Mull, 27.7 - 3.8.13

Day 1
Our home for the week looks out over the Mull coast, where on day one I managed to see 3 White-tailed Eagles, 2 Otters as well as at least 5 Porpoise and many Black Guillemots. A look at nearby Loch Don later that evening produced 3 Peregrine and a ringtail Hen Harrier. A few butterflies were also seen at various sites on day one including Scotch Argus and Dark Green Fritillary.

Harbour Porpoise

Black Guillemots

Day 2
Another look out my bedroom window in Craignure produced a flyby Black-throated Diver a Raven. We had been told a valley called Glen More was a good place for Golden Eagles and  annd sure enough we found 2 birds. A few Scotch Argus, Highland and Black Darters were also present.

Scotch Argus

Hooded Crow

Day 3
Day three was spent mainly around Loch Na Keal where in the morning we saw a total of 5 White-tailed Eagles as well as 4 from the Eagle boat later. A Dark Green Fritillary was also seen.

White-tailed Eagles

Common Seals

Day 4
Another look for the Golden Eagles produced 3 birds as well as a Golden-ringed Dragonfly. Later in the day a family trip to Ardalanish beach saw 2 juvenile Cuckoos and 2 Whinchat.

Golden Eagle

Cuckoo

Glen More

Day 5
2 ringtail Hen Harriers were seen as we made our way to Iona, where I saw my first Corncrake and a Great Skua. 2 Otters and 2 Whinchat were seen on the way back.

Day 6
Persistent heavy rain resulted in no birds or animal being seen on day six.

Day 7
The final day was mostly spent dragonfly hunting. A Northern Emerald was the highlight and quite a suprise find. At least 5 Common Hawkers were also seen as well as a few Highland Darters. A lot of Scotch Argus were also seen.

Highland Darter

Hooded Crows

Scotch Argus