Wildlife
Few places in Britain pack in this much wildlife — eagles overhead, otters in the kelp, corncrakes in the machair and whales offshore. Here's what to look for, and what others have spotted recently.
What to look for
Eagles
Both golden and white-tailed eagles breed here — scan the ridges of South Uist's hills or watch for the 'flying barn door' silhouette over the lochs.
Corncrakes
One of the UK's last strongholds. From late April you'll hear their rasping call in the machair — RSPB Balranald is the classic spot.
Otters
Uist is otter country. Dawn and dusk along sheltered sea lochs are best — look for a low, flat wake and listen for crunching.
Whales & dolphins
Minke whales, Risso's dolphins, basking sharks and orca all pass through the Minch. Headlands on a calm day are your best bet.
Red deer
Common across the hills of South Uist and the moorland of North Uist — especially visible during the autumn rut.
Waders & wildfowl
The machair hosts internationally important breeding waders — lapwing, dunlin, redshank and ringed plover everywhere in spring.
Recent sightings
Spotted by visitors and locals — add yours below.
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Help build a live picture of Uist's wildlife. Sightings are reviewed before publishing.