Cancelled – 2021 Coll Bird Festival

We have taken the difficult decision to cancel this event as we have no indication of Covid restrictions lifting.   Coll Bird Festival is run in partnership with other organisations, in particular the RSPB.   We are aware that current Covid restrictions are preventing the local team from visiting the mainland for otherwise essential tasks, and tasks which will need to be carried out promptly once restrictions are lifted.   This applies also to our staff and trustees, who give up their time over the Bird Festival weekend.   For that reason, we feel it would not be fair to plan to go ahead with the event this year.

If you would like to be kept informed about future bird festivals by email bulletin please email us: info@ancridhe.co.uk

For more information on what the 2021 programme may look like, please see below.   We will aim to mimic what should have been the 2020 Bird Festival in so far as is possible and, at present, the same speakers are all keen to be involved.

2020 programme – open here

Event Outline 2020 – open here

A unique opportunity to explore the diverse and often rare bird life of Coll, with our expert guides on hand to help you get the most from your experience.   Suitable for beginners as well as experienced birders, you will learn how our local habitat is managed to support the wildlife, and will witness an incredible selection of birds.

In 2019, at least 90 bird species were spotted in one weekend, including corncrake, hen harrier, white-tailed eagle, and so much more.   According to the world’s leading corncrake expert (Prof. Rhys Green), Coll is the best place in the UK to spot the elusive corncrake, and with the bird being a key species for Coll we host this festival at the peak time to view the corncrake.

Over the course of a 3-day weekend, our guests are treated to guided walks, guided sea-safaris to neighbouring islands and evening talks by a range of experts.   The weekend is topped off ‘Coll-style’ with a buffet and ceilidh at An Cridhe, and a beach clean and free BBQ.   Some customers visit us again and again, so we keep the festival fresh with new topics, new walks, or the latest research, each year. Previous walks have included a Skydancer walk and an ‘Off the Beaten Track’ walk, showcasing parts of Coll that many visitors will never see, and our talks, while always including a local theme, are also varied each year.   We are grateful to have the support of the local RSPB teams and volunteers, without whom this event would not be possible.

For 2020, we are delighted to have Professor Rhys Green back with us, to speak about the corncrake and the spoon-billed sandpiper.   Rhys is currently leading a research project on the spoon-billed sandpiper and has previously regaled us with the latest and most fascinating new insights on the corncrake.   John Bowler (RSPB Tiree) will also be back with us bringing a local theme to the talks.   If you are interested in knowing more about Coll Bird Festival 2020, 8-10 May, please email us at info@ancridhe.co.uk and ask to be added to our Coll Bird Festival mailing list.”

Very well organised event, with excellent speakers and a fun and relaxed atmosphere

The great friendliness of all we meet has been outstanding

Great events. Interesting even for ‘Birdie Newbies’!

Fantastic events. Knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides.