Wild Scotland: Secrets of the Solway
Welcome to Secrets of the Solway, part of our fully flexible Wild Scotland Safaris!
This section may be booked alone, but is also perfect to combine with either or both of the other Wild Scotland Safari sections as a private small group or individual experience!
SECRETS OF THE SOLWAY OVERVIEW
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South West Scotland’s Solway Coast is a little visited, wildlife rich gem. We book exclusive use of a network of specialist professional photography hides to get you close to all of the region’s iconic Springtime species. These are the secret places that many top pros use to create those shots you see and think “wow – how did they get that??”
We may also take the opportunity to explore astro photography in this Dark Skies designated area…Scotland's springtime weather permitting!
MEET YOUR CAST OF WILDLIFE STARS
DAY 1
Sparrowhawk and woodland birds
Chris Packham's World's Best Bird, and star of BBC Autumnwatch - sparrowhawk Mad Max ( plus Mrs Max! )
Exclusive use of the hides Autumnwatch used to photograph and video these tremendous birds.
What Chris Packham says about Mad Max:
"Best bird I've ever seen..." "Awesome..." "The greatest individual bird on planet earth..."
Watch Mad Max & Chris Packham's encounter on Autumnwatch at
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p037b652
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...and in this hide you're always likely to see a few surprise guests such as red squirrel, deer and countless woodland birds!
Tawny Owl
There is no mistaking a tawny owl hooting through the woods - and the thrill of hearing it is only bested by seeing one swoop out of the darkness and into your viewfinder for an epic and perfectly lit photograph!
Fox
Much maligned, the fox is one of our most handsome mammals, a fact you'll appreciate while photographing them up close at this purpose-built hide
Adder
We're pretty keen to bet that this is as close as you can get to this fascinating and beautiful creature. Thanks to the skill of the team here this is another photographic opportunity it would be hard to achieve in the wild anywhere else.
Kingfisher
One of the most beautiful and dynamic birds to photograph and this hide is the UK's premier location for those WOW! shots. Trai will ensure that this is a place where dream shots are made reality.
Pine Marten
These charming small mammals are still relatively rare in the UK, especially outside Scotland, so the chance to photograph them as close as this is one to be jumped at! This will be our evening shoot to round off day 2.
Optional Day 3 - additional cost
Red squirrel
Our favourite little characters, red squirrels are always good for a photo opp! Our last morning flies by as they busy themselves around this purpose-built hide, complete with reflection pool.
Red Kite
The spectacle of up to 150 red kites spiralling overhead is a dizzying one. With exhilarating opportunities to photograph the birds in flight, diving for food and fighting in mid air for scraps, this is the perfect opportunity to bag a uniquely dynamic image. A fine way to finish up our stay in SW Scotland!
SECRETS OF THE SOLWAY 2021 ITINERARY
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Friday 9 April
Travel to your chosen Kirkcudbright Accommodation
1900 Optional group meet up for evening meal, introductions and briefing
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Saturday 10 April
Daytime
0700 Meet Up
Our hide today will allow us to concentrate on photographing the iconic Sparrowhawk and Adder. And no doubt we'll be honing our photography techniques in between times too, as red squirrel, deer and a plethora of woodland birds pay the hide regular visits. Bring a packed lunch today. Toilet facilities available on site.
You may choose to return to Kirkcudbright for a quick early dinner or remain in the hide with a packed meal
Evening
1700 Meet Up
As dusk descends we return to our hide site as fox and tawny owl become the focus for our first night time photography shoot.
Overnight
Your chosen Kirkcudbright Accommodation
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Sunday 11 April
Daytime
0700 Meet Up
Today we switch our focus to kingfisher, the species that made the name of these photography hides, and for good reason - kingfisher photography just doesn't get any better than this!
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Evening
1700 Meet Up
After an early dinner we head straight out for our second night time shoot of the trip - this time concentrating on Pine Marten.
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Overnight
Your chosen Kirkcudbright Accommodation or goodbyes and heading home.
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Optional Monday 12 April - Additional cost: £60
Morning
0700
A relaxed start to the day in the company of red squirrels, with our specialist hide giving opportunities to photograph their antics in the air and at a reflection pool.
Afternoon
1400
Our last photography session of the trip sees up to 150 red kites in flight, diving, feeding and duelling. A fitting finale to our Secrets of the Solway safari!
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Approx 15.30pm
Final goodbyes and head home
You may also like to see our Guest Gallery and Feedback page for this tour!