Bird watching on Eigg

Eigg's current bird list totalls 196 species, an impressive number for an island of its size and location. Approximately 130 species are normally recorded in an average year, of which half of that number are breeding.

As with most northernly sites spring, in particular May and early June, is the best time to visit for birdwatching. Autumn should not be overlooked though and October can be very productive. Sea-watching is best in late August -September. However, there is always something of interest to be seen throughout the year!

Resident bird species on the island include a fair-cross section of woodland and shoreline birds plus typical "West coast" species such as Golden Eagle, Raven, Buzzard, Red Throated Diver, Stonechat etc. In spring, these are augmented by summer visitors like Cuckoo, Whinchat, Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Twite and many more while autumn brings winter visitors like Great Northern Diver and Jack Snipe.

Passage birds, geese, waders and various passerines, move through the island in spring and autumn and real rarities can occur. In the last five years, more unusual species have included Leach Petrel, Quail, Pomarine Skua, Glaucous and Iceland Gull, Black Tern, Little Auk, Subalpine Warbler, Red Breasted Flycatcher, Arctic Redpoll, Common Rosefinch and Black Headed Bunting!

The booklet "the birds of the isle of Eigg" is available at the Isle of Eigg craftshop or directly From John Chester, ( £4.95 plus £1 P&P)
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