Saturday 25 May 2013

The Western Isles of Mull and Iona

The Western isles of Scotland not only hold much beauty and large hills, it is mecca for the wildlife watcher intent on a week of early ups and late downs, interspersed with some excellent and tasty food stuffs, The plan was to spend every day all day out in the field searching for the exceptional species of these isles.

Leaving the ferry it was turn left and cruise the highway looking out for suitable spots to stop,,, single track roads with passing places, and very few places to park at all. Eventually a spot was found where Swallows and Sand martins were feeding low on the water and very close to the shore on flies as they emerged from the bladder wrack.

And at the same location a nice view of Eiders plunging for crabs and other items that they fancied to eat

So it was onward to the main town and its harbour, looking for Great Northern Divers and anything else of interest, the place was still deserted as it was only around 7:30, and what is it that really caught the eye?
Was this Dog Otter hunting along the headland of the harbour totally unphased by the presence of large glass peering at him at close distance. The majority of dives produced Lump fish which were devoured rapidly with relish, if I might be allowed a small anthropomorphism.
It was later learned that this old Dog would wander the car park and jetty at will totally oblivious to humans. Even using the odd trawler for a sleep and a rub down on the coils of rope as he dried off.



    The reported Female and cub did not put in an appearance whilst there.
There is plenty more to come from these wonderful isles


Paul

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