Isle of Coll, Scotland - Atlantic Seal Pups

Squidgy the Otter · #1 (**permalink**) 02-03-2008, 09:16 AM

After the recent storms in Scotland, I feared the worst for the seal pups born a few months ago on the island, the isle of Coll, Inner Hebrides. Around October, November, the seal pups were born and could be seen on many rock formations around the island, especially Cliad and Gallanach.

After atrocious weather, high winds, gales, sleet and hail, I anticipated high casualities on the beaches. Yesterday, I ventured out and visited three beaches with resident seals and babies.

To my astonishment I did not find one casualty and indeed, the fat, white pups were lying on the rocks, quite huge now. Around 30 seals followed me along the beach, whilst the pups remained on the rocks. I felt elated not to have found any wee pups washed ashore, and in fact, the seals appear to be increasing in numbers.

Otter tracks were found at Cliad, emerging from the sea, the otters make their way to the fresh water burn and it is easy to see where they have washed , ate their breakfast and re-entered the sea.

The Lambs will be appearing soon, the rare flowers on the machair, then the cuckoo and then the corncrake and basking sharks. I am so looking forward to spring, it is simply such a beautiful time.

Seajay · #2 (**permalink**) 02-03-2008, 09:35 AM

I've just had a look at some photos of Coll on the net. Very beautiful place and marvellous for any one interested in natural history I would think?
Ideal for a steady stream of pics and updates on what's happening:
These otters must swim a fair way then to get to the island in the first place?

Colin

Squidgy the Otter · #3 (**permalink**) 02-03-2008, 10:14 AM

Hi Colin,

Yes, Coll is a very beautiful island and we have various websites to showcase our photographs. Up to now I have placed my photos on my AOL Picture Gallery and my DiscoverColl website. Once I get some really good images, I will load them on to WildaboutBritain. I am not that confident yet as to my photographic ability. Otters are resident here and the last survey conducted by Otter Watch, I think recorded 53. All the islands around us have otters, Mull, Iona, Tiree, Skye, Barra. Whether or not they swim between islands, I am not sure about that one!!!

naturelover · #4 (**permalink**) 02-03-2008, 02:27 PM

Hi squidgy,a warm welcome to the site,where you live sounds a beautiful place,lucky you seeing baby seal pups,they are so pretty,enjoy and have fun.

galanthus · #5 (**permalink**) 02-03-2008, 03:34 PM

pop some pics into your post if you don't feel Gallery confident yet, we'd love to see some, sounds like a lovely place to be.

rlchew · #6 (**permalink**) 02-03-2008, 05:48 PM

Good news regarding the seals

.

I have visited many of the west coast islands but never been to Coll so please do post some photos of the isladn and its wildlife.

Richard

Squidgy the Otter · #7 (**permalink**) 02-03-2008, 08:10 PM

Hi everyone

thank you for your comments. It's been stormy here again today. I will select a few of my "better" photographs of the island and her wildlife and post them to my Gallery.

If you want to see more of the Isle of Coll, which is off the West Coast of Scotland, near to Mull and Iona, then for the moment click on my link to AOL pictures.

alp2311's Public Gallery - AOL Pictures

which I hope you will enjoy.

Emma S · #8 (**permalink**) 02-03-2008, 08:44 PM

What wonderful photographs - they are like a breath of fresh air!

I love the islands of the west coast of scotland and have visited many, but not Coll so far... but it's now near the top of my list!

Welcome to the site, and I look forwards to reading more posts from Coll!