Shetland Nature Photography Holiday

with David Tipling

Two seven night departures: Thursday 7th to Thursday 14th June 2012 and Thursday 14th to 21st June 2012

Our unique wildlife photography holiday in the enchanting Northern Isles co led led by David Tipling and Brydon Thomason. With the unsurpassed insight and local knowledge of a native Shetland naturalist and one of the nation’s most experienced wildlife photographers this is arguably the most comprehensive Shetland photographic itinerary available.

Majestic cliff scenery, teeming seabird colonies, otters, orcas and seals will be just some of our targets during this specialist photography tour at the height of the “simmer dim”. We will be based on Shetland’s northernmost island of Unst for most of our stay, at the very top of the British Isles. The island is celebrated for a diverse range of wildlife habitats from blanket bog to seabird cliff, freshwater marsh, heather moorland and the strange moon-like “fellfield”, and is home to Hermaness and the Keen of Hamar National Nature Reserves. From here we are also well-placed for exploring the neighbouring islands of Fetlar and Yell, and the north Mainland.

Special birds of these islands include arctic and great skuas, red-throated divers, many species of breeding waders including golden plover and whimbrel, not to mention seabirds such as puffins, gannets, and black guillemots. On Fetlar we may be lucky enough to find the rare red-necked phalaropes as they feed on a freshwater loch. Weather permitting, we shall make boat trips out to the gannet stacks of Muckle Flugga and to the island of Mousa.

Orcas are now very much a regular feature of the Shetland summer, sometimes seen several times a week as they hunt the coastline for unwary seals, just a few metres offshore. During our stay we will be on constant standby to react to any reports of orca sightings, and with our local knowledge and contacts throughout the isles we are often the first to receive news, maximising our chances of an encounter with these awe-inspiring cetaceans.

Perhaps the highlight of this holiday will be the opportunity to track wild otters with one of the world’s leading Otter guides, Shetlander Brydon Thomason. Throughout the week we will run a rolling itinerary so that just two people at a time can enjoy this exhilarating opportunity under specialist guidance. Wild otters are one of the most challenging but ultimately rewarding wildlife photography subjects in the British Isles. We are confident that with our considerable field experience and local knowledge we have an excellent chance of delivering this “holy grail” to our clients.

We expect to make some early starts to take advantage of the long days of mid-summer. Moderate fitness and agility level required – involves a fair amount of walking on rough ground, perhaps up to five miles a day.

Your accommodation:

The first and last nights will be spent at the Sumburgh Hotel, which is convenient for arrival and departure, whether by air or by sea, and for exploring the Shetland mainland. En-suite rooms.

The rest of the holiday will be based at Saxavord resort on the northernmost isle of Unst. You will be sharing modern, comfortable three-bedroomed houses, and in the restaurant will be able to enjoy some of the best cuisine Shetland has to offer, which makes full use of the freshest local produce.

Booking

Dates:

• 2012 – Thursday 7th to Thursday 14th June – only 1 space left
• 2012 – Thursday 14th to 21st June – only 1 space left

Maximum group size: Eight guests.

Cost: £1250 per person

Includes seven nights full board accommodation with packed lunches, transportation in Shetland by minibus, ferry fares, boat trips, entrance fees, and all guiding services.

There may be opportunity to add extra days of otter stalking before or after the main tour, at additional cost, and on a first come, first served basis.

Contact us for more information or to enquire about alternative dates for your own exclusive / tailor-made holiday.

Please note:

• all boat trips are subject to weather availability
• on booking please advise of any special requirements medical or dietry

Please note that 2011 sold out in under 48 hours of dates being released!