Islay

[Amylou]

Im off to the Scottish island of Islay for a few days in June. Apart from a beach horse ride i havnt planed anything else. What sort of wildlife is there to look for? Im bringin the dog as well so if there is anything i can spend a bit of time looking for i can give dog to my boyfriend for a few hours and go looking lol.
I think they have a lot of seals and birds.

[ron1863]

Well theres eight distilleries so that should keep you busy but you could also keep an eye out for the wild haggis. You will probably see this after visiting the distilleries.

The following is a useful link for information. Have a nice holiday.

Islay Wildlife and Birding Information with pictures and real bird sounds

[RobSutton]

The RSPB reserve at Loch Gruniart is a must - and make sure you go to Loch Ardnave at the end of the same peninsula (a good otter spot), there's a long walk on the opposite side of Loch Gruinart to a place called Gortantaoid which is really good - sometimes see eagles over the hills at the end.

Ardnave


On the Rhinns peninsula - Lossit Bay is spectacular and another likely eagle spot and has choughs, there should be seals in the harbour at Portnahaven.

The moorland around the American Monument on the Oa is good, choughs on the cliffs and wild goats too and agian a possibility of eagles soaring over the hills to the east.

The Oa


On the south east coast Claggain Bay and the bays between there and Lagavulin (the best Islay Malt by the way) are also good for seals and otters.

Claggain Bay


Saligo Bay can be spectacular in bad weather:

[Amylou]

Originally Posted by ron1863

Well theres eight distilleries so that should keep you busy but you could also keep an eye out for the wild haggis. You will probably see this after visiting the distilleries.

Lol that might work on someone who either drinks or isnt scottish, or both Il be leaving the men to the distilleries lol. Il go for a wander when they are there.

Wow i take it you'v been there Rob? Good pics! I love otters. So will look out for them.

[tufftie]

Can recommend Loch Gruinart - voluntered there some years back now; great place Wildlife really good all over the island Have a good time and bring back some photos!

[poschiavanus]

There is a huge amount of wildlife interest on Islay, fascinating geology, lots of archaeological sites, and places of historical interest (stop off at Finlaggan, where the Lords of the Isles had their council meetings).

I'd second the recommendations of Rob & tuftie , but would add a stop off at the Islay Natural History Trust in Port Charlotte.

Enjoy the trip.

poschiavanus