Hen Harriers, Mull

We saw 4 pairs of hen harriers on our way to the golden eagles, infact there was a pair at the golden eagles, very distant on the moor behind the car park area. So good to see and so rare. We have had many Scotland trips when we haven't even seen one so this was an exceptionally good trip. Always very distant. 

White-tailed Sea Eagles, Mull

A regular sight over Loch na Keel, Mull

Rock Pipit, Mull

There were always on the rocks at Loch Na Keel

The otter circus comes to Mull......

This was in the harbour at Mallaig

The photographers ran to these rocks, totally unnecessary and with no field craft whatsoever.  

This is the otter that was flushed 3 times by photographers, it eventually gave up and left its fish, terrified by the onslaught running down the beach towards it. We have never witnessed such disgraceful behavior towards wildlife.  This photograph (a crop of the pic above) was taken well away from the circus at the very top of the car park. There was no need to get within 6 yards and terrify this feeding animal. 

Otters are always a must to see on Mull and within 10 minutes of scanning, we had one in the scope. But this was ruined by the 'otter circus' that was in evidence. We have never seen so many big lenses (an no optics we might add), that all wanted a photo of an otter. Their behavior was absolutely deplorable with the welfare of the animal not even given a thought. One evening we walked to the viewing area on Loch Na Keel which was 5 minutes from our cottage. There was an otter sitting out on the weed eating a fish that was frightened away not once, but 3 times by a group of photographers. It eventually left it's fish and swam off. We were ashamed to stand with these people. They even had portable hides that they camped out in at this area. A fiasco of a circus.

We also heard talk among the same group of people about how they all used to go to Worlaby Carrs.......(and just look how they ruined that!). Same people, same fieldcraft......enough said !

Golden Eagles on Mull

The chick could occasionally be seen moving around the nest, but it didn't venture out. It became very vocal when a parent bird was approaching, even though it didn't get any food just a sod of grass!

The nest was in this crevice in the rock face which could be seen from the road.

Time for an afternoon snooze !

It was fabulous to see a pair of golden eagles with a chick during our recent stay on Mull. We stood for roughly 4 hours one day, occasionally seeing the chick moving around the nest which was well up on a distant rock face that could be seen from the road, before a parent bird flew in. But those few minutes view of such a cracking bird were well worth the wait. Without decent optics you didn't stand an earthly of any good views. We visited this site a few times and each time we were really lost for words. It was a well known eagle nest so word had soon spread among the 'big camera men' and they outnumbered the birdwatchers. Karen was stunned at the latest gadget that they all had, and that was a remote control for their camera shutters. So, after setting their big lenses on the nest site, they just sat in their cars and then simply pressed the remote controls, they didn't even look at the birds.....what is that all about? It's not birdwatching that's for sure and it's not photography if you ask me as they don't even look at the subject they are photographing. Infact none of the big camera people even had binoculars ! We would sooner admire that majestic, iconic bird than get a photo anyday. These pics were taken over 3 days when we had one adult fly in and one snoozing on a nearby ledge. The rest of the time we just watched in awe at the flight and beauty of these birds.  

Scotland bits

 Great Northern Diver

Plenty of these on the lochs but they remained distant

 Plenty of red deer on the tops, an early morning drive found a herd grazing the local campsite

 Eiders

 Common Seals

And then on the motorway on the way home we came across this stunning sculpture. Just managed to grab the camera but as we got past it, we realised there were two ! 

Would loved to have stopped and admired them.

Isle of Mull

 Oban Harbour

 Simon with Martin from Mull Charters. Raucous laughter all round !

 Tobermory sewage works and landfill site. Good for ravens.......we always end up at these places !