Isle of Mull

[smartie]

We are planning to visit the Isle of Mull for the first time this year. May be a stupid question, but in the opinion of residents and regular visitors, is there a "best" time to visit for maximum wildlife interest? I suppose we're particularly keen to try to see eagles and some otters, if they will be kind enough to turn up, but I'm intereted in other birds, wild flowers... anything that is going on, really.

[RobSutton]

Originally Posted by smartie

We are planning to visit the Isle of Mull for the first time this year. May be a stupid question, but in the opinion of residents and regular visitors, is there a "best" time to visit for maximum wildlife interest? I suppose we're particularly keen to try to see eagles and some otters, if they will be kind enough to turn up, but I'm intereted in other birds, wild flowers... anything that is going on, really.

I'd say winter for otters but I'd always choose to go in June. The main reason is that you can do a boat trip out to the Treshnish Isles and on Lunga you get within touching distance of puffins and other seabirds. The boats go out from Ulva Ferry and Phionphort and make sure you do the trip that lands on Staffa as well as on Lunga. Staffa is one of those much hyped tourist destinations that really is as good as they say.

All the other wildlife is around at that time of year as well, there's a chance of otters almost anywhere around the coast, go to Iona for Corncrakes, the Forestry Commission has a well signposted hide for Sea Eagles, Golden Eagles can be seen fairly easily over much of the high ground, Minke Whales can be spotted from the ferry from Oban to Craignure - I want to be there now!

[rlchew]

I have been to Mull 3 or 4 times all in June and wildlife watching has been excellent. On top of that it is a beautiful island.

You may find these links helpful ....

Mull Birds

Wildlife wonders on the Isle of Mull

.... and this DVD is well worth watching too ....

"Eagle Island"

Have a great trip smartie.

Richard

[jonny.go.go]

Just watched a program " Great Ocean Adventures " on channel 5 tonight. Monty Halls went looking for Basking Shark around Mull during the summer months and got some good footage. They apparently folow the plankton bloom up the west coast . He also filmed some otters after mentioning Gavin Maxwell author of "Ring of bright water". He previously owned a basking shark processing factory on one of the isles

It looks a fantastic place, so rich in wildlife and seems very unspoilt.

Jonny

[smartie]

I want to be there, now, too. Thanks for the advice - looks like June, then.

[Jon]

I have been to Mull for the past three years and go at the end of May, purely because it is half term and also because there are fewer midges. As summer approaches the midges increase in numbers. A friend of mine has been for the previous nine years and always picks the middle two weeks of May. Jon

[ron1863]

Originally Posted by smartie

We are planning to visit the Isle of Mull for the first time this year. May be a stupid question, but in the opinion of residents and regular visitors, is there a "best" time to visit for maximum wildlife interest? I suppose we're particularly keen to try to see eagles and some otters, if they will be kind enough to turn up, but I'm intereted in other birds, wild flowers... anything that is going on, really.

Hi,

I would go in May or early June. After then the dreaded midge will be out in force. I live in Scotland and the midge is the worse creature you could meet.

[canny]

I totally agree with May/June. Great for wildlife and also it is not too busy with tourists, you can still get away and be all alone.
Dont miss out on the Loch Frisa eagle watch.
I was there last year and it won't be too long before another visit is planned.