Mull
and its surrounding island contains some of the most exciting
and impressive wildlife to be found in Britain, all contained
is some of the most stunning upland and coastline scenery to
be found anywhere.
The
variation in habitat is the secret to the abundance of animal
and plant life to be experienced on Mull. From the high mountain
tops to the low lying coastal machair beaches, there is plenty
to see at all times of year.
Here
we give an idea of what you can see and where to see them.
The
mountainous regions are the domain of the golden eagle
and the red deer. Despite being most at home in the mountains,
both these fine animals can be seen even right down at
the coast. Look along the ridges of mountains and hills
for the soaring golden eagle, while the road through the
mountains at Glen More is the best area to spot deer.
Many
of the roads on Mull take you close along the shore of Loch
Scridain, Loch Spelve and Loch Na Keal. Both are sea lochs and
support ducks such as eiders and shelduck, and waders such as
oystercatcher and ringed plover.
It
is also in these areas that you have the best chance of seeing
two of Mull's most important species, otters and white-tailed
eagles (also known as the sea eagle). Both are normally found
close to water and the views afforded by the coastal roads give
you the best chance of seeing these elusive animals, especially
Loch Spelve and Loch Na Keal.
At
several places around the island seals can be seen hauled
out on rocks. Always inquisitive, they often will approach
the quiet watcher. Excellent seal watching skerries include
one at Killunaig on the Ross of Mull and another just
north of Salen.
Occasionally,
porpoises, dolphins and even minke whales can be seen
from the coast but the best place is out on the water.
The boat trips to Staffa or Treshnish often catch sight
of one or more sea mammals and the occurence of basking
shark seems to have increased recently. Seeing any of
these animals is largely a matter of luck but the calmer
the weather the better, as flat seas make spotting them
much easier.
Woodlands
& Forestry
In
a few areas on Mull patches of native woodland have survived
and are in some cases now regenerating thanks to conservation
policies. Dominated by species such as oak, birch, hazel
and willow these woodlands are known as Atlantic Rainforest
as the mild wet weather encourages the growth of lichens,
mosses and other lower plants that cover the older trees.
This habitat is unique to West Scotland and very important
in conservation terms.
Perhaps
a
quarter of Mull has been planted with non-native trees
as part of the afforestation industry. When the trees
are young these areas can provide good habitat for short-eared
owls and hen harriers, but once they mature the ground
become virtually dead underneath the canopy, though a
few birds make use of the trees for nesting such as tawny
owls and sparrowhawks and red deer use the trees as cover
from the worst of the winter weather.
For
more pictures of Mull wildlife check out the wildlife
photo gallery on our sister site by clicking here.
