Wildlife information

Birds

The whole of the Hebrides is a great area for bird watching with many species of national and world importance. Species such as the Sea and Golden Eagles are always high on peoples wish lists and can be regularly seen in this area although photography of them is rather more difficult. The big seabird colonies though are often easier to access and record. The puffin is undoubtedly one of our favourites and it can be seen in many places. The most accessible places to see birds of all types around here are Handa Island, the Treshnish Islands and Canna in June or early July. The gannets of St Kilda are a must see, but getting there can require real determination. A day trip may be possible from Harris, weather permitting and several boats run week long charters. See the St Kilda website.

Flowers

Spring in the islands is a revelation if you haven't experienced it before. May and June offer amazing spectacles, both with common species such as primroses and blubells and then its fields of orchids, asphodel and cotton grass. A trip out to see the machair in flower should be a must, but as mentioned elsewhere a good stiff tripod is vital as there is nearly always a wind blowing.

Marine life

This part of the UK is now the undisputed top location for whale, dolphin, seal and basking shark watching. Seals are easy to find all year, but getting close to them less so. Probably one of the best options here is to go to Skye and combine a boat trip from Elgol to the Cuillins with a visit to the common seal colony in Loch Scavaig where the seals are relaxed with the passing boats and the local operators have plenty of experience at getting close without stressing the animals.

Whales and dolphins are best seen from July to September and any week boat charter stands a good chance of seeing some. There are also several dedicated day trips based around Tobermory on Mull.

Basking sharks are best seen in late summer and the Coll - Small Isles area in settled weather is a great place to try.

Although not really relevant to this site, this is also one of the best places in the UK for underwater photgraphy, with clear waters and a wealth of marine life.

Land wildlife

The most obvious land animal in the Highlands is the Red Deer, with many thousands of them on 'the hill'. In winter they are relatively easy to photograph, especially if you can find an estate that is feeding its stags. But do try and get in touch with the estate first. Also fed stags can be pretty fearless of people and best not approached too closely. In summer you'll have your work cut out to get close to them. The rut in October is a highly atmospheric experience, but marching around the hills trying to get close to deer to photograph them at this time of year will make you extremely unpopular with the local keeper.

A walk along almost any part of wild coast near low tide, will give the opportunity of a chance meeting with an otter. Tread quietly, use binoculars, keep down wind and don't rush it and with luck you should be able to get a shot. The longer the lens you can use the better as you will be less likely to alert them. In villages around the coast its always worth asking local fishermen as you often see otters hunting for leftovers around the boats at night

There are many other charismatic species, such as the pine marten, badger and wild cat which live here, but getting images of them is more specialised. The use of a hide or baiting site works well. Although there are companies who specialise in this around the Cairngorms, I know of no-one doing it over here as yet - although there is talk of trying to set up something on Knoydart in the near future.

Above all else, the most important thing when photographing wildlife is to do no harm. Please learn how an animal under stress acts and back away if it shows signs of distress. Do not force an encounter just to get a picture. Try not to damage wild plants just to get the angle you want.

All photographs are copyright © Andy Doune