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 2010 & 2011 bookings and availability (our contact details are at the foot of this index page or click here). 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.

For Autumn 2010 availability please phone or click here to check self-catering details.

Bookings are now being taken for May - June 2011 - please book early to avoid disappointment . Please don't hesitate to book or enquire using the Booking or Enquiries page.

Weekly log : Week commencing Saturday 7 August 2010: Our annual trip to Shetland went well in mid July, with sightings of orca (pod of 4 moving through Yell Sound on 15/7); otters and the usual close up views of gannets at Hermaness and puffins at Hermaness and Sumburgh. Meanwhile back in Orkney, we're seeing whimbrel & sparrowhawk almost daily in late July, meaning the late Summer passage has begun. A basking shark off Burwick on 27/7; and several sightings of harbour porpoises, including at least 10 off Rerwick Head on 30/7, was a fine way to see out the month. The bird of the year (so far!) turned up at the south end of our island on 5/8 in the form of an Alpine swift. Only one of just 3 records in Orkney, it was a large and handsome bird, giving close up views of its white belly and chin. 6 crossbills at Rackwick on Hoy and a pure white albino starling on South Walls were also of interest (8/8). At Cantick Head on South Walls (also 8/8) we had the best ever views of a pair of adult harbour porpoises playing beneath us in the clear sea - we could actually see them swimming underwater, awesome!

For 2010 - 2005 sightings click 2010 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 2010

"Thank you for sharing these wonderful islands with us. Superb hospitality, excellent food, expert knowledge. There is no better way to see Orkney that we could think of! A special thank you to Sami for teaching us all about birds!" Roderick & Sylvia Edwards, Westerham, Kent.

"Exceeded our expectations! Weather wonderful. Amazing to see so much in the company of our excellent guides. It's been a great joy to meet you all and enjoy your hospitality. Thank you so much." Geoff & Judi Singleton, Hexham, Northumberland.

"Hemos pasado unos dias magnificos.....Gracias." Beltrán y Chata de Ceballos, Sevilla.

"Despite the rain showers we managed walks both cliff & moorlands. Fantastic support in enabling a 'baby birder' to identify so much. Thank you." Pam & Malcolm Mundy, Sutton Coldfield.

"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.

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 7 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