Isle Of Mull

Discussion

4 replies

Posted by Paul Rosser on April 5, 2011 at 3:59 PM

Hello everyone, I'm off to the Isle Of Mull this weekend, does anyone have any ideas on the best place to see Otters? They are the one species that have evaded me there so far. Just to see one would be great, to get a photo or two would be out of this world!
Regards,
Paul Rosser.

Posted by Craig Jones on April 5, 2011 at 5:59 PM

Hi Paul, there is no hard and fast rule to seeing them alot of it comes down to luck. There has been an Otter that lives just as you get of the ferry to the left by the campsite but for me to many people around and I’m told sightings are up and down. The one in Tobermory has died, Salen bay two killed by cars, my advice is to go to, Grasspoint, Loch Na Keal in the centre and drive around, look for high tides, where the water level is higher up on the rocks, this is the best time for Otters to be closer and feeding. Alot of images coming from Mull are a result of driving around, seeing the Otter or Otters feeding and cleaning up on sea weed covered rocks during the day, but getting out without making noise is very hard as Otters sense of smell and hearing is amazing. Have a look on a blog post I did here and it'll show you a few tell tale signs to look out for etc and a bit of advice. The best advice I can give is find a place and get there at dawn and just wait, wear enough clothing to cope with the ever changing weather on Mull, food in your pockets, wrapped in Clingfilm as the ordinal packaging will make noise, a drink and wait there during the changing tides and you’ll see if Otters are about its how I did, good luck

http://www.craigjoneswildlifephotography.co.uk/blog/workshops/mull-one-man-and-his-camera/2011013409/

Posted by Paul Rosser on April 6, 2011 at 1:32 PM

Hi Craig,
Thanks for the info. I hope I get lucky this time around!!

Regards,
Paul Rosser

Posted by Scott Tilley on April 6, 2011 at 5:59 PM

Hi Paul, I have seen otters at Croggan on Loche Spelve and Lochbuie, but you could have luck almost anywhere! Whatever, you will enjoy it, has to be one of my favourite places on earth!

Scott

Posted by Phillip Tomkinson on April 8, 2011 at 5:03 PM

Hi Paul Craignure is I find the best place on the back side of the high tide just as the rocks are uncovered,Loch Na Keal is OK have a look at this link http://www.wildsnaps.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/new_page_50%20mull%20holls.htm all but 2 were taken at Craignure and 2 at Loch Na Keal.

Phil.