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.

The island is a paradise for birdwatchers and 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)

Scotlands Western Islands coastlines are the waters associated with the natural migration route for many whales species.  And during the migration season whales, dolphins and porpoise are easily spotted along the coastlne of the island.  We recently experienced a visit to the shores of Loch Scridian  - from a Northern Bottlenose Whale  mother and baby - It is believed that the mother came into the shallow waters at the head of the loch to give birth.  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!  PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE IN CONTACTING US DIRECTLY TO ARRANGE A WHALE WATCHING TRIP FOR YOU OR TO GUIDE YOU IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.

There is a large seal colony on the opposite shores to Tiroran, and again, Bryan Rains is 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.