To provide you with the best experience, cookies are used on this site. Learn more

Golden Eagle

You are here: Home > See and Do > Closer to Wildlife > Bird of Prey Trail > Birds of Prey > Golden Eagle

Golden Eagle

This spectacular predator commands the top of the food chain and manages to survive in some of our most harsh mountain environments. With a population of just over 400 pairs the golden eagle is a rare sight across most of Scotland. However, the Outer Hebrides are a stronghold for the species supporting the highest densities of recorded in Europe. The large areas of undisturbed, open and rugged terrain provide fantastic eagle habitat. In addition, the absence of competing predatory mammals such as foxes means that there is more food is available for the avian predators.

In many parts of Scotland there has been a long history of illegal persecution but here on the Outer Hebrides, golden eagles have largely been left to their own devices.

The Outer Hebrides are currently home to around 90 breeding pairs of golden eagle, over a fifth of the Scottish population. In the absence of persecution and disturbance golden eagles are often encountered surprisingly close to roads and villages.

DIET

Golden eagles have a broad diet, capable of preying on most medium sized bird and mammal species. On the Outer Hebrides, grouse, rabbits, hares and seabirds are the most common prey items but hedgehogs and short-eared owls are some of the more unusual prey items that have been recorded.

WHERE TO LOOK

The rugged hills of North Harris, Lewis, and South Uist hold the highest densities of golden eagles. However golden eagles, particularly young birds, can be encountered anywhere on the islands so keep a lookout wherever you are. The best trail locations for viewing golden eagles are the North Harris Eagle Observatory and Bogha Glas. On Uist the Loch Sgioport and Loch Druidibeg areas are good and Craigston on Barra is is also reliable.

WHEN TO LOOK

Golden eagles are most active on bright breezy days and are resident all year round. However, they are most active in late winter and early spring as they prepare for the breeding season. At this time of year they regularly perform their acrobatic display flights, plunging and rising 100 meters or more, yo-yoing across the sky. These flights are part of their pair bonding activity but also serve to advertise the pair’s presence to other eagles.

Plan your trip

Accommodation
What's On
See and Do
Food & Drink

Refine By

Number of results: 11

Sort By: A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

Bird of Prey Trail - Committee Road

Address

Isle Of North Uist, Outer Hebrides, HS6 5DS

Isle Of North Uist

Surrounded by rolling moorland and young plantations this is a hotspot for hen harriers and short-eared owls. The roadside car park is an excellent vantage point from which to watch.

More Details
Bird of Prey Trail - Loch Druidibeg

Address

Stilligarry, Isle Of South Uist, Outer Hebrides, HS8 5RS

Isle Of South Uist

This location is on the shore of a large fresh water loch surrounded by moorland with views south over Beinn Mhor, the highest peak in the Uists. Both species of eagle, hen harrier, merlin and short-eared owl are regularly seen here.

More Details
Bird of Prey Trail - North Harris Eagle Observatory

Address

Meavaig, Isle Of Harris, Outer Hebrides, HS3 3AW

Isle Of Harris

The observatory is a purpose built hide perched in the interior of the rugged North Harris hills commanding spectacular views over the territory of a pair of golden eagles.

More Details
Bird of Prey Trail - Craigston

Address

Isle Of Barra, Outer Hebrides, HS9 5XS

Isle Of Barra

A path leads into the interior of Barra with views over Heaval, the islands highest peak. Scan the ridges for golden eagles and white-tailed eagle and keep an eye out for merlin darting across the moor.

More Details
Bird of Prey Trail - Aline Community Woodland

Address

Aline, Isle Of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, HS2 9LE

Isle Of Lewis

A path takes you to the shore of Loch Seaforth, a long fjord-like loch and a stronghold for the white-tailed eagles and otters.

More Details
Bird of Prey Trail - Langais

Address

Isle Of North Uist, Outer Hebrides, HS6 5HA

Isle Of North Uist

Beinn Langais is a prominent hill surrounded by vast areas of peatland, freshwater and sea lochs. A short path runs up to an archaeological site with excellent views over the area.

More Details
Bird of Prey Trail - Loch Sgioport

Address

Loch Sgioport, Isle Of South Uist, Outer Hebrides, HS8 5SN

Isle Of South Uist

Located in the northern end of South Uist, Loch Sgioport is a great placee to spot white-tailed eagles.

More Details
Bird of Prey Trail - Ravenspoint

Address

Kershader, Isle Of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, HS2 9QA

Isle Of Lewis

This visitor centre, hostel and cafe have good views over the shore of loch Erisort, a sea loch regularly visited by white-tailed eagles. This is also an excellent place from which to explore the remote Pairc peninsula.

More Details
Bird of Prey Trail - Bogha Glas

Address

Bogha Glas, Isle Of Harris, Outer Hebrides, HS3 3AD

Isle Of Harris

A path leads you into the North Harris hills; one of the largest areas of un-roaded land is Scotland. One of the most reliable places for locating both golden and white-tailed eagles and where the two eagle species are often seen together.

More Details
Bird of Prey Trail - Rueval

Address

Isle Of Benbecula, Outer Hebrides, HS7 5LY

Isle Of Benbecula

A path runs across Benbecula, through an area of low lying moorland and lochs. This is an excellent area for hen harrier, short-eared owl and merlin during the breeding season.

More Details
Bird of Prey Trail - Sound of Barra Ferry

Address

Isle of Barra, Outer Hebrides

Isle of Barra

More Details

FOLLOW OUTER HEBRIDES

Our Tourism Community

My Planner

You can build your own holiday itinerary here! Just browse our site and click this button to add to your itinerary when you see something you like. If your planner is not finished, simply click save and you can come back to it later on! You also have the option to send your itinerary to our tailor made holiday partner.