Day Tours 

Western Isles Wildlife Tours are the only wildlife tour company to be based in the islands throughout the year and are therefore in a unique position to provide the best tours you can get with the most up to date knowledge. We can offer anything from half day excursions to week long trips with everything included.

On a typical day tour we usually see a selection of raptors which may include Hen Harrier, Golden Eagle, White-tailed Eagle, Peregrine Falcon and Merlin; whilst on a good day we occasionally see all eight resident species of birds of prey. Black-throated Diver, Red-throated Diver and Great Northern Diver are often seen year round with particularly good numbers in late autumn and early spring. Corncrakes are best seen in May and early June whilst Red-necked Phalaropes are also easiest in late May and early June. Spring and autumn passage is excellent for a variety of waders and wildfowl with rare species turning up regularly. In 2008 we found Killdeer, Semipalmated Sandpiper and Bee-eater whilst on tour. Otters are seen on the majority of tours year round and we visit the best sites for these playful mammals whether we're in North or South Uist. Other mammals seen on virtually all the tours include Red Deer, Grey and Common Seals.

We can also provide more specialist trips  to locate rare orchids and birds.

 Full day tour includes:

 The services of a professional guide for the day (average time in field around 8 hours but may be longer on request).

Transport to and from pre-arranged pick up point.

Tips on where to find wildlife throughout the rest of your stay.

A checklist for you to tick off what species of birds you see during the day.

Day trips cost only £45 per person (minimum of two per trip). Lunch can be provided for an extra £5.00 per person.

How to book: Please contact Stephen Duffield on steveduffield@hebrides.net

 Phone: 07733 026 663  or 01870 620241

                                                To see what we have seen on some of these tours click here                                                  or have glance at some of the feedback from tour participants

 Longer Trips (4 - 7 days)

All inclusive trips include: accommodation in comfortable guesthouses; breakfast. lunch and dinner (drinks are not included); transport and travel on and between islands; services of an expert local guide.

Basic package: If you prefer to organise your own accommodation and meals then this will significantly reduce the cost of your trip. A basic package allows a lot of flexibility so please ring or email me to discuss this alternative. We can also arrange self catering accommodation if you prefer.

Tour Calendar 2009:

June

18th - 22nd: Short Summer Breaks = 4 nights in the souther isles. Cost £425 all inclusive or £320 for a basic package.

July

2nd -6th: Short Summer Breaks = 4 nights in the souther isles. Cost £425 all inclusive or £320 for a basic package.

13th - 17th: Short Summer Breaks = 4 nights in the souther isles. Cost £425 all inclusive or £320 for a basic package.

25th - 31st: Machair in Bloom = 6 nights in the southern isles including a trip to the un-inhabited and floristically rich island of Fuday. Cost £750 all inclusive.

August

22nd - 29th: From Barra to the Butt = 7 nights taking in all the major islands in the main chain of the Outer Hebrides. Cost £850 all inclusive.

September

13th - 18th: Autumn Gold = 5 nights in the southern isles. Cost £650 all inclusive or £350 for a basic package.

19th - 26th: Migration Special = 7 nights tour taking Lewis, Harris and the southern isles. Cost £800 all inclusive.

October

4th  - 9th: Autumn Gold = 5 nights in the southern isles. Cost £650 all inclusive or £350 for a basic package.

18th - 23rd: Autumn Gold = 5 nights in the southern isles. Cost £650 all inclusive or £350 for a basic package.

November

1st - 6th: Autumn Gold = 5 nights in the southern isles. Cost £650 all inclusive or £350 for a basic package.

8th - 13th: Autumn Gold = 5 nights in the southern isles. Cost £650 all inclusive or £350 for a basic package.

Tour Calendar 2010:

April

24th April - 1st May: Diver Tour = 7 nights trip taking in Lewis, Harris and the Uists. Cost: £750 per person all inclusive.

May

8th  - 14th: Corncrakes and Skuas = 6 nights in the southern isles. Cost £699 all inclusive or £499 for the basic package.

15th  - 21st: Corncrakes and Skuas = 6 nights in the southern isles. Cost £699 all inclusive or £499 for the basic package.

Meet your tour leader – Steve Duffield. He has studied birds for many years, first starting birding 29 years ago at age 8. Steve also has a passion for many other aspects of natural history and is currently the county moth and butterfly recorder. He has travelled widely in Asia, Europe, Americas and once to Africa but loves the wilds of Scotland. Before settling in the Outer Hebrides he spent two and a half years in Shetland working for both SNH and the RSPB. He has also worked as warden, seabird surveyor, seal warden and most recently as goose officer. He is also an enthusiastic mountaineer and rock climber, when time permits.