions. Good boots and waterproof clothing is advised together with binoculars and camera. On a good day, the trip around Handa Island must rate as one of the most impressive trips in the Highlands and will appeal to both active and non-active birdwatchers alike. The trip to the island takes about 20 minutes and all visitors are given about 6 hours to walk around the island before the boat returns to pick them up. This provides ample time to enjoy the stark scenery and see how many of the different birds on the island one can spot. A picnic is advised as the walk and sea air tend to build up a healthy appetite.
Click on thumbnail for full image
|
|
This web site was developed by A & M McKenzie (taighabhraoin@btopenworld.com) This page was last updated on 28 August 2002 |
