West Coast Scotland - what to look out for....

[Suffolk-Chris]

Off on hols for 2 weeks at the beginning of November and staying near Loch Fynne, hoping to spend time playing with new camera and doing a bit of bird watching while I'm out and about. Can't wait to get up there!

Any ideas of what might be spotted around that area and on the far West coast around that time?

[DL]

I would say divers and eagles but there should be plenty to choose from. Good for wintering sea-birds but that can be weather dependant. Keep an eye on the Latest Bird Reports section of this site - Welcome to the Argyll Bird Club’s website

Athough not all sections of the site are up and running yet there is a Bird Check List that may be useful.

If you have any interest in pre-history or archeology the Kilmartin Valley is worth a visit. Around 150 pre-historic sites jammed in to 8-10 miles. Makes a good photographic study. Link here - Kilmartin Valley

[rlchew]

I visit the Highlands and Islands every year in June but have never been up there in November. Therefore I am not sure what you may see although divers and sea ducks must be likely plus raptors.

Have a good trip and please report back on what you see .... plus let's have some photos from that new camera!

Richard

[Wolfhill]

I was out on the Isles of Skye, Lewis and Harris last week and saw over 50 species from the car, as we drove around!! Including Merlin, Golden Eagle, White-tailed Eagle and Porpoise and much much more.
Fergus

[BFly]

There is (apparently - i haven't seen it yet!) a Minke Whale in the forth at the moment around the mouth of Loch Long. i believe there is a coast road that you can take around the point at Strone that gives you the best chance of seeing it. Apparently it is quite habitual but i don't know exactly when is the best time of day to see it or how long it will be around for.....

Also, sadly, there are lots of very emaciated guillimots around the coast-even making it up here to Balloch on Loch Lomond.

[BFly]

Hi Suffolk-Chris

Also worth a wee look is The SOC - Scotland's bird club - its the Scottish Ornithologists Club website. Here are their recommended sites for Argyll:

The following sites are listed in Where to Watch Birds in Scotland (by Mike Madders and Julia Welstead):

Mull


Glen More
Minshnish Lochs
Lochdon
Loch na Keal
Fionnphort and Iona
Treshnish Isles
Loch Scridain
Tiree

Loch a'Phuill
Loch Bhasapol
The Reef
Balephetrish Bay
Salum and Vaul Bays
Ceann a'Mhara
Islay

Loch Gruinart RSPB Reserve
Ardnave Loch
Bowmore
Head of Loch Indaal
Bruichladdich Pier
Frenchman's Rocks
Saligo Bay-Sanaigmore coastline
The Oa
Argyll Forest Park
Carradale Point
Fairy Island, Loch Sween
Glen Naut
Inverliever Forest
Knapdale
Ledaig Point
Loch Craignish
Loch Feochan
Loch Gilp
Oban Harbour
Taynish
Ulva Lagoons
West Loch Tarbert

Hope this helps.

[BFly]

Actually it is a humpback whale!

[SouthernSkye]

Bird sightings on the Island of Skye
(I am not affiliated in any way) is a good place for a glance for information for this area.
Seldom are mentions made of Goldies or WTS Eagle. I believe this is just a security measure.
If you pass by Edinburgh on your way up the Vane Farm RSPB place is worth a stop as the Little Egret is there again this year and the geese are an amazing sight coming in over Loch Leven.

[Suffolk-Chris]

Wow!! Thanks Folks - that has made me want the next 2 weeks to zoom past even faster..... I'll check out those sites too - thanks!

I'd heard elsewhere that it is a lean year for the sea birds such as guillimots

I was up near Helensburgh for a couple of days in Feb but didn't have the time to get out and about, but did think I caught a glimpse of a WTSE as we headed along the coast road..... one of those "Hey...isn't that a.... oh, gone.." sort of sightings.

I'll be sure to take more photos than can be deemed healthy and hopefully will get a few worthy of sharing!