We managed to get an early ferry from Oban which allowed us time to check out a White-tailed Eagle nest sight which we found last year. Sure enough they were there again, so off to Tobermory to unload the car.
Last year the targets were eagles and otters so this year I thought we would try to spot Harriers and Northern Divers.
The White Tailed Eagles were numerous although distant sightings.
The nice thing about Mull is that you can drive for 15 minutes and see nobody then there is a car with the occupants out looking skyward and they are pleased to share their spot. So it was when we saw two large soaring birds. They made their way down to a hillside perch where they both rested -- Golden Eagle, pair.
What good fortune.
Walking along the lochside we spotted a hunting otter which kept about 20 yards ahead of us so we had good sightings.
Just as we left the otter I saw something lift off a low level perch and for a while head toward us before veering off to the right. Just managed to get a pic of sorts, -White-tailed Eagle.They are big!
We were then entertained by these Buzzards which can look quite drab until you catch sight of underwings
A trip around Loch Na Keal provided a photo opportunity for the first target - Great Northern Diver
There were five that day
and a little way further on there was a female Marsh Harrier hunting a steep hillside. The excitement of the incident together with being on a 5ft wide road, vertical rock face on both sides, one upward and one downward, and someone wanting to be past meant I screwed up the photo. Should have been more single minded. It was however good enough to confirm the sighting.
We were lucky with weather and enjoyed touring the island where you just do not know what will be around the corner - and there are plenty of them. I won't bore you with a list but here are a few sightings and views through our time on Mull-
Woods at Knock
White-tailed Eagle on nest
Wren
Sedge Warbler - tell me if I'm wrong
Mountain Hare
Guillemot
Would appreciate ident help on this one - is it a Linnet?
5 comments:
We to are lovers of Mull and have been going there for about 20 years, the Birdwatching, scenery and feeling of peace you get when you are there is incredible. Check out some of our older posts from April on - www.laplandmull.blogspot.com
Fantastic, you've got some great pics. I especially like the White Tailed Eagles, Otters and the Hare. What an unbelievable environment. L
Thanks for the kind comments.
can you recommend a good place to stay on the Isle of Mull as I am planing a trip there in Octobr, wonderful photo's
can you recommend a good place to stay on the Isle of Mull as I am planing a trip there in Octobr, wonderful photo's
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