Can't really comment on locations - I last went to Mull in 1972 when I was at school...... I used to camp a lot with a mate from school and we settled on early May for Scotland as midge level is virtually zero - we went in August once, our orange tent was literally black from settled midges.
Tip 1 - Don't underestimate the midge when camping - people scoff that the midge problem is over egged, but they probably haven't camped but stay in hotels!
I haven't photographed on Mull - we used to go straight up to Handa off NW coast (we used to rough/wild camp a few miles from boat jetty/hamlet) - Handa has a good range of subjects in a compact setting, Auks, Bonxie and Arctic Skua - think of it as the Farnes of Scotland. The auk nesting cliffs are 400ft high or so - quite a breathtaking experience - If you can get there the Skuas nest in the centre of island, ie don't spend all the alloted time at the cliffs!
I spent a couple of weeks in and around mull in March. An amazing place. Larger and more rugged than I had bargained for. Staffa and the Trishnish Islands are good spots for wildlife generally, especially seabirds and also the odd seal. Otters are all around the sea lochs and much of the coast. The roads run very close to the shore, so spotting them is not too difficult. Go out early morning for the otters... the water is more calm and they are easier to see. Iona has an old abbey and is a tourist hotspot as is Tobermory of Balamory fame.
Seeing the eagles is really a matter of chance unless you know the nest locations. Sorry but I'm not at liberty to divulge that.
I'm off to Mull in just over a week, but it's an organsied trip, couple of days on a boat and couple of land. Very much looking forward to it. I'm sure it will make me just want to go straight back up there!
Elliot has pretty well covered it.
Bring a good supply of midge cream.....the wee beggars kicked off a new season last night.
Forecast's for cooler weather returning again over the w/e........means rain.
Landscapes should be high on your list of priorities, esp flowers and trees are in good bloom at the moment.
Don't know if there still are, or if it's the right time of year...but 10yrs ago, there where one or two Corncrakes in the fields near to the Abbey at Iona.
Keep an eye out in the sea lochs on an evening & you might see a few Otters playing..if you can see beyond the midges that is . Oh, although it's not high tourist season, if you're wanting to get anywhere on the Island - make sure you set out before the Ferry docks, or later in the day..after it's left - that way you avoid delays from the "Sunday drivers" gawping at the scenery and driving at 10mph
Have a good trip - hope you get some sunny weather.
Posted by stuart scott on May 11, 2006 at 10:46 AM
A lot has been covered.
Apart from the landscape which is a constant jaw dropper whatever the weather, or time of day, here are some of my experiences....
Loch Frisa has ( used to have ) a sea eagle viewing hide. The same one that was on last years spring watch. Booking via the tourist information in Tobermory and other places on the island is possible.
I also saw some hen harriers when I was there, but it is down to chance what you see of course. Don't expect many closeups unless you are happy photographing the CCTV screen
Most of the coast and lochs are good for otters but I've had most success at Loch Na Keal and Loch Scridain ( try around Pennyghael)
The A849 through Glen Moor should have number of Golden Eagles on show. Look out for them after a shower, or when its rained heavy.
I heard, but couldn't see, corncrake on Iona about 2 years ago, so they are around if you can spend the time looking.
Also wonderful beaches and landscapes on Iona !
Staffa and the Trishnish Islands are good for sea birds, seals etc aswell as the odd Sea Eagle going out to hunt.
I'd also recommend a guide like David Woodhouse
http://www.torrbuan.com/frames.htm
It can be really useful with someone who knows the island like the back of their hand, and has been watching this sort of wildlife for years .....
Discussion
7 repliesTip 1 - Don't underestimate the midge when camping - people scoff that the midge problem is over egged, but they probably haven't camped but stay in hotels!
I haven't photographed on Mull - we used to go straight up to Handa off NW coast (we used to rough/wild camp a few miles from boat jetty/hamlet) - Handa has a good range of subjects in a compact setting, Auks, Bonxie and Arctic Skua - think of it as the Farnes of Scotland. The auk nesting cliffs are 400ft high or so - quite a breathtaking experience - If you can get there the Skuas nest in the centre of island, ie don't spend all the alloted time at the cliffs!
Mike
Seeing the eagles is really a matter of chance unless you know the nest locations. Sorry but I'm not at liberty to divulge that.
Gavin
Bring a good supply of midge cream.....the wee beggars kicked off a new season last night.
Forecast's for cooler weather returning again over the w/e........means rain.
Landscapes should be high on your list of priorities, esp flowers and trees are in good bloom at the moment.
John
Keep an eye out in the sea lochs on an evening & you might see a few Otters playing..if you can see beyond the midges that is
Have a good trip - hope you get some sunny weather.
Apart from the landscape which is a constant jaw dropper whatever the weather, or time of day, here are some of my experiences....
Loch Frisa has ( used to have ) a sea eagle viewing hide. The same one that was on last years spring watch. Booking via the tourist information in Tobermory and other places on the island is possible.
I also saw some hen harriers when I was there, but it is down to chance what you see of course. Don't expect many closeups unless you are happy photographing the CCTV screen
Most of the coast and lochs are good for otters but I've had most success at Loch Na Keal and Loch Scridain ( try around Pennyghael)
The A849 through Glen Moor should have number of Golden Eagles on show. Look out for them after a shower, or when its rained heavy.
I heard, but couldn't see, corncrake on Iona about 2 years ago, so they are around if you can spend the time looking.
Also wonderful beaches and landscapes on Iona !
Staffa and the Trishnish Islands are good for sea birds, seals etc aswell as the odd Sea Eagle going out to hunt.
I'd also recommend a guide like David Woodhouse
http://www.torrbuan.com/frames.htm
It can be really useful with someone who knows the island like the back of their hand, and has been watching this sort of wildlife for years .....
ta
stu