Programmes By Date - Aigas Field Centre

I participated in one of the week-long Aigas Wildlife programs along with 15 others. We were divided into two groups of 8 as we roamed the glens, straths, and lochs of the Highlands, from east coast to west, in search of birds, eagles and deer. Several hides provided views of pine martin, badgers and more. The Rangers were exceptionally friendly, informative and able to take us to the very best viewing areas. Sir John, Lady Lucy and Warwick Lister- Kaye were attentive, welcoming and provided much information. Breakfast and dinner, served in the Aigas house, was a time to talk to each other and enjoy the wonderful and plentiful food. Sandwiches and snacks were provided for day-long excursions. The gardens surrounding the house are amazing. I took advantage of the extended daylight to walk to the Iron Age fort for a spectacular view. I was lucky to be the only U.S. attendee, and thoroughly enjoyed hearing about others' experiences. The Highlands are stunningly gorgeous, changing quickly from sun to rain, and, with that, the entire landscape transforms itself. I'm sure any of the programs offered by the Aigas Field Centre would be extremely well run, as was this one. I couldn't recommend this experience more. The absolute highlight of my two week stay in Scotland.
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travlibrarian

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travlibrarian

I participated in one of the week-long Aigas Wildlife programs along with 15 others. We were divided into two groups of 8 as we roamed the glens, straths, and lochs of the Highlands, from east coast to west, in search of birds, eagles and deer. Several hides provided views of pine martin, badgers and more. The Rangers were exceptionally friendly, informative and able to take us to the very best viewing areas. Sir John, Lady Lucy and Warwick Lister- Kaye were attentive, welcoming and provided much information. Breakfast and dinner, served in the Aigas house, was a time to talk to each other and enjoy the wonderful and plentiful food. Sandwiches and snacks were provided for day-long excursions. The gardens surrounding the house are amazing. I took advantage of the extended daylight to walk to the Iron Age fort for a spectacular view. I was lucky to be the only U.S. attendee, and thoroughly enjoyed hearing about others' experiences. The Highlands are stunningly gorgeous, changing quickly from sun to rain, and, with that, the entire landscape transforms itself. I'm sure any of the programs offered by the Aigas Field Centre would be extremely well run, as was this one. I couldn't recommend this experience more. The absolute highlight of my two week stay in Scotland.
My early morning walk (06.00hrs) was rewarded with almost every step - seeing the Red Squirrels chasing each other up & down the huge Sequoia Redwoods while the early blackbirds awoke numerous other song birds the list would be more than 25 without trying too hard. The estate grounds are huge with your very own loch to explore. My main objective was to reach the loch-side Beaver Lodge before they all retired for the day after feeding and home building during the early hours. Approaching quietly (nobody else was up yet) I spotted the young male Beaver chewing on his last "bread stick" a freshly cut branch from his favored Aspen tree. What a picture! it sure made my day but then again every day was literally made for us all. I joined my wife and the other birding group members for strong coffee served personally by Lady Lucy as was hot porridge for those wishing to "fill up" before the days adventures. Lord John - an expert naturalist - reminded us to note & report back any "special sightings" during his pre-dinner drinks visit. A Red Throated Diver; Black Throated Diver & Crossbill all on one day possibly impressed me rather more than him - but I am no birder. This mattered not as the fantastic group we accompanied were all very keen to share their knowledge and help us with identifying more than one hundred species during the week. Best of all was our Ranger/guide/driver/map-reader/tee coffee maker & most important qualified nursing "Tick" remover! Namely - Jenny Campbell. She was admired by us all so much that we all wanted to take her home but she would not leave AIGAS - which was no surprise. For a wildlife experience and a chance to see Beavers Badgers & Pine Martens up close in the most tranquil & scenic country side of the Scottish Highlands YOU MUST GO TO "AIGAS FIELD CENTRE" Visit www.aigas.co.uk for all details and dates.
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pickytripers

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pickytripers

My early morning walk (06.00hrs) was rewarded with almost every step - seeing the Red Squirrels chasing each other up & down the huge Sequoia Redwoods while the early blackbirds awoke numerous other song birds the list would be more than 25 without trying too hard. The estate grounds are huge with your very own loch to explore. My main objective was to reach the loch-side Beaver Lodge before they all retired for the day after feeding and home building during the early hours. Approaching quietly (nobody else was up yet) I spotted the young male Beaver chewing on his last "bread stick" a freshly cut branch from his favored Aspen tree. What a picture! it sure made my day but then again every day was literally made for us all. I joined my wife and the other birding group members for strong coffee served personally by Lady Lucy as was hot porridge for those wishing to "fill up" before the days adventures. Lord John - an expert naturalist - reminded us to note & report back any "special sightings" during his pre-dinner drinks visit. A Red Throated Diver; Black Throated Diver & Crossbill all on one day possibly impressed me rather more than him - but I am no birder. This mattered not as the fantastic group we accompanied were all very keen to share their knowledge and help us with identifying more than one hundred species during the week. Best of all was our Ranger/guide/driver/map-reader/tee coffee maker & most important qualified nursing "Tick" remover! Namely - Jenny Campbell. She was admired by us all so much that we all wanted to take her home but she would not leave AIGAS - which was no surprise. For a wildlife experience and a chance to see Beavers Badgers & Pine Martens up close in the most tranquil & scenic country side of the Scottish Highlands YOU MUST GO TO "AIGAS FIELD CENTRE" Visit www.aigas.co.uk for all details and dates.
Another Fantastic and Magical week at Aigas with Nick Baker. Wonderful Wildlife, Red Squirrels, Golden Eagles,Ospreys, Black Grouse,Oyster Catchers, Red Deer, Cuckoos,Pine Martins,Sandpipers Crossbills Willow Warbler,Ravens,Whopper Swans,Ouzel,Red Throated Divers, Brown Hare and much more. Nick is so Knowledgeable about Wild life. Rangers Are Great. A Lovely Warm Welcome from Sir John and Lady Lucy Lister- Kaye. Food Excellent. Cannot wait to Return Again.
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elaine_frew

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elaine_frew

Another Fantastic and Magical week at Aigas with Nick Baker. Wonderful Wildlife, Red Squirrels, Golden Eagles,Ospreys, Black Grouse,Oyster Catchers, Red Deer, Cuckoos,Pine Martins,Sandpipers Crossbills Willow Warbler,Ravens,Whopper Swans,Ouzel,Red Throated Divers, Brown Hare and much more. Nick is so Knowledgeable about Wild life. Rangers Are Great. A Lovely Warm Welcome from Sir John and Lady Lucy Lister- Kaye. Food Excellent. Cannot wait to Return Again.