Birdwatching

Orkney birdwatching, wildlife & culture holidays. Self-catering also available.

2010 Orkney Birds, Wildlife & History Tours

Fulmar close up - pic by Sarah Sankey Gannet splash - pic by Tim Hunt Razorbill - pic by Sarah Sankey Puffin close up - pic by Sarah Sankey

_{Enjoy our seabirds, raptors and whales}_{& dolphins!}

Orkney is one of the best places in Britain to get close to and enjoy seabirds, birds of prey and whales & dolphins (cetaceans). We offer relaxed, tailor-made, birds, wildlife and activity holidays for small groups of people with a maximum of 4 guests from our organic farm base at Gerraquoy, South Ronaldsay, the southernmost Orkney island. If self-catering is more your style we have a luxury small converted barn (Visit Scotland 4 star graded, Green Tourism Business Scheme silver award) suitable for couples - click Peedie House self-catering.

_{click for 2009 - 2005
highlights of wildlife sightings}

Hen harrier female - pic by Sarah Sankey Short-eared owl at Gerraquoy - pic by Sarah Sankey Hen harrier male - pic by Sarah Sankey

Orcadian Wildlife tours welcome enquiries by email or telephone for the 2010 bookings and availability (our contact details are at the foot of this index page or click here). If you wish to visit in May or June 2010 then early booking is essential - these weeks book up first and quickly, and are already doing so. As guests you will enjoy a large conservatory, with stunning views over Grimness Head and the seabird island (RSPB nature reserve) of Copinsay. Imagine relaxing or eating your meals with bonxies, Arctic skuas, short-eared owls and hen harriers flying overhead; or watching whales and dolphins out to sea! Guests in April and October will benefit from lovely low light for photographs, and seeing the winter birds like great-northern divers, long-tailed duck and snow buntings. Don't hesitate to book or enquire using the Booking or Enquiries page.

Please note that both Orcadian Wildlife tours and self-catering availability is booking fast at 50% booked already for the season ahead. For May and June availability please phone or click here to check self-catering details.

Monthly log : January 2010: There were 4 hen harriers, all brown, at our local roost on 18/1. We had 3 weeks of a big freeze over the festive period (although we were sensible enough to be away planning a trip to Cuba - if you're interested lease let us know!), followed by almost a week of gales. Sadly a long-finned pilot whale was stranded at Marwick in West Mainland early in the new year - please click on cetaceans for a picture.

For 2009 - 2005 sightings click 2009 highlights. For 2009 & 2008 cetacean sightings click here.

What makes a holiday in Orkney with Orcadian Wildlife different?

	We are a unique set up in Orkney - no other operator specialising in wildlife tours offers a complete all round service based on an organic family farm.
	We keep groups small (max 4 guests only) on purpose in order to enable you to see more - you will see lots of memorable sights with us, whatever the time of year. We specialise in a blend of wildlife and culture.
	We talk to you carefully about exactly what you'd like to see and where you would like to go - there are no sites on set days. Visiting islands is included and great fun - it's one reason why we're here!
	Our two guest bedrooms are en suite, and there's a large and comfortable conservatory that looks out across the farm and out to sea - hen harriers, short-eared owls, waders, orcas and minke whales are just some of the treats seen from our "hide".
	We actually live here (unlike most tour groups who visit) and so we know more about daily life in Orkney.
	Our holidays are all-inclusive, so that all you have to do is get here, and we do all the rest.
	We make the farm, its produce and our family work as part of your holiday - much of our food is organic and grown in our own greenhouse or vegetable garden. We also enjoy catering for vegetarians and gluten-free diets.
	If you're a solo traveller we don't surcharge!
	We encourage repeat visits (Orkney gets a grip of you...) and returning guests benefit from large discounts.
	Last - but most important - we really look after you! See the many testimonials on our website from our guests who have appreciated our relaxed style over the last 6 years.

Clouds, Ring of Brodgar - pic Steve Sankey Orcas pass close by in the summer months Enjoy Scapa Flow's fusion of sea and sky

· See Examples of Tours page for ideas for a one week tour and islands to visit.

· See 2010 Offers page for prices, early or late season offers and short break (2 - 3 day) options.

· Download a 30 MB Powerpoint file on Orcadian Wildlife.

· Check the availability of our new self-catering cottage for 2 persons.

· See How to get here page for travel details - Orkney is closer than you think!

Stroma light - pic Steve Sankey Vat of Kirbister Stronsay - pic Steve Sankey Old beacon North Ronaldsay - pic Steve Sankey The Altar, South Ronaldsay - pic Steve Sankey

A Selection of Guest Testimonials 2009

"Hold ups on Hoy, hoopoe hunting on South Ron add to our memories of Orkney to treasure and keep us sane for another year." Tim & Cheryl Hunt, Norwich.

"Thank you for giving such an interesting insight into Orcadian wildlife and history. It was a wonderful week with great hospitality." Karin Hanika, Stuttgart, Germany.

Lots of history, birds and (mostly kind) weather. Thank you for your warmth and hospitality and the insight into Orkney." Richard & Christine Westcott, Holmfirth.

"A wonderful week of birds and history, Risso's dolphins and basking shark. Many thanks for your hospitality." Diana & John Camp, Braintree, Essex.

"We have seen and learnt so much and enjoyed every minute of it. Excellent hospitality and perfect weather." Jackie & Ray Guthrie, Goole, E Yorks.

"Thank you for a very enjoyable and interesting week...ditto and what wonderful weather you keep!" Stephanie & Jim Coghlan, Huddersfield; and Madeleine & Ian Brown, Aberdeen.

"A feast of birds, scenery, (pre) history and food! Highlight - puffins on Hoy...fabulous holiday thank you." Margaret, Alan, Jill & Martin Kirkham, Notts & Aberdeen.

"We thoroughly enjoyed our week, a warm welcome, knowledgeable hosts, good weather, fabulous scenery, many photographs, lots of delicious food and many memories - thank you." Phil & Lesley Hasell; and Russ & Lesley N Herts.

"A wonderful week of history and wildlife satisfied both our interests." Dave & Marion Ellis, Lincolnshire.

"Another pair of very satisfied repeat visitors! Thanks once again." Lesley & Tony Wood, Bristol.

"Thank you for such a lovely holiday. We've learnt lots on identification and just to be here while the orcas were here was enough. Thank you for making us feel one of the family." Mavis & John Middleton, Ely, Cambridgeshire.

"We have had an enjoyable and interesting stay. Thanks for your efforts on the road and in the kitchen." Deidre Ranson & Colin Moody, Sittingbourne, Kent & London.

"Best bird of the trip - 4 orcas! Hen harrier & short-eared owls a close second!" Yvonne Simmonds, London TW10.

"Thanks for the wonderful weather! And fantastic birds - red-backed shrike was a bonus on the last morning." Mildred Howes, London TW10.

"Cobwebs blown to the North pole! Thank you for your warm hospitality." Penny Penton, London SW13.

"A most enjoyable introduction to Orkney. Warm hospitality, knowledgeable guiding, great walks and birding. Thank you both!" Cynthia Dixon, London SW19.

"Thank you for looking after your 'handicapped' guest so well, sharing your knowledge on archaeology and birds. A very enjoyable and 'different' week." Jean Tustin, North Shields, Tyne & Wear.

"Most welcoming and homely. Was able to have good banter and laughs. Saw the most glorious birds, snowy owl being the highlight. Beautiful holiday." Karin & Tony Hollick, Digswell, Hertfordshire.

"A brilliant prize to win at the British Birdwatching Fair. Our 1st visit to Orkney in 20 years. Very relaxing but saw many good things. Compliments to the chefs." Adrian & Betty Grant, Manchester.

As we said last July we'll be back! We've enjoyed the birdwatching particularly the achievement of 'the record' of 100 species in one week. Wonderful company, many laughs and lovely meals. Many thanks to you all." David & Mary Penton, Market Bosworth.

"We have had a wonderful week! Everything has exceeded our expectations. Thank you to all three for your wonderful knowledge, hospitality and effort to make this a week to remember." Stephen & Ros Smith, Dadlington, Warwickshire.

Orcadian Wildlife offers tailor-made wildlife and history tours to small groups of people up to a maximum of 4 guests.

Gerraquoy organic marbled steaks Sarah, Sami & Steve at Gerraquoy October 2007 - pic Nick Ralph Gerraquoy organic greens from the greenhouse

Your base for your wildlife tour will be our family farmhouse and small organic farm (click here for more details) on the southern island of South Ronaldsay, easy to access from the Gill's Bay (vehicle) or JoG (passenger) ferries near John O'Groats on the Scottish mainland. Transport will be in our comfortable 8 seat people carrier - with only 4 guests there will be plenty of space!

Through careers, guiding experience and general interest, both your hosts have an excellent general knowledge of wildlife and Orkney.

Contact Us: Steve or Sarah Sankey

Telephone: +44 (0)1856 831240
Postal address: Gerraquoy, St. Margaret's Hope, South Ronaldsay, Orkney, KW17 2TH
E mail: General Information: enquiries@orcadianwildlife.co.uk