Dolphins, Eagles & a Surprise Visitor!

Calm winds and bright spells made for perfect conditions to explore Mull’s wild coast once again.

Our morning began overlooking the Sound of Mull, where a large pod of Common Dolphins and several Harbour Porpoise travelled south through the calm water. Then came a truly special moment — a stunning Hoopoe, the first ever recorded on a Nature Scotland tour! The bird fed right beside the road, giving us incredible views before flying further along, all against the backdrop of a large herd of Red Deer grazing nearby.

Hoopoe on Mull!

The excitement continued with a pair of Otters feeding close to the shoreline, hauling out Butterfish and Scorpionfish before curling up for a well-earned rest. As we enjoyed lunch, two distant Hen Harriers drifted across the ridgeline while another Otter hunted out in the loch.

Early afternoon brought our first Eagle of the day — a magnificent Golden Eagle soaring high above the ridge. Beneath it, a beautiful pair of Black-throated Divers sat alongside several Great Northern Divers in the loch below.

Heading inland, we spotted several Fallow Deer resting in a field, followed by another Golden Eagle working the ridgeline. Moments later, a dazzling male Merlin flashed past, clutching prey as it powered down the glen.

On our way back, we were treated once again to views of the Hoopoe before finding a White-tailed Eagle perched out on a reef. Nearby, a Sandwich Tern, Whimbrel, and a group of Bar-tailed Godwits rested along the high-tide line. Just before day’s end, another White-tailed Eagle appeared high in a tree, and finally, a lovely Dipper rounded off the day beside a quiet river.