Wildlife in Mull

[wayne scott]

Hi, my family and I have just booked a holdiay to Mull and I am wondering if anybody on this site has been to Mull and knows of any good locations to see otters/eagles etc. Thanks

[Jim Ford]

I guess the sea eagles are a must, but I've never spotted them when I've been there.

Try and get to Staffa, it's an amazing place with loads of puffins. You can go from Uva Ferry with 'Turus Mara'. While you're that side of the island pop over to Ulva - it's a lovely place with a nice tearoom (They were growing tomato plants in the adjacent public call box when I was last there!). I've seen eagles on Ulva.

Jim

[Elwyn]

There is a well established hide in a forest on the island where you can see Sea Eagles fairly easily. One pair have been nesting in the same place for a number of years. You usually need to book a day or so in advance and are escorted in by a ranger. There are 2 trips a day. Details from the tourist office in Tobermory. When we were there, we not only saw 3 Sea Eagles (parents and last year's young still hanging around) plus a chick on the nest, but also 2 Golden Eagles displaying just above the Forestry Commission hide.

[caernerch]

Far end of croggan rd. s.e Loch Spelvie for otters along shore line and Eagles, take a picnic. Check out anywhere where fresh water (even very small burns) enter the sea for Otters. Glen More Road/Ben More for Golden Eagle Hen Harrier and SE. Owl.
Boat trips from Dervaig for Minke Whales, Harbour Porpoise. Other species include Mink, Merlin, Corncrake, Tystie. Any site around the Island can prove productive, it's a great place.
regards
caernerch.

[ChrisJB]

Sea eagles are a doddle on Mull these days. The road from Loch Scridain to Loch na Keal has a (free) public viewing point for them on the Loch Scridain side. The northern shore of Loch Scridain is brilliant for otters too. Drive along it slowly early morning and you have a really good chance of seeing them. I saw them last May there and also on my previous visit in May 2009 in the exact same spot. They are pretty bold too and you can get half decent views.
Glen More is good for golden eagles (look for cars parked up and folks with cameras, 'scopes and bins) and Iona is a must for corncrakes - check the field by the fire station and the iris beds on the seaward side of the abbey. Go to Ardalanish Bay as well (near Bunessan). For me it is the best beach on the island and I've been told it can be good for basking sharks and cetaceans (though I've not seen any there!).

Regards, Chris

[earthdragon64]

Originally Posted by Elwyn

There is a well established hide in a forest on the island where you can see Sea Eagles fairly easily. One pair have been nesting in the same place for a number of years. You usually need to book a day or so in advance and are escorted in by a ranger. There are 2 trips a day. Details from the tourist office in Tobermory. When we were there, we not only saw 3 Sea Eagles (parents and last year's young still hanging around) plus a chick on the nest, but also 2 Golden Eagles displaying just above the Forestry Commission hide.

The hide is run by the RSPB and is well worth a visit, more information on the following link,

The RSPB: Mull Eagle Watch

Grasspoint down on the south-east corner is pretty good for Sea Eagle views, but the road in is very pot-holed and needs to be driven carefully.

You've a chance of seeing Otters just about anywhere, but Pennyghael near the south-west corner seemed particularly good.

Regards, Audrey.

[Emma S]

I'm going to Mull this year too! I'm there in June....can't wait. My third visit to the island, but not for many years.

I'm glad I've found this thread, lots of useful suggestions on it.

A suggestion that I'd make is a boat trip to the Treshnish Isles. Here's a link, but I think other operators offer this trip too. Turus Mara ~ Wildlife & Seabird Cruise-Tours Scottish islands

I remember going to the Treshnish Isles years before, and seeing tiny storm petrels in their burrows. They were amazing.