Yes, there are indeed golden eagles in Lewis, which is part of the Outer Hebrides archipelago in Scotland. The islands host around 90 pairs of golden eagles, making this one of the densest golden eagle populations in Europe and one of the best places for eagle spotting in the UK.
The Rugged Landscape of Lewis
The rugged landscape of Lewis provides an ideal habitat for these magnificent birds, which can be seen almost anywhere throughout the archipelago. However, venturing into the hills of North Harris, South Uist, and the Pairc or Uig districts of Lewis will give the best chances of Golden Eagle sightings.
The North Harris Eagle Observatory
The North Harris Eagle Observatory is a popular destination for those hoping to catch a glimpse of these birds in their natural habitat. The walk to the observatory takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour each way, and visitors have reported seeing golden eagles and sea eagles on their journey. The observatory offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, making it an ideal spot for birdwatching.
Breeding Grounds of Golden Eagles in Lewis
Golden eagles are found throughout the island of Lewis, but breed at particularly high densities in the hills of southern and western Lewis, and in the North Harris hills. The mountains of Harris, which is connected to Lewis by a land bridge, are home to 20 pairs of Golden Eagles, one of the highest densities in Scotland.
Spotting Golden Eagles in Lewis
Visitors to the area are advised to scan the hillsides with binoculars, as the golden eagles have a different flight silhouette than the smaller buzzards that are also common in the area. The Outer Hebrides are an exceptional place to see this iconic bird, with one of the densest breeding populations in Europe.
Conclusion
In summary, Lewis and the surrounding islands of the Outer Hebrides are an excellent destination for those hoping to see golden eagles in their natural habitat. With a high density of breeding pairs and a rugged landscape that provides ideal habitat, the chances of spotting these magnificent birds are high. The North Harris Eagle Observatory is a popular destination for birdwatchers, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape and a good chance of seeing these birds up close.
References:
– Tripadvisor Review of the North Harris Eagle Observatory
– Visit Outer Hebrides – Golden Eagle
– Scottish Raptor Study Group – Lewis and Harris
– Walk Highlands – Harris Golden Eagles
– Visit Scotland – Birds of Prey Trail
