Overview
Isle of Lewis is a large island of 2179 sq km/ 841 sq miles in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. It's the largest island in Scotland, and the 3rd largest island in the UK, second only to Great Britain and Ireland. The northern part is known as Lewis and is somewhat flat. Harris, the southern portion is hilly with over 30 peaks that are over 1000 ft./ 304 meters in elevation. [2]
While they are one island, there is always the possibility they will be spoken about as though they are two different islands such as Isle of Lewis & Isle of Harris, or simply Lewis & Harris. If it's the subject of conversation between a group of people from Scotland and familiar with the area, it could be called simply Lewis. [1]
Whatever you might hear them called, they offer a glimpse into a unique earlier time of the area's history while offering some significant opportunity for birding and the overall enjoyment of nature.
Birds
Notable Species
The Isle of Lewis, as a whole, is a very large area in which to pin down a notable species. The expanse of area covered and the variety of habitat available for the aspiring birder can be considered as notable in, and of, itself.
With 30 eBird Hotspots[3] here, in addition to the one titled Isle of Lewis, it is obvious there is no lack of places where birding takes place.
Consider, perhaps, the Uig hills where breeding pairs of the Golden Eagle have been reported as well as a number of sightings of White-tailed Eagle. Then in the South Lochs District of Lewis, there are many lochs, both fresh and saltwater, where an inquisitive birder might be rewarded with sightings of species of waders and shoreline birds such as Common Redshank and Dunlin. [8]
Rarities
As of 16 November 2020 there have been no species noted as rare specifically for this area.
However, some of the less common species reported as seen here have been the Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Common Cuckoo, Common Merganser, and White-throated Dipper.
Check-list
Birds you can see here include:
Snow Bunting, European Golden Plover, Northern Gannet, Graylag Goose, European Herring Gull, Meadow Pipit, Black-headed Gull, Northern Fulmar, European Starling, Northern Lapwing, Eurasian Curlew, Great Cormorant, Common Raven, Great Black-backed Gull, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Common Gull, Black-legged Kittiwake, Arctic Tern, Rock Pigeon, European Shag, House Sparrow, Common Redshank, Common Tern, Hooded Crow
Other Wildlife
In addition to bird species, there is the possibility of seeing, or catching, Red Deer, Salmon, Sea Trout, Atlantic Grey Seal, Common Seal, Dolphins, Harbour Porpoise, and several species of whale. []
Site Information
History and Use
This area has evidence of human habitation stretching back to early ocean voyagers and explorers. The Callanish Standing Stones are a good example of this. This very old heritage is part of the mystique of the island and should not be passed over, should the Isle of Lewis be visited.
Areas of Interest
Birds of Prey Trail
Birds of Prey Trail is a self-guided trail covering 13 locations with 2 ferry trips giving the visitor an opportunity to observe these birds in their environment. It can be taken by car, public transport, walking, or bicycle. [6]
Loch na Muilne Reserve
Loch na Muilne Reserve is an RSPB Reserve that gives the visitor good opportunity to see a variety of nesting birds. [5] [6]
Callanish Standing Stones
The Callanish Standing Stones are thought of as one of the most important complexes of this type in Europe. Callanish 1 is considered the most impressive and is able to be seen from the A858 roadway. Two other stone circles, Callanish 2 and Callanish 3 are in the area as well. [8]
Thirty (30) eBird Hotspots
There are 30 eBird Hotspots scattered around Lewis-Harris that might serve as a catalyst of planning a birding trip to the island.
Access and Facilities
Consult a trusted travel professional for specific, up-to-date information about travel to this area.
References
- Personal Observations of Bird Forum member
- WorldAtlas.com - https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/the-largest-islands-in-the-british-isles-by-size.html
- eBird – Isle of Lewis - https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1202110
- VisitScotland.com – Lewis/Harris - https://www.visitscotland.com/destinations-maps/lewis-harris-stornoway/
- HebrideanHome.com - https://www.hebrideanhome.com/what/bird-watching-isle-of-lewis/
- Visit Outer Hebrides - https://www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk
- Royal Society for the Protection of Birds - https://www.rspb.org.uk/
- isle-of-lewis.com – Explore Isle of Lewis - https://www.isle-of-lewis.com/
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2025) Isle of Lewis. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 11 May 2025 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Isle_of_Lewis
External Links
Maps
