Spring Birds

£2,020.00

17 Apr - 24 Apr 2027

10 in stock

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The Aigas Experience

Set on a 300 acre estate dedicated to restoration ecology and home to an abundance of wildlife
A family run business, offering a “home away from home” feel
Comfortable en-suite accommodation dotted around the arboretum, a short walk from the main house
Hearty and seasonal fare, catering for all dietary requirements
Seven different wildlife hides offering opportunities to watch red squirrels, crested tits, crossbills, pine martens, badgers, raptors and more
No single supplement or extra charges

Spring Birds

Spring in the Highlands marks a thrilling transition in the birdwatching calendar, as many migratory birds return to their northern breeding grounds whilst others arrive back from wintering in Africa. This means you’ll have the rare chance to spot winter migrants such as long-tailed ducks and whooper swans in the same week as freshly arrived tree pipits and cuckoos. Of all our Aigas programmes, this often boasts the largest and most varied bird list.

Highlights

Amazing birdwatching opportunities in a variety of habitats at one of the most exciting times for birding in Scotland
An early morning drive onto an area of moorland to witness a black grouse lek
Staying on the Aigas estate with private hides and the opportunity to see pine martens, badgers and more
Expert guiding from our team of rangers who live and breathe Highland wildlife

Black grouse — Early morning visit to a black grouse lek on the moor (Photography by Laurie Campbell)

What to expect

The excitement continues as the breeding season unfolds. Watch golden eagles perform dramatic courtship displays, listen to the songs of redstarts and warblers, and observe crested tits busily feeding their broods. Perhaps the most spectacular of these behaviours, however, is the lek of the black grouse. To witness their theatrics, we will head off before sunrise onto the moor and wait patiently as their bubbling calls develop into hissing and fighting as they vie for the attention of greyhens hiding in the surrounding scrub.

One of the most exciting moments in the birding calendar will also be happening right on the Aigas Estate. It is at this time that the ospreys will hopefully be returning to their nest site that they have been using for the past two years on the Aigas Loch. Not only will you have a guided walk around the estate where you will be able to see these birds, but you can also spend some of your own time in one of our hides, watching the osprey fish on the loch and settle themselves on the nest yet again.

Coastal habitats are equally as thrilling during this time of year. Large numbers of geese, ducks and waders use the estuaries of the east coast of Scotland as a stopover point on their journeys north to Scandinavia to breed. Species such as pink-footed geese, bar-tailed godwit, curlew, knot, wigeon and teal will be making use of these intertidal zones to feed before leaving us for the summer. Out at sea, however, it will be our breeding birds returning to us: razorbills, guillemots, red- and black-throated divers and gannets will all be out on the water after a winter out at sea.

Throughout the week, you will explore specially chosen locations, each offering a distinct habitat and its own array of birdlife. Whether it be ancient woodlands, moorland valleys, or coastal estuaries, each day will have unique target species and promises impressive sightings.

Your adventure doesn’t end with birds. Enjoy evenings in our dedicated wildlife hides, watching pine martens and badgers, and visit our wildcat breeding programme to learn about Scotland’s rarest mammal.

Extras

An exciting boat trip on the Moray Firth with hopes to see the bottlenose dolphins, other cetaceans, and sea birds close by for an additional cost of £30 per person (£45 for all 2027 programmes). Please note that due to the health and safety on the RIB boat, this isn’t suitable for those who are immobile, pregnant or have a serious back condition.

For those who do not wish to join the boat trip, there will be time to explore a quaint historic coastal village.  