Best Places for Wildlife on Isles of Lewis/Harris?

[darwin]

Our 2 week holiday to the Western Isles is only 2 weeks away now.

Does anyone have any tips on where on the islands we have a good chance of spotting Otters, eagles, whales ( and don't say in the sea!) etc.

We saw a couple of White Tailed Eagles near Uig last year so are pretty confident of seeing them again in roughly the same area.

Any help, info, advice is greatly appreciated.

Many thanks,

Darwin

[Rob_D]

Hi Darwin,

Try this site Western Isles Wildlife. I had a link for birding guide to Lewis/Harris, but the site has gone now.

I am hoping to get to the Western Isles mid-August. I was on Lewis for a week last year in May but was hampered by the constant storms. I camped for a few days at Cnip (near Uig on West Lewis) but didn't see any eagles - it was force 6-8 winds most of the time, so they probably stayed low! Too rough for Otter or whale watching, but I did get a few nice birds - Great Northern, Red-Throated and Black-Throated Divers for instance.

For whale-watching try Tiumpan Head (E of Stornoway), Butt of Lewis (far North), Labost in the NW, or Gallen Head/ Mangersta (in the West). I read that Sound of Taransay is good for Golden Eagle (and probably Sea-Eagle too).

I had much more luck (and better weather) in the Uists - several goldies, sea eagles, Otters, dolphin, Minke Whale, harriers, se-owls etc. Are you going there too? The Snowy Owls were last reported on St Kilda, but they fly back and forth to N Uist (Balranald RSPB or round on the North Coast).

[rlchew]

It is a while since I visited the Western Isles so I apologise that I can not recommend any specific locations.

However, my experience from my many visits to northern and western Scotland is just keep your eyes and ears open where ever you go .... the wildlife is brilliant!

Just hope for good weather and no midges though.

Please do let us know how your trip goes.

Richard

[darwin]

With our holiday this year being for 2 weeks instead of just the one, we will have more time on our hands and we do intend to visit the Uists also.

The places mentioned have been noted, I much prefer the 'man on the street' recommendations rather than tourism sites from past experience.

I know it is going to be a patience game, we have got a quick pitch tent to keep out of the windso hopefully we will be able to sit and wait for longer.

I will indeed update you of our holiday.

Many thanks

Darwin

[Rob_D]

Richard is right, the wildlife can pop up anywhere, but finding somewhere with a good view is maximising your chances! I was surprised to meet so many visitors to the Hebs who were desperate to see Otters, eagles and dolphins but hadn't. You do need to allow plenty of time to watch so perhaps many people don't have enough patience.

If it helps last year I saw 5 Otters in Loch Eynort on the East Coast of S Uist. The road along the north shore of the loch comes to an end and there is a path which carries on for a mile or so. I had great views along there later in the day when it got quieter. There are Goldies and Sea-Eagles around too. On the west coast of S Uist, Rubha Ardvule is OK for sea-watching - I had a couple of dolphin come close there - though it's quite low and abit desolate!

[RobSutton]

Originally Posted by darwin

With our holiday this year being for 2 weeks instead of just the one, we will have more time on our hands and we do intend to visit the Uists also.

........

If you PM me an e-mail address I'll send you a zip file of some notes I use when I take groups up to the Uists. It's quite a big file, hope the lines can take it.

Originally Posted by Rob_D

..... Rubha Ardvule is OK for sea-watching - I had a couple of dolphin come close there - though it's quite low and a bit desolate!

There's at least two of us WABBERS think Rubha Ardvule is one of the best spots on earth!