Mull Wildlife

[Ian Gray]

I'm off to Mull again in May. So what I'd be grateful for is some insider info on what can be seen where this year. Top of my list would be Otters, I've never managed to get close enough for a decent shot, but I'm hoping this will be the year. I'd appreciate any help on this one.

Regards

Ian

[Picidae]

Try emailing Alan at Mullbirds. He's a great guy and very helpful.

Mullbirds Online

(Hopefully, I should be there myself for a few weeks in May/June carrying out BBS surveys if all goes to plan - may see you there!!).

For anyone visiting Mull in May for photography/birdwatching, obviously this is a very sensitive time for nesting/breeding species, so remember to keep good distances and don't try to photograph or linger in the vicinity of any BOP nesting activity and certainly not post any pics of nest sites on the internet!!). You will have the anger of the islanders to contend with otherwise: (and probably be arrested as happened to one photographer in 2008 when a female WTE failed on the nest due to the disturbance).

[Picidae]

sorry forgot to give you Alan's email addy, you can get in touch with him here:

mullbirds'at'btinternet.com

[Ian Gray]

thanks very much for the info picidae, appreciate it. An avenue I'll definitely explore closer to the time. You also give some good advice on what not to do, worth mentioning at every opportunity.

Regards

Ian

[FoxtonWildlifeRescue]

Aah Mull. Wonderful place!!!

Can't help you with otters but recommend a trek to find the fossil tree at Burg and a trip to see the Minke whales and basking sharks. Look out for sea eagles and puffins....

...Where's my car keys. I'll see you there!!!

[Ian Gray]

the fossil tree at Burg sounds like a plan, especially on one of the inevitable dull,damp days. Thanks for that FWR. I'll be doing the trip to Staffa and Lunga again, mainly for the Puffins. I had alot of luck with Sea eagles last year, so anything this year would be a bonus. I''ll have to look into the Minke and Basking watching, but it sounds very interesting. Thanks again.

Regards

Ian.

[diggleken]

And dont forget to partake of some Clutie dumpling.
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
Cheers
Ken

[Picidae]

Originally Posted by diggleken

And dont forget to partake of some Clutie dumpling.
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
Cheers
Ken

Goodness, I had to google that.

Clootie Dumpling Recipe

Now that I have, all my Starlings are queuing up at the Kitchen window, waiting for me to modify my usual recipe for their suet/oat fat balls!

[Ian Gray]

Originally Posted by diggleken

And dont forget to partake of some Clutie dumpling.
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
Cheers
Ken

never had one that matches up to me Mums. only get it for Christmas pudding nowdays, so it sounds like another plan

[ChrisJB]

I was on Mull at the end of May 2009 and had good views of otters on the northern side of Loch Scridain. Iona is well worth a visit for corncrakes too. I heard plenty last year and with a bit of effort saw three. I'm going back this May as well and hope that the weather is a bit better than 2009. I might get a chance to bag Ben More this time.
For a nice spot, visit Ardalanish Bay near Bunessan, much nicer than the touristy Calgary Bay. At Ardalanish you can find big 'dobber' garnets in some of the rocks also. The Bunessan area I found pretty decent for hen harriers too and oddles of cuckoos.

Regards, Chris