Birding Fair Isle

While almost all the islands of the Shetland archipelago can provide exciting birding in the autumn, the track record of Fair Isle stands head and shoulders above the rest. This is partly due to the long history of bird recording on the island, stretching back to the pioneering visits of Eagle Clark over 100 years ago, but also the geographical isolation of this small island, which lies midway between Orkney and Shetland, and thus acts as a magnet to tired autumn migrants desperate to touch down and refuel.

About three miles long by one and a half miles wide, Fair Isle is small enough to cover comfortably on foot, yet large enough to provide a variety of landscapes and habitats and boundless potential for an autumn birding holiday. It is without question the prime site for a single-location autumn birding trip in Shetland.

Although rarities are by definition unpredictable, our visit is carefully timed to maximise the possibilities, as mid September in recent seasons has often been the most productive period of the autumn. Mid September brings a good chance of both early autumn specialities – such as Citrine Wagtail, Booted Warbler and Yellow-breasted Bunting, together with scarce migrants such as Bluethroat, Barred and Yellow-browed Warblers, Red-backed Shrike and Common Rosefinch – with those more typical mid and late autumn specialities such as Pechora Pipit, Lanceolated Warbler, Little and Rustic Buntings.

We shall stay at the world-famous Fair Isle Bird Observatory for our week on the island, which provides the warmest of welcomes for visiting birders. First established in 1948, the Obs has catered for visiting birders throughout its existence, but a splendid brand-new building is currently being finished, and will be open to visitors in early spring 2010. The Obs has always been renowned for its friendly atmosphere and the quality of the home cooking, and this will now be allied with a modern, eco-friendly building, with ensuite facilities throughout. Communal facilities include a large, comfortable common room, a well-appointed library and a bar. Staying on a remote island has never been so comfortable.

Your holiday will allow you to explore all parts of this remarkable and spectacular island, meet members of the local community and enjoy the birds. Your guide will be Roger Riddington, a former Fair Isle Warden and now a resident of mainland Shetland. His presence ensures the very best in local expertise and with knowledge of all the nooks and crannies, Roger will be able to maximise your chances of seeing and finding scarce and rare migrants, in the context of a master class in field craft and all aspect of identification.

This is the ultimate introduction to Shetland birding, a trip to be savoured forever!

Booking

Dates: 14th- 21st September

Cost: £890

Five nights in the world renowned and brand new Fair Isle Bird Observatory and two nights on Mainland Shetland at the Orca Country Inn.

Book direct – call John Leask & Son on 01595 693162.
Contact us for more information or to enquire about alternative dates for your own exclusive / tailor-made holiday.