• When here in the Outer Hebrides and looking at a bird, have you ever wondered how rare it is? The status of all species can vary enormously from island to island. How rare is Shoveler on Barra, has Stock Dove been seen on Harris, does Dotterel occur on Benbecula in the autumn, and how common is Blue Tit on North Uist? Well, fret no longer! The Status and Distribution of birds here on the Outer Hebrides has been completely updated and summarised for every species and each of the main islands and outliers. Available as an online resource at https://status.outerhebrides-birdreports.org/ or via our shop

    New - now available as an ebook

First Trip

GeekTeacher

New Member
Hi, I'm Martyn Jones (aka GeekTeacher) and I'm coming up to the Uists for my first ever visit from 4-18th May. I've done some research and have a reasonable idea of what to expect at this time of year. I've booked myself on a couple of guided walks and hope to do at least one boat trip at some point. I'm primarily interested in birds and bird photography, but would also like to get some otter and cetacean shots. I'd really grateful of any local knowledge about where I can expect to get some good shots of birds like Skuas, Petrels, Phalaropes, Divers, Hen Harriers, Owls, Cuckoo and yes, I know there are no guarantees with wildlife! I've heard about some of the well-known places like Committee Road and Balranald RSPB, but any extra tips, pointers and help would be much appreciated. I'm really looking forward to coming and maybe I'll meet up with some of you there. Thanks in advance, Martyn. - https://www.facebook.com/GeekTeacher.Birding/ - https://gt-birding-scrapbook.blogspot.com - https://www.flickr.com/photos/bestofgeek
 

YvonneB

OH Bird Recorder
Hi Martyn @GeekTeacher i'm sure you'll have a great time on your first trip to Uist in May, it's a good time to visit. I have recently put together some information about good places for birding here in the Uists and Benbecula and I will email it to you later today (it's not on the computer i'm using just now). There are usually quite a few visiting birders around during May.
 

GeekTeacher

New Member
Hi @YvonneB, sorry for a late reply, I've be so busy getting things ready for my two-week stay on the Uists. Many thanks for the birding locations, they'll be really useful, I'll print them out tonight. I do hope I can get an internet connection in my two apartments and out in the field so that I can stay up to date with any sightings as well as this forum. Thanks for your reply too @Paul Boyer - I've been in touch with Nick and we're just trying to arrange a suitable day. Is it worth going to St. Kilda for the wildlife too? It's pretty expensive, but I might fork out if it's really worth it. Thanks for your help everybody. Martyn.
 

Lee Aaron

New Member
Hi Martyn @GeekTeacher i'm sure you'll have a great time on your first trip to Uist in May, it's a good time to visit. I have recently put together some information about good places for birding here in the Uists and Benbecula and I will email it to you later today (it's not on the computer i'm using just now). There are usually quite a few visiting birders around during May.
Hi Martyn @GeekTeacher i'm sure you'll have a great time on your first trip to Uist in May, it's a good time to visit. I have recently put together some information about good places for birding here in the Uists and Benbecula and I will email it to you later today (it's not on the computer i'm using just now). There are usually quite a few visiting birders around during May.
Hi Yvonne. I too, are up in North Uist, first week in June, staying in a cottage at the end of Loch Euphoirt. As we are regular visitors to the Uists, especially North Uist, we know very little about the hot spots in the South. Would it be to rude to also ask for the information sheet that you have complied to help us enjoy more of these beautiful Isles and wildlife.
 

YvonneB

OH Bird Recorder
Hi @YvonneB, sorry for a late reply, I've be so busy getting things ready for my two-week stay on the Uists. Many thanks for the birding locations, they'll be really useful, I'll print them out tonight. I do hope I can get an internet connection in my two apartments and out in the field so that I can stay up to date with any sightings as well as this forum. Thanks for your reply too @Paul Boyer - I've been in touch with Nick and we're just trying to arrange a suitable day. Is it worth going to St. Kilda for the wildlife too? It's pretty expensive, but I might fork out if it's really worth it. Thanks for your help everybody. Martyn.

No problem at all Martyn, happy to help. St. Kilda, well, yes as you say expensive for a day trip, I think in excess of £200 in 2019 and weather permitting of course, but if you haven't visited there before it's a pretty amazing place. The NTS Seabird Warden, Sarah Lawrence, has just taken up her post for the season on St. Kilda.

Websites to check out are...

Sailing from Uist: https://www.uistseatours.com/stkilda-trip

Sailing from Harris:-
http://seaharris.com/
https://www.kildacruises.co.uk/trips
 

YvonneB

OH Bird Recorder
Hi Yvonne. I too, are up in North Uist, first week in June, staying in a cottage at the end of Loch Euphoirt. As we are regular visitors to the Uists, especially North Uist, we know very little about the hot spots in the South. Would it be to rude to also ask for the information sheet that you have complied to help us enjoy more of these beautiful Isles and wildlife.

Hi @Lee Aaron yes, that's no problem at all I can pop that in a direct message to you I think, any problems i'll email it to you. :)
 

Pete winn

New Member
Good afternoon Yvonne,

I’ve just spent the morning looking through the forum. I’ve just come across this thread and I’m planning on coming across to south Uist this month from Aberdeenshire. Would it be possible to get a copy of your information sheet as I’ve not done any birding in South Uist before? The more information the better.

Thank you.

pete
 

YvonneB

OH Bird Recorder
I’ve just spent the morning looking through the forum. I’ve just come across this thread and I’m planning on coming across to south Uist this month from Aberdeenshire. Would it be possible to get a copy of your information sheet as I’ve not done any birding in South Uist before? The more information the better

Hi Pete

No problem at all, if you would like to email me at recorder@outerhebridesbirds.org.uk I'll sort that out for you :) Hope you have a great trip!
 
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