Islay birdwatching

Islay is a fabulous place if you want to do a spot of birdwatching. With many species to see you are spoilt when it comes to Islay birds! Find out more by reading on below…

 

To book, look at the 'Availability Page' here on our website and check your chosen accommodation is free. You can then check our tariffs here to see what each property costs in the relevant year to when you want to book. Then fill in the online booking form on this page or contact us here by email. Or you can book by telephone on 07880 706356 or 01496 850382.

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Islay birds and birdwatching

If you have booked some Islay accommodation for your holiday and you are looking for things to do when here then birdwatching is a must-see and do activity! Islay has a magnificent array of birds. In winter, we are home to vast flocks of geese from Greenland and Russia, who arrive in October and leave in April. This signals the arrival of many other migrant visitors to join the local population.

Corncrakes, choughs and much more

The corncrake can be heard in several spots in summer and choughs, rare in most of Britain, abound near Kilchoman, Ardnave and in the Oa. Look out for magnificent birds of prey, including golden eagles and white tailed sea eagles. Marsh and hen harriers and sparrow hawks too. Kilchoman is also home to a pair of peregrines. We weren’t lying when we said our island is a birdwatcher’s paradise!

The RSPB runs reserves at Loch Gruinart and at The Oa. The visitor centre at the bottom of Loch Gruinart is full of information and interesting facts. Close by are hides overlooking the flats and guided bird walks where locals will share their knowledge. For more information, contact RSPB on 01496 850505.

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There are many places you can see the island birdlife and some not so far away

Other places to look are Ardnave, particularly for choughs. Corncrakes can also be heard there.  Lochindaal is host to a myriad of wading birds, particularly near Bridgend in winter where there are large flocks of geese. Kilchoman and Loch Gorm have a wide variety and the crags behind Kilchoman House are home to several species.

Islay Birds is an excellent site for discovering lots of information about the birds in Islay. All posts are produced locally at Kilchoman. Furthermore, you can read our birdwatching blog post and find more about our islands birds.

Get in touch today to find out more

Find out more about birdwatching and our Islay birds and get in touch with us today. Maybe you are looking for somewhere to stay? We offer cosy accommodation here on Islay with fabulous views. You can even explore our feathered friends from our quaint cottages. Call us today on 07880 706 356 or email us here. Come and see what it is all about! You are sure to be ‘choughed’!

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