Tour Diaries - Summer in Orkney
The Tour Diary for Summer in Orkney wildlife tours in 2024 and 2025 can be found using the buttons below. To give you a taster here is a summary of the 2025 tour….
24th May - 1st June 2024
7th-14th June 2025
These tours of Orkney explored the archipelago's rich natural and historical heritage. The journey for the group tour began with a scenic drive north following Scotland's east coast, which featured Ospreys fishing at Loch Fleet and an unexpected daylight Pine Marten sighting, before we crossed the somewhat lively Pentland Firth to Orkney.
Our itineraries showcased multiple islands in the Orkney archipelago including Rousay, known as the "Egypt of the North" for its archaeological sites. Here, we visited the 5,000-year-old Midhowe Cairn and Iron Age Broch. On Westray, we explored Castle o'Burrian's Puffin colony and the impressive seabird cliffs at Noup Head, where Guillemots, Razorbills, Gannets, and Kittiwakes nested above more than 130 Grey Seals residing on the rocks beneath the lighthouse. Inter-isle boat journeys allowed close views of Eider, Black Guillemot (‘Tystie’) and Great Skuas (‘Bonxies’) as well as Sandwich and Arctic Terns.
Avian highlights included witnessing Great Skuas drowning prey, numerous Arctic Skuas, a Short-eared Owl carrying an Orkney Vole and a visiting Honey Buzzard on Hoy. We also encountered a significant flock of 21 Crossbills, the largest seen on Orkney in years!
Our botanical discoveries included the rare Scottish Primrose near Yesnaby, Scots Lovage and abundant Northern Marsh Orchids. A brief sighting of the rare Great Yellow Bumblebee was a bonus.
On the mainland, Skara Brae's 5,000-year-old neolithic village and the Ring of Brodgar stone circle astounded us, whilst the Churchill Barriers illustrated a more recent historical imprint on Orkney.
The return journey through Scotland's Flow Country delivered a memorable finale with sightings of White-tailed Eagle, Red Kites, and displaying Hen Harriers. The week successfully combined Orkney's exceptional wildlife, dramatic coastal scenery, and remarkable archaeological heritage whilst supporting RSPB Orkney Native Wildlife Project, Bumblebee Conservation and Trees for Life.