Wild life isle of mull

Wildlife on the Isle of Mull

There is an abundance of wild life on the Isle of Mull.  In fact many would suggest that to visit Mull and not see something special like sea eagles, golden eagles, otters, porpoise, whales, puffins, seals, rare and commonbirds or wild and fallow deer, mountain hares and wild goats would mean that you had been very unlucky indeed - or had just not been looking!

The island is a paradise for birdwatchers, Kate Humble and the Spring/Autumn Watch team have been enthralled with Mull and Kate Humble herself writes every month in our local Round and About magazine, keeping us all updated with changing seasons and the arrival and departure of wild birds.

Resident breeding birds include some of the most spectacular birds of prey like Golden Eagle, White-tailed Sea Eagle, Merlin, Buzzard and Hen Harrier. We also have lots of singing Song Thrushes and Skylarks, now becoming much scarcer on the main land. Owls hoot in the night and woodpeckers work hard during the day - the list is almost endless as birds have a habit of turning up anywhere.

Mull is home to around 20 pairs of sea eagles, Britain’s largest bird of prey, this white-tailed eagle, is a magnificent sight and they are close to Tiroran. Take a trip with Bryan Rains (wild about mull 01681 704229) to learn how to spot them and other wonderful creatures.  This massive bird is the world’s fourth largest eagle, with a wingspan of up to 8 feet.

Otters are a common sight too - and if you are quiet - and willing to wait for them - they will often enthrall you with their playful antics, peaceful sunbathing on seaweed or active hunting and feeding (the otter pictures on the right were taken by guests last year on Tiroran Beach)

There was a recent and rare visit to our shores of Loch Scridian  - Northern Bottlenose Whales.  It is believed that the mother came into the shallow waters at the head of the loch to have her baby.  Many locals and visitors were intrigued and they performed accordingly in their unusual habitat for all to see.  They are a nosey whale by nature, traditionally preferring the deep waters of the Arctic and are relatively rare as they have been hunted to dangerous levels - although they can stay below water for more than an hour, these creatures are vulnerable due to their natural curiosity for boats!  We were very lucky to see them.  This is not the first sighting of Northern Bottlenose Whales around the British Coastline so its not unique, but unlike their relatives, they have now left safely.

There is a large seal colony on the opposite shores to us, again, Bryan Rainsis the person to contact - we saw them through his telescope from the front steps of Tiroran, it is a fantastic sight, but he can take you there and you will see them for yourself.

 In June & July there are carpets of wild Orchids to be enjoyed including, Fragrant Orchid, Lesser & Greater Butterfly Orchid and many others. There are rare Marsh Fritillary butterflies to be found, Scotch Argus and others.

The Isle of Mull is a favourite place for bird and wildlife watchers and has a large list of regularly seen species - Tiroran is a perfect base and place to start.