Bird of Prey Trail - Committee Road

About

Location 7

This is an excellent area where the full assemblage of the Outer Hebrides breeding birds of prey can be seen from the roadside. The car park provides an excellent vantage point over the surrounding moorland and young forestry which is a hotspot for short-eared owl and hen harrier. Merlin's are often seen perching on prominent boulders in the heather moorland and this is one of the few areas on Uist where the elusive long-eared owl is found.

When to visit?

This area is busiest in spring and summer during the breeding season. Wind still mornings and evening are the best times to view short -eared owls slowly floating over the ground or perched up on fence posts and boulders.

Spotting Tip

Calm mornings and evenings in spring and summer are the best times to locate short-eared owls. Scan along fence lines where they often perch, patiently searching and listening for prey.

Other wildlife

Breeding birds include lapwing, golden plover, twite and stonechat.

How to get there?

The Committee road crosses five miles of the moorland interior of North Uist from Malacleit to Cladach a Chircebost. The car park is located at the highest point of the road.