Mid July 26 – Ardnamurchan & Mull Round-up

The week brought a noticeable change in weather as cooler northerly winds arrived, but the wildlife certainly didn't disappoint. From soaring eagles to unforgettable otter encounters, it proved to be another fantastic few days exploring Ardnamurchan and the Isle of Mull.

Tuesday 21st July – Ardnamurchan Wildlife Tour

The day began at our first coastal viewpoint, where a magnificent juvenile White-tailed Eagle drifted effortlessly behind us, providing an unforgettable start to the tour.

As we continued our journey through Ardnamurchan's ancient extinct volcano, the dramatic landscape provided the perfect backdrop for several birds of prey. Ravens, Kestrels and Buzzards were all seen on the wing, while Red Deer watched from the ridgelines above.

Our next stop was one of Ardnamurchan's stunning white sandy beaches. Here, large numbers of Manx Shearwaters streamed low across the sea in constant motion, while two beautiful Dunlins, still showing traces of their summer plumage, fed quietly along the shoreline with a Ringed Plover. The dunes were alive with the song of Skylarks, while Meadow Brown and Painted Lady butterflies fluttered around our feet in the small rays of sunshine.

Several scenic stops throughout the afternoon produced more views of Ravens and Buzzards soaring overhead, along with a fleeting glimpse of an Otter that vanished almost as quickly as it appeared—doing its best impression of Houdini!

Thankfully, the wildlife had saved the best until last. Our final stop rewarded everyone with an incredible ten-minute encounter with a female Otter and her cub. We watched as they swam together, caught prey, and even ran along the beach beside us before disappearing back towards their holt. It was a magical way to end a memorable day.

Nice message on the Ferry back to Mull

Wednesday 22nd July – Private Photography Tour

An early 6:00 am start proved more than worthwhile. As the saying goes, the early bird catches the otter, and that was certainly true.

Our first encounter was simply spectacular. An Otter hunted close to shore before climbing onto large rocks where it posed beautifully for photographs. In an especially peaceful moment, it even drifted off to sleep while we quietly observed, only moving away as the incoming tide gradually surrounded its resting place.

Later in the morning we enjoyed a gentle walk to a secluded beach overlooking the Sound of Mull, where we connected with yet another Otter. It repeatedly held its breath for up to 57 seconds while diving in search of prey—a fascinating insight into its hunting behaviour. The surrounding woodland was alive with the calls of Siskins and Common Redpolls, while distant Red Deer grazed along the opposite ridgeline.

Our final coastal stop brought us the day's third Otter, swimming further offshore, accompanied by the lively calls of Arctic Terns. One particularly determined tern repeatedly mobbed the Otter as it surfaced, creating another wonderful wildlife spectacle. Three Otters before lunchtime made for a truly unforgettable photography tour.

Into the afternoon, we enjoyed a scenic stop over a loch with two White Eagles one perched in the conifers and one soaring the skies distantly like a barn door. In the background was a Yellowhammer calling which is a rare breeder on the Isle and this brought a close to wonderful workshop.

Sightings of the Week – Isle of Mull

23rd July

• Ospreys continue to be seen across the island, with Jacqui and Mike Murphy enjoying excellent views of one eating a fish over Loch Don.

• A Marsh Harrier was seen over the moorland east of Lower Ardtun, spotted by our guide Jack Waldie.

21st July

• A Bar-headed Goose, photographed amongst Greylag Geese at Loch Assapol, was reported by H. Esslemont on eBird.

17th July

• Three Whimbrels were recorded at Port na Bà, while an Osprey was seen flying over Cuin at 8:00 am, reported by Ewan Miles.

What to look for in the coming days ...

Late summer is a brilliant time to be out exploring. Waders are beginning to return from the north after breeding attempts, with Turnstones, Purple Sandpipers, Golden Plovers and Black-Tailed Godwits appearing on our shores.

The hills will soon be glowing with a haze of purple ling heather, while devil's-bit scabious starts to bloom. Dark Green Fritillaries, Graylings and Scotch Argus butterflies are all on the wing, adding colour to the landscape.

Keep an eye to the skies too for juvenile White Tailed and Golden Eagles will soon be fledging and exploring beyond their nests. Marsh harriers and Ospreys are also passing through the island, and one of the season's highlights is spotting a young Cuckoo still being fed by its unsuspecting foster parents, often Meadow Pipits.