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An exciting time of year when birds of prey return to their breeding grounds. They are often very visible as they prepare for the breeding season and try to attract a mate.  Male hen harriers indulge in their acrobatic display flights and short-eared owls engage in their wing-clapping display. After eggs are laid they become more secretive and with one of each pair taking on the duty of incubating eggs there are fewer birds to see during this period. Once eggs hatch and the young start to develop both parents start foraging busily and are often seen flying between foraging and nesting areas. This is also the time when birds of prey are most susceptible to disturbance. If you are watching birds of prey at close quarters be alert to behaviour that indicates they are disturbed such as repeatedly circling the observer or alarm calling.

Most young fledge in June and July but are still dependant on their parents for several weeks or months. During this period, parents are busy provisioning the growing appetites of their young and the newly fledged young can be very vocal and obvious as they start to explore their surroundings and make their first attempts to catch prey. On warm summer days most birds can be elusive so early mornings and evenings are often the most productive times to look. 

Eagles can be particularly visible in the Autumn as the juveniles of the year start to leave their parents’ territory and explore other areas of the islands. Bright blustery days often provide the best conditions for good sightings. Both eagle species can often be seen in the hills and along remote coastlines where they are resident, whilst most other species leave their moorland breeding grounds along with their prey species and head for the coast and machair.

With its short days and extreme weather, the Hebridean winter can be bleak. However, breaks in the weather can provide excellent opportunities for watching eagles. In the cold crisp atmosphere, birds of prey can be spotted at great distances and they make the most of good weather for hunting. In late winter eagles are already starting to prepare for the next breeding season and will start nest building and re-asserting their territories and pair bonds. This is the time to visit to see the plunge diving displays of golden eagles as they yo-yo across the sky. For other species lowland or coastal areas such as Loch Stiapabhat on Lewis and Loch Druidibeg on Uist are often the best places to look during winter