Islay's wintering geese
There is something very special about Islay - an atmosphere unique to the Inner Hebrides enhanced by glorious and varied scenery and a rich history and culture - to say nothing of lots of whisky distilleries! The most southerly of the Inner Hebrides, Islay is an island of varied and attractive landscapes with a beautiful coastline of sea lochs, spectacular cliffs and long, wide, deserted sandy beaches. Inland you will find upland heather moors and hills, actively worked peat bogs and freshwater lochs, while gentler views are produced by mature sheltered woodlands and extensive areas of farmland.
One of the main reasons that Islay is a "must visit" destination for birders is its reputation as a wintering ground for tens of thousands of geese. Over 30,000 Barnacle Geese and 15,000 Greenland White-fronts arrive en masse at the beginning of October and the sight and sound of vast flocks of these birds coming in to roost in the late afternoon is unforgettable. And, of course, there's always the chance of a rare visitor such as the Red-breasted and Snow Goose. The island is a shining example of what can be achieved when conservationists and local farmers work together to their mutual advantage.
But it's not just the geese which make Islay such an attractive winter birding destination. Here the attractive but endangered Chough has one of its British strongholds and there are also healthy raptor populations - it's not unusual to see seven species in one day. The delightful Long-tailed Duck can be found wintering here, along with significant numbers of waterfowl. Add to the excellent birdwatching the opportunity to see otters, three species of deer, seals and dolphins, all mixed in with the rich tapestry of history and heritage, and you have a wonderfully relaxed few days, based on birding but with lots of other interest thrown in - a typical "Island Holiday".
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