Queen of the Isles, Islay is one of the largest isles of the Inner Hebrides. Only 40kms by 30kms at its extremes Islay boasts fantastic scenery, wonderful habitats and, of course, amazing birding. Being in the Gulf Stream the climate is mild and pleasant.

From the Rhinns in the south west to the Oa in the south east, expansive beaches and 500m hills in the north, Islay manages to squeeze in a lot!

As with all Scottish Islands (unless one chooses the high carbon flying option) , birdwatching starts with the ferry crossing . As there is normally a half hour check-in time at West Tarbert Loch, the loch here is well worth checking out. In spring there are often black-throated diver (  we counted 9 here in May 2017) , red-throated diver and one great-northern diver. There are also plenty of auks visible on the crossing plus red-brested merganser and more divers visible at sea especially around Port Charlotte area  (if that's where your ferry arrives as sometimes it will dock at Port Askaig.

Most birdwatchers visit Islay for it's spectacular number of geese in Winter, however a Spring visit will produce the greater number of species and geese can often linger on until May.

Best areas: Loch Gruinart RSPB Increasingly sea eagle are visiting the RSPB reserve.

The Rhinns: Chough, divers and passage waders on Loch Kinnabus.

Portnahaven Sea electricity generator.: Spectacular seabird movements.

Ardnave Point: Best site for Chough, waders including whimbrel and greenshank (see youtube video below).

B8017 : Almost guaranteed hen harrier between Lyrabus and Gruinart.

Main picture. Ardnave Point Birdersmarket

We highly recommend the publications below to compliment your visit to this Region.

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