Birds of the Hebrides. The Hebrides are a rich breeding ground for many (some very rare) birds. The budding ornithologist will have plenty to keep him occupied while visiting the area. On first viewing the landscape you may be forgiven for thinking that it is very much the same throughout the islands but this is far from the truth. The landscape varies from craggy mountainous regions to the soft flowing coastal areas of the Machair. There is open moorland, grazed croftland, sandy and rocky/pebbled beaches, mud creeks, weep-draped reefs, saltwater and freshwater lochs and many areas are now protected being designated SSIs. As you can imagine with this diversity in landscape comes a varied bird life ranging from the Golden Eagle to the Cuckoo. Certain areas are especially worth a visit such as the Shiant Isles during the breeding period for Puffins, where you will see thousands of Puffins covering the small island. Those with a keen interest in ornithology would appreciate the sight of the now very rare Corncrake but sadly it is far more often heard than seen.

Birds benefit by the fact that there is very little traffic in the Hebrides. On the islands the silence can take a city person by surprise but to the twitcher is is a very pleasant change. The sounds of the various birds travel for miles but locating the bird you recognise can sometimes prove difficult as the bird call reverberates, bouncing off the hills and mountains. Those wishing to record the bird calls may find it difficult as the area is very prone to winds which hamper the recording process. Photographers, with patience, will find the Hebrides an amazing place for taking shots of birds. There has been many a time I have cursed myself for not having my camera with me. I have found myself only a couple of feet away from some spectacular birds. One time I stood for what seemed like hours staring into the eyes of a young Golden Eagle who showed a similar interest in myself as it chewed on a small piece of flesh perched on a fence post.