Seven-Day Corncrake, Skua and Phalarope Birding Tour in the Outer Hebrides
Spend seven spring days birding the Uists for Corn Crake, skuas, migrating waders, island raptors and divers, with six nights and evening meals included.
About this tour
Join Western Isles Wildlife for a seven-day spring birding tour based in the Uists, when returning breeders and northbound migrants overlap across machair, coast, wetland and moorland. The route is shaped by weather and current bird activity, with six nights at a North Uist hotel and daily field travel included.
May is a key period for Corn Crake, when calling males occupy early cover and patient observation can sometimes produce excellent views. Beaches and machair can hold large movements of summer-plumaged waders, while headlands become valuable seawatching points when strong westerly or northwesterly winds push Long-tailed and Pomarine Skuas close to shore. The precise seawatching emphasis depends on conditions and no passage event can be guaranteed.
The week also explores the wider island bird community. Potential highlights include Golden and White-tailed Eagles, Hen Harrier, Peregrine, Merlin, Short-eared Owl and three species of diver. Coastal stops may add terns, auks, shearwaters and other migrating birds, while calmer periods allow time for lochs, machair and sheltered sites.
The 2027 departure runs from 9 to 15 May. The price is GBP 1,600 per person, reduced to GBP 1,450 per person for two guests sharing a room. Six nights of accommodation and evening meals are included. The maximum group size is eight, and the tour finishes around midday or early afternoon on the final day.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to United Kingdom.
Birds you can spot
Gavia arctica
target
Crex crex
target
Aquila chrysaetos
target
Circus cyaneus
target
Stercorarius longicaudus
target
Stercorarius pomarinus
target
Gavia stellata
target
Asio flammeus
target
Haliaeetus albicilla
target
Guides
Itinerary
Day 1
Seven-day spring birding program across the Uists
Meet in Uist and settle into the accommodation before beginning a flexible week across North Uist, Benbecula and South Uist. Daily routes respond to weather and bird movement, combining Corn Crake searches, migrant-rich machair and beaches, raptor habitat, lochs and seawatching when conditions favor skua passage. The final day ends around midday or early afternoon.
Locations & map
- North Uist - Outer Hebrides United Kingdom
- Benbecula - Outer Hebrides United Kingdom
- South Uist - Outer Hebrides United Kingdom
3 stops. Select a marker for its name.
Availability & pricing
Availability is confirmed after your inquiry.
Included
- Six nights of accommodation - Temple View Hotel
- Evening meals - Special dietary requirements should be advised before booking
- Bird guiding and field transport - Daily route planning across the Uists
Not included
- Travel to and from Uist - Guests arrange flights or ferry travel
- Lunches and personal expenses - Unless added to the confirmed arrangement
- Personal insurance and equipment - Traveller responsibility
Transport & stays
- Guide vehicle Field transfers between birding sites during the tour. | Meet: Uist arrival point or agreed local pickup | Pickup: Air and ferry arrivals are coordinated before the tour.
Accommodations
- Temple View Hotel (days 1-7) Single or shared room according to booking
Policies & FAQ
Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
Is skua passage guaranteed?
No. Close skua passage depends on wind and weather, so seawatching effort is adjusted to the conditions.
How large is the group?
The official maximum is eight guests.
Where does the tour begin and end?
The tour begins and ends in Uist, with arrival and departure arrangements confirmed before booking.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.