We offer a 5 percent discount to anyone who books a place (and sends deposit of € 200) by 30 April 2009.

Chattering flocks of Redwings and Fieldfares; Red Deer roaming hillsides bronzed from autumn colour change; and the clamour of migrating geese forming lines across chill morning skies, are just a few items typifying this late season tour experience.

In the pinewoods of Speyside we look for Capercaillie, Crested Tit and Scottish Crossbill. The Moray Firth presents an outstanding array of wildfowl and waders, with Whooper Swan, Greylag and Pink-footed Goose, Velvet Scoter and Long-tailed Duck of primary interest. Gatherings of divers (all three species) still in breeding plumage may number 30 or more birds. Harbours are checked for Glaucous and Iceland Gulls.

Coastal areas are especially good for raptors at this time of year. Hen Harrier, Peregrine, Merlin and Short-eared Owl gravitate to coastal habitats in the east; in the west we look for Golden and Sea Eagles.

Autumn is just as energetic as spring for wildlife activity, and although our focus is on wildlife, the tour features memorable walks amidst some of the best scenery anywhere in Europe. It will seem as though we have the Highlands to ourselves.

Day 1 Sun...Morning Rendezvous Inverness:
We travel to Kintail on the West Coast travelling along the shore of the world famous Loch Ness. Wildlife encountered en route may include Goosander, Goldeneye, Golden Eagle, Dipper and Red Deer. On reaching the West Coast a variety of birds of the sea should include Eider, Red-breasted Merganser, Shag, Black Guillemot and Razorbill.

Days 2 & 3 Mon & Tue: A full day on the Isle of Skye, reached by the bridge, should produce White-tailed and Golden Eagles, Hen Harrier, Merlin, Golden Plover, Greenshank, Redshank, Rock Pipit and Twite. Shorelines are searched for Otters, while Harbour Porpoises appear on the sea.
A visit to Ptarmigan habitat is accessed by a high-level road, the birds presently moulting into white winter plumage. Snow Buntings may also be seen, with further chance of a Golden Eagle.

Days 4 - 7 Wed - Sat: We transfer to upper Loch Ness-side. Local lochs produce Slavonian Grebes and Whooper Swans, woodlands contain a great variety of common small passerine birds, including Lesser Redpolls and Bullfinches.

In nearby moorland Red Grouse and Blue Hares are seen, also large herds of Red Deer.

On the Black Isle and Dornoch Firth we look for Red-throated Diver and other wildfowl: Great numbers of Goosanders, Pink-footed and Greylag Geese are a main feature. Long-tailed Duck and Velvet Scoters are among ducks. Waders are also numerous, including Bar and Black-tailed Godwits, Knot, Dunlin, Sanderling, Purple Sandpiper and Turnstone. Red Kite, Peregrine and Merlin also occur.

On at least one night a spotlighting excursion is made, during which we see Roe and Sika Deer, with high likelihood of a Pine Marten or Badger. Long-eared, Tawny and Barn Owls are commonly seen.

Day 8 Sun: This final day is directed towards looking for important species which may have eluded us. The tour finishes Inverness mid-late afternoon with transfers provided to accommodation or transport terminals.

Includes: seven nights dinner, b&b in twin rooms en suite; lunches; all excursions plus transfers to and from transport terminals/accommodation.