South Uist or Barra (1 Viewer)

[Lucky Birder]

I've decided to have the first week of October in the Outer Hebrides. I was thinking of staying on Barra but someone told me there's not enough to keep you entertained there for a week, so I might opt for South Uist. Does anyone have any facts or informed opinions that might sway my decision?

Thanks LB

 

[Steve Lister]

I've decided to have the first week of October in the Outer Hebrides. I was thinking of staying on Barra but someone told me there's not enough to keep you entertained there for a week, so I might opt for South Uist. Does anyone have any facts or informed opinions that might sway my decision?

Thanks LB

Some Scottish birders spend a fortnight on Barra each autumn - it was them that found the Yellow Warbler last year. They seem to find plenty to keep them going, and I know at least one other Scottish birder who would happily have a week there if he had the time. Obviously it is a small island and you could get bored with looking at the same gardens and so on if it was really quiet.
South Uist would have more variety pf places and habitats but if it was me I would prefer the intense birding, or searching anyway, on Barra than wasting time driving around on a larger island.
I'm thinking of doing something similar myself, but up on Lewis, where I am thinking of moving. Bigger still though so got to watch the driving.

Other teams work small Orkney islands intensively for a week or a fortnight each October.

Steve

 

[Lucky Birder]

Thanks for that, I'll probably go for Barra. I like intensive burning up type birding a la Fair Isle etc.

Cheers LB.

 

[Euan Buchan]

Barra is a great place when I was there I saw lots of diff birds mainly Gulls you better go to the Information Centre & get a birds in Barra book. I would reccomned North & South Uist see lots of Geese (Graylags), Osyercatchers, Birds of Pray, Eider Duxks & many more if you are in North Uist head up to Benronold Nature Reserve I was there on Friday and saw Oystercatchers, Greylag Geese, Rock Doves, Sky Larks & Corn Buntings. Go to Benbecula aswell while your at it I love the Hebrides been there my whole life

 

[mike coleman]

Barra and South Uist are only a quick ferry ride apart - so you could easily burn around Barra until you get bored and hop over to Eriskay-South Uist-Benbecula-North Uist if the mood takes you! (And it probably will!)

 

[mountain man]

I had a Caledonian Macbrayne timetable delivered the other day and you could do an Island Hopscotch for Oban-Barra-Uist-Skye-Mallaig costing £140 for the car and £35 per passenger valid until 22nd October.

Just don't have the porridge unless you enjoy eating wood glue.

www.calmac.co.uk

08705 650000

 

[Lucky Birder]

Thanks to everyone for for the advice.