Islay Encounters

29/11/2024

Some highlights from Islay Encounters first year in business. Many thanks to all my guests and looking forward to another year surrounded by Islay's natural wonders.

20/10/2024

Not forgetting the fallow deer! Did you know, the pattern of spots on each deer's rump is unique, like a fingerprint? The fallow deer is our only species with "palmate" antlers and was introduced to the UK by the Normans in the 11th century. There are a couple of theories about their arrival on Islay but they were most probably introduced to the Kildalton Castle area as park animals and for hunting by the Victorians, as was the trend. Their distribution on Islay remains confined to the south of the island

20/10/2024

Enjoyed an early morning "Stag Safari" this week and we managed to catch some action of the red deer rut 🦌. Amazing experience with visitors Alison and Mike, who were thrilled with all Islay has to offer at this time of year.

20/10/2024

Some highlights from this years red deer rut 🦌

20/10/2024

Earlier this month I had the pleasure of hosting a few guests from Suntory Global Spirits. We had some fantastic weather and enjoyed some time in the outdoors, looking at peatlands and having a wee dram at the Singing Sands. Slainte! Thanks to and for the collaboration 🥃🙂

18/09/2024

Autumn is upon us and with it the deer rut! I'm pleased to be offering a tour focusing on this fascinating time and trying to find a few stag or buck encounters 🦌. As ever there are set options available on the website but if these days don't suit your schedule please give me a call as I can often do alternative dates. https://islayencounters.co.uk/encounters/stag-safari/

16/08/2024

Visit islayencounters.co.uk for more information about available tours and bespoke options 😊

The windswept and rugged 'Oa' peninsula on Islay's south-west coast...
Fertile farmland, purple heather moorland, wild Atlantic coastline, RSPB reserve, golden eagles, white-tailed eagles, hen harriers, chough, all three local deer species, freshwater lochs, abandoned villages, uninterrupted views, a thought provoking monument, 'heelin coos', a square lighthouse, a "Shop in a Box" and beaches that sometimes sing..... Enough said?

16/08/2024

The windswept and rugged 'Oa' peninsula on Islay's south-west coast...
Fertile farmland, purple heather moorland, wild Atlantic coastline, RSPB reserve, golden eagles, white-tailed eagles, hen harriers, chough, all three local deer species, freshwater lochs, abandoned villages, uninterrupted views, a thought provoking monument, 'heelin coos', a square lighthouse, a "Shop in a Box" and beaches that sometimes sing..... Enough said?

22/07/2024

Young fallow buck in its summer finery...🦌
If you have a wildlife watching itch that needs scratching, then check out islayencounters.co.uk.
Daily tours and bespoke outings available.🦦

10/07/2024

All the small things....

If you have a spare 15 minutes between the 12th of July and 14th of August why not take part in the Big Butterfly Count? https://bigbutterflycount.butterfly-conservation.org/
🦋

09/07/2024

Summer time! Why not add some nature to your break? Tours are bookable through my website (islayencounters.co.uk) or, if you have something specific in mind, give me a call to discuss on 07930054840 🦦

24/06/2024

A bird surveyor's toolkit!
Enjoying the good weather carrying out some bird and habitat surveys. The diverse moorland habitats of Islay are teeming with wildlife at this time of year and offer great chances to see hen harrier, curlew, marsh fritillary butterfly and even the occasional adder.

13/06/2024

Wildlife watching is a game of patience, but it can be worth it.....! June is pupping time for the common/ harbour seal and a fantastic time to catch a glimpse of them near our coastlines. The young of this species can enter the water almost immediately, unlike the grey seal where pups have to go through various moult stages. Seals are particularly prone to disturbance at this time of year so please follow the Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code. Footage taken by phone scoping, apologies for the shaky start!

13/06/2024

Great weather on Tuesday for a bespoke tour to Carraig Fhada and the Singing Sands. A lovely group of people visiting Islay with Laphroaig and Bowmore Distilleries! Slainte!🌞

02/06/2024

Lazy summer days! 🦌🌦

26/05/2024

Feis Ile week on Islay, the bustle and excitement are part of what makes it so special...along with the drams and music, of course! However, if you need a break from the whisky trail then why not explore what else the island has to offer. Check out https://islayencounters.co.uk/ to find a selection of nature orientated tours. Maybe you would like a morning tour of the south coast and then be dropped off at one of the local distillery open days...pick up also available. I can do bespoke options, so please give me a call and see how a tour could fit in with your Festival plans. Slainte!

30/04/2024

I took this photo a few years ago and always wonder what the caption would be......Queensberry Rules?!🦌🥊🦌
Red deer stags shed their antlers in March and April. They immediately start to regrow and the new growth is covered in a soft velvet. Rather than lock antlers, as they do in the rut, stags may "box" at this time of year to show dominance.