Coll and Tiree in Summer

A High Summer holiday to two very special Hebridean Islands. We have timed this trip so that the islands are at their botanical best, the machair being at full bloom with a suite of scarce plants throughout it. These islands are good for birding year round, and a good birdlist can definitely be expected in summer. Both Coll and Tiree have a high density of nesting waders, with most in post-breeding flocks, though some may still be breeding, including Corncrake. This late in the season, sightings of Corncrake are rare due to the tall grass and a reduction in the amount of calling and territorial behaviour, though we still have a chance! Migrant waders will also be returning from the north, with chances of rarities in the mixed flocks.

Out in the bays and from the ferries we have excellent chances of seabirds, along with seals and sea mammals. This is a key time of year for Basking Shark, and in the right conditions we have a good chance of seeing one from land or boat. We will pick out sites carefully based on the tide, wind and weather so that we can have a slow-paced natural history based exploration, with the best chances of key wildlife.

Please note this holiday starts in Oban

Day 1: Monday - Oban to Tiree
We leave Oban on the early ferry and the emphasis will be on seeing seabirds and sealife which may include Basking Shark. The waters around Coll and Tiree hold some of the highest numbers of Basking Shark in the British Isles, and this holiday is right at the start of the key period for seeing them. If the conditions are not ideal for sharks, then we may see Skuas, Storm Petrel or Manx Shearwater with many auks and commoner seabirds present whatever the weather. Overnight Tiree.

Day 2 - 3 : Tuesday - Wednesday - Tiree

Tiree is a stunning island with a big sky feeling. We head to some of the key birding sites looking for several key species, Tiree holding the densest UK population of Corncrake and, although not easy to see this late in the year, there should still be several birds calling. The flower-rich Machair is stunning, with many areas to check but the key site is the Maze, where an abundance of plants including Pyramidal and Frog Orchids are present along with Lesser Meadow Rue, a scarce plant in the British Isles. We will also explore some of Tiree's beautiful long sweeping beaches, with good numbers of waders present, perhaps with a Red-throated Diver offshore. Tiree is also the core site for Red-shanked Carder Bee, which we will spend time looking for if the weather is sunny and calm. There are several land based sites to sea watch for Basking Shark so if conditions allow we will spend some time scanning for these impressive animals. One evening after dinner, we offer an optional drive (weather permitting) to Kilkenneth, to listen for Spotted Crake and Corncrake, finishing around midnight.

Many of the fields here are great for migrant waders too, and we should see numbers of Golden Plover, Ringed Plover, Oystercatcher and Redshank, with chances of a range of species. Typical scarce migrants in July include Lesser Yellowlegs, Pectoral Sandpiper, Ruff, Little Stint and Curlew Sandpiper, with much rarer birds possible on this underwatched isle. Terns and Gannets will still be present out in the bays, with chances of both Arctic and Great Skua on the lookout for a bird with a fish to chase - always exciting! We continue our search for Otter here too if we have not been successful thus far. Great days on a truly special island!

Days 4 : Thursday - Tiree to Coll

We have a couple of hours to have our last look at Tiree before getting the late morning ferry for the short crossing to Coll.

We arrive on Coll and look for Otter and also breeding Hen Harrier as we go, but the main focus will be on the Machair plants and also chances of Corncrake. The Machair has an abundance of Orchids with Pyramidal and Frog being key target species, Common Centaury, Field Gentian and Grass of Parnassus will also be sought in a myriad of commoner wildflowers. Overnight Coll.

Day 5: Friday - Coll

Coll is stunning, and often missed out on many tours of the Hebrides. Our love of the island is clear and we believe you cannot do Tiree without Coll, it is a must see place! We visit several lovely bays and may well see non-breeding waders already returning south but still sporting summer plumage, including Sanderling and both Godwits. Walks through the Machair over white sand beaches will be a big part of the day too, with rare invertebrates like Great Yellow Bumblebee and the Red-shanked Carder present in the wildflowers.

Day 6: Saturday - Coll and return to Oban

We spend the morning birding and looking again for any of the plants missed before departure back to Oban, again looking for sealife including Dolphins and White-tailed Eagles down the Sound of Mull - we have an excellent record here! The holiday ends on our return to Oban.

This holiday can be combined with:

MAINLAND SCOTLAND
Highlands and Wester Ross, Eagles, Divers & Dotterel 

SCOTTISH ISLAND ADVENTURES
Shetland Wildlife in Summer

Expect a wide variation in weather conditions. Cold winds and rain are possible. Bring warm clothing, waterproofs, and walking boots or shoes. Hats and gloves essential for the ferry crossings throughout. Walking will generally be easy, with mostly short walks on uneven, occasionally boggy and rocky ground. Bring binoculars and a telescope if possible. A camera may be useful too!  You don't need flasks for hot drinks or wellies. Biting insects might be encountered.

What's included in your 'Coll and Tiree in Summer' holiday price

Five nights comfortable accommodation on Coll & Tiree, with the first three nights on Tiree and then two nights on Coll. Please note that on the smaller islands accommodation is very limited and can be somewhat basic with en-suite accommodation not always guaranteed.

• Full Scottish breakfast, packed lunch, and a delicious dinner.
• Six days wildlife watching with guidance from a Heatherlea Group Leader.
• All transport by comfortable minibus. All access and ferry fees.
• Checklist to record sightings and notes.

What's not included in your 'Coll and Tiree in Summer' holiday price

• Insurance, drinks and other items of a personal nature.
• Any additional nights in Oban before or after the holiday.