Sea & golden eagles

[AdeeH]

My brother and I try each year to have a few days away and bird watch, we have been to the Farn Islands the past two years, a must for all bird watchers and we would recommend it to anyone, however this year we are planning a June trip to Mull in Scotland to see White Tailed Sea Eagle and Golden Eagle.

We have also been given the location of Corncrake. What I would like to ask is could anyone recommend other species and locations near to Mull that we could spot and add to our holiday experience and list of sightings.

Crested Tit is one I would like to see if anyone knows possible locations, thanks in advance for your help.

[Jim Ford]

Originally Posted by AdeeH

Crested Tit is one I would like to see if anyone knows possible locations, thanks in advance for your help.

The Rothiemurchus campsite at Aviemore has Crested Tits feeding from the bird feeders. 'Earthdragon' should confirm this, as they're local.

I've avoided corncrake locations as I camp and don't want them yelling their heads off outside my tent through the night!

While you'r on Mull, drive over to Ulva Ferry and take the short trip across for the tearoom.

Jim

[AdeeH]

Thanks Jim we will check out the Tea Room and the Creasted Tit location.

[earthdragon64]

Originally Posted by Jim Ford

The Rothiemurchus campsite at Aviemore has Crested Tits feeding from the bird feeders. 'Earthdragon' should confirm this, as they're local.

I've not actually seen them there, but I believe you can sit in the tea-room at the Glenmore campsite and watch them on the feeders, Red Squirrels as well. They can also be seen almost anywhere around Loch an Eilein and Loch Gamhna, also on the Rothiemurchus estate. Another good place is the Osprey centre at Abernethy, they are often on the feeders there. Goldeneye also nest around Abernethy, and Capercaillie. The Osprey centre do early morning "Caperwatches", during late spring, early summer.

Originally Posted by Jim Ford

I've avoided corncrake locations as I camp and don't want them yelling their heads off outside my tent through the night!

Been there, done that, had 2 nights of no sleep due to 3 Corncrakes yelling around the campsite, gave up and moved into a hostel. What made it worse was we never managed to see even a glimpse of them, even though one was less than 5 feet from the tent!

Originally Posted by Jim Ford

While you'r on Mull, drive over to Ulva Ferry and take the short trip across for the tearoom.

Jim

I was on Mull last year in September for a couple of days and didn't have quite enough time, we got to the Ulva Ferry quite late in the afternoon. We plan on going back and spending a bit more time there, and that is one of the things we intend to do.

The island of Iona, off the south-west coast of Mull is also worth a visit, not so much for the wildlife but for the archaeology, the Columba Hotel on the island does really nice food.

Regards, Audrey.

[JeffH]

Originally Posted by AdeeH

....... What I would like to ask is could anyone recommend other species and locations near to Mull that we could spot and add to our holiday experience and list of sightings......

Hi AdeeH and welcome to WAB.

I've visited Mull twice in the last 3 years and I'm sure you'll enjoy your trip - it's a wonderful island.

As for other locations "near to Mull", you really can't do better than a trip (or two) over to the Ardnamurchan peninsula.

There are two ferry routes between Mull and the peninsula - Fishnish (on Mull) to Lochaline or from Tobermory (on Mull) to Kilchchoan, the latter being the most convenient to tour the western tip of the peninsula.

Several locations are worth visiting on the peninsula, including -

RSPB Glenborrodale - good for Merlin, Tree Pipit, Whinchat, Stonechat, Wheatear, Redstart, Wood Warbler & Spotted Flycatcher with occasional Golden Eagles over the ridges, Ravens on the cliffs plus possible Otters and Seals from the coast road;

Garbh Eilean bird hide (about 5 miles west of Strontian) overlooking Loch Sunart - there's a heronry on one of the small islands with possible Red-throated and Black-throated Divers on the Loch. Here again, usually good numbers of Common and Grey Seals on the rocks plus frequent reports of Otters. Also Mergansers often seen here;

Ariundle Oakwoods - just north of Strontian - all the usual woodland species including Goldcrests, Treecreepers, GSW, Wood & Willow Warblers, Redstarts, Tree Pipits, Spotted Flycatchers, Buzzards plus Dippers and Grey Wagtails on the fast-flowing streams. Slow Worms are also quite common here and Pine Martens and Red Squirrels are resident. There's also a very nice cafe in the visitor centre which does excellent evening meals as well;

Ardnamurchan Point - excellent for sea watching with possible B-t & R-t Divers, Manx Shearwater, Fulmar, Gannet, Great & Arctic Skuas, Kittiwake, Arctic & Common Tern, Puffin, Guillemot & Razorbill;

There are several other locations on the peninsula that are worth visiting but Mull itself plus the places mentioned above should be more than enough to keep you busy for a week or two

By the way, many more good birding locations throughout Scotland are detailed in an excellent book called 'Best Birdwatching Sites in the Scottish Highlands' by Gordon Hamlett and available (by mail order) from Buckingham Press in Peterborough.

Hope that helps

Jeff
(Schedule 1 Licence holder for Kingfishers, Barn Owls and Avocets)
and a fellow Cambs resident

[ChrisJB]

Mull is a sensational place on many levels. Both eagle species are pretty easy and corncrakes (to hear) on Iona are too. For more bird sites on the island go to the Mull Birds website: Mullbirds Online
The boat trips to Staffa and/or the Treshnish Islands are highly recommended as well. For a stunning beach try Ardalanish on the Ross of Mull. Occasional wandering choughs from Jura (I think) turn up here from time to time also.

Regards, Chris

[Ian Gray]

hiya AdeeH and welcome to WAB.

I visit Mull most years and I'm going again in May. Last year went on a trip with these guys...Mull Charters, fishing wildlife scenic cruises

and saw this...



might be worth a go.

Ian

[Craig_B]

I've had the privilege of covering Operation Easter for a week two years running and the bird species was fab. Particularly the raptors but I got great views of Otter in Salen Bay as well as Minke whale, porpoise and Dolphin.
I also got to witness three Sea Eagles mobbing a Goldie about 100 feet directly above the group I was with.

Peregrine, Merlin and the Harriers were all in attendance as well as great views of the Sea and Goldies. Mull is a magical place to visit.

[Bekki :)]

Hello,

I'm going with my parents in the start of august and we have got a few things lined up already.

Might be a good idea to have a look into days with a ranger and they take you around the island and tell you places that are good to go and where to see things. Also spotting wildlife along the way. Some also include boat trips, were doing another one that has a 3 hour boat trip, and they throw fish off the back of the boat and there is a very good chance of the sea eagles coming down to get the fish relatively close to the boat. I just typed in "day trips mull" into google and quite a few results came up.

There is also an eagle hide on the island ... here is the link : The RSPB: Mull Eagle Watch

My parents went about 20 years ago and they managed to get great sightings of wild otters on Mull. So best to keep a look out for those!

Hope you have a great time

[ChrisJB]

The northern shores of Loch Scridain are excellent for otters in the morning, just before where the road starts to bear right over the pass to Loch Na Keal.

Chris