Islay Encounters

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, RBPB 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, RBPB 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.

14/04/2024

Tranquility...

02/04/2024

Spring has sprung!!! Amongst a host of other wildlife spectacles, March and April are the perfect time to see the brown hare on Islay. Why not book in for an encounter with nature? Bookings for set tour options can be made through the website: https://islayencounters.co.uk. If the dates don't match your schedule or you fancy something a bit more bespoke then drop me a message and I'll do my best to design something special ([email protected]).

10/03/2024

With signs of spring starting to appear there are just a few weeks left to enjoy our winter visitors. Greenland barnacle geese are definitely a highlight!

10/02/2024

Wonderful "Half-day Safari" last week, spotting all three of Islay's deer species!

26/01/2024

Amazing winter weather on a "Coastal Stravaig" last week. Highlights of the day included otters, fallow deer, common seals and a fleeting glimpse of the white-tailed eagle. A memorable day with some great company! Thanks to Bob Scott for the photo 🙂

17/12/2023

17/12/2023

07/12/2023

Hi folks,
Islay Encounters with Nature is a wildlife guiding business operating on the amazingly beautiful Isle of Islay.
My aim is to create truly memorable experiences in truly stunning surroundings. Please check out my website for further information and online booking. Slainte!

https://islayencounters.co.uk/