Welcome to Hidden gems, part of our fully flexible Wild Scotland Safari !
This section may be booked alone but is also perfect to combine with either or both of the other sections
Wild Scotland Part 1: Highlands
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HIDDEN GEMS OVERVIEW
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South West Scotland’s Solway area is a little visited, wildlife rich gem. We book exclusive use of a network of specialist professional 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 will also take the opportunity to explore astro photography in this Dark Skies designated area…weather permitting!
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Kingfisher - one of the most beautiful and dynamic birds to photograph - this hide is the UK's premier location for those WOW! shots
Sparrowhawk - Chris Packham's World's Best Bird, and star of BBC AutumnWatch
Exclusive use of the hides used on Autumnwatch to photograph and video these tremendous sparrowhawks.
What Chris 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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Tawny Owl & Fox
After dark the sparrowhawk hide also plays host to two more exciting residents!
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Pine Marten
One of few hides in the UK attracting reliable sightings and photographic opportunities of this charming but elusive species
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Otter
Try your hand at flash photography of this endearing nocturnal mammal - always entertaining and providing some wonderfully dynamic shots.
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Adder - we're pretty keen to bet that this is as close as you could ever get to this fascinating and beautiful creature - a one-off photographic opportunity
Badger - the hides here provide excellent access to this perennial favourite of UK wildlife. Being able to photograph badgers here in daylight and close proximity means you'll go home with wonderfully intimate shots
Cuckoo - just back from Africa, these birds are keen to mate and put on a display for photography that's unmatched anywhere in the UK
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Dipper / Pied Flycatcher - from these hides you will have the chance to photograph busy parent birds bringing in food for their hungry chicks
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...and you're always likely to see a few surprise guests such as fox, red squirrel, deer and countless woodland birds!
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PLUS
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 unique image.
SUGGESTED HIDDEN GEMS ITINERARY - please note that species will depend on time of year
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Day 1
Daytime - Travel to Kirkcudbright Accommodation and check in. Early dinner.
Evening - Badgers in golden light
Day 2
Daytime - Kingfisher: our hide here in Galloway is the premier place to photograph these brilliant birds in the UK
Evening - Otter
Overnight - Kirkcudbright Accommodation
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Day 3
Full Day & Evening
Our hide today will allow us to photograph Sparrowhawk, red squirrel, a plethora of woodland birds and - as dusk descends - fox and tawny owl
Overnight - Kirkcudbright Accommodation
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Day 4
Daytime - Jumping Red Squirrel, Adder and Cuckoo, rotating through the hides for the chance of more brilliant shots.
Evening -Pine Marten
Overnight - Kirkcudbright Accommodation
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Day 5
Late Morning
A relaxed start for packing up, followed by a fitting finale to our Wild Scotland safari: a photography session of up to 150 red kites in flight, diving, feeding and duelling.
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Approx 3pm
Final goodbyes and head home
Dates & Rates
Currently available as a tailor made photographic safari or 1-2-1 tuition experience with Trai
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INCLUDES: Accommodation inc breakfasts, transfers, all hide/reserve/entry fees, photographic tuition.
EXCLUDES: Travel to/from Aviemore, other meals, gratuities, personal insurance