ISLE OF MULL

2023

For quite some time I've been wanting to visit the Isle of Mull, on the west coast of Scotland. Known for it's amazing wildlife, it was fabulous to finally visit and explore the island in early July this year. It didn't disappoint. In fact, just like so many others who've been there, I already have plans to return again next year.

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Falls of Falloch, near Loch Lomond.

Overlooking Dervaig

Tobermory.

An obligatory photo of the pretty multi-coloured houses on the waterside.

Highland Cow Lick

Hedgehog in Broad Daylight.

On an island devoid of predators like Badgers and Foxes, Hedgehogs survive quite well. On the mainland, it's usually not good news when you see one in daylight, however, this one seemed quite content until a horserider came by. It curled up into a ball. Then, when the coast was clear, it scurried off, surprisingly fast, back into the dense vegetation.

Mountain Hare in Summer Pelage.

They're smaller than European Hares, with smaller ears and a slightly different colour fur, but still the same distinguishable hind legs that allow them to run so fast!

Rainbow over the ship wrecks at Salen.

Hooded Crow

Curlew Chick In The Rain

Adult Curlew Calling

River Otter Eating.

This was my first River Otter sighting on Mull. Although it looks a bit like a Beaver here, they're not closely related. Beaver's are a type of rodent and River Otters are in the mustelid family.

Red Deer Stag.

They can easily jump over fences. A small group of deer were enjoying the pasture in a field meant for sheep.

Otter Out In The Loch.

This was my second Otter sighting. It didn't come ashore and instead ate its quarry out in the water. River Otters are frequently seen fishing around the coast of Mull, quite possibly because there's a greater abundance of food and they're easier to hunt in saline water.

Otter On The Lookout.

I was hiding behind a rock watching this beautiful juvenile Otter for about an hour. Such a wonderful experience!

The Shake.

I love the spray of water you see when an animal shakes it off.

Otter On Alert.

The juvenile scrambled out of the water when it saw another maturer dog Otter swimming close by. The second one followed him out of the water and a short spat ensued amongst the rocks and kelp.

On The Run.

The dog Otter chased the juvenile (photo) into the grass, defending his territory.

Not-So-Shy Snipe.

Normally not seen out in the open like this, it was a joy to admire the intricate pattern of this Snipe's feathers.

Semi-Submerged Otter.

Towards the end of the day I saw this Otter swimming close to the shorehine, at low tide, amongst the kelp.

Otter On The Rocks.

The same Otter was seen exiting the water a few times, leaving its spraint behind on the large rocks to mark its territory. It was fabulous to witness this behaviour without disturbing it.

Manx Shearwater Running On Water

Manx Shearwater Flying.

It will soon be joining thousands of others as it migrates to South America for the winter.

Dipper.

A gorgeous bird and only my second ever sighting.

If you're ever lucky enough to see one, look out for its conspicuous white feathered eyelids.

Herring Gull Overhead.

As always, looking for an easy meal.

Wings Wide Open.

The White Tailed Eagle is an impressive bird and the Isle of Mull is fortunate to have many nesting pairs. I went on a photographic boat trip to see these magnificent birds up close.

Head On.

In For The Grab.

A White Tailed Eagle swoops down low with legs outstretched and fierce looking talons, to grab a fish from the water. It requires such precision. You can see the look of concentration in its eye.

Fish To Go!

Pup and adult Harbour Seals lying on the kelp.

The Sound Of Mull

Beware of the Highland Cows on the roads when driving around Mull.

Adult Stoat (right) with one of her kits (left).

On my way home from Scotland, I stopped at WWT Martin Mere to break up the journey.

It proved worthwhile as I had a fabulous encounter with a Stoat family. You can read more about the encounter here.

The Stoat And The Ivy.

This little kit was happily exploring its surroundings just a few metres away from me.