Wildlife Watch Scotland

Glenloy Wildlife's Pine Marten News

2012-01-16T10:16:00.003Z

Here's an excerpt from Glenloy Wildlife's January Newsletter with an update on their resident pine marten...

"Our resident female only produced one kit that survived this year (we suspect there may have been two, but a fine healthy male is the only youngster we now see). Both mother and son could be seen most evenings in front of the Lodge, eagerly lapping up peanut butter. By the end of August, the kit was already bigger than his mother and would rudely shove her out of the way in his attempts to get to the food first. Not surprisingly, she wasn’t having much of this and would unceremoniously grab him by the scruff of the neck and wash his ears out, just to remind him of his place. Feeding times became increasingly acrimonious, with mum becoming less tolerant of the presence of her offspring – she would sit and hiss at him, and emit a low growl whilst feeding. As time has gone on, their feeding times have become more and more staggered, with mum getting the upper hand.

"Now, in January, we seldom see the two together, and if we do there is always the possibility of fisticuffs, but mum has apparently secured her territory (and the food). She waits now for me to feed her, either on the flat roof above the sun lounge, or warming her backside on the bonnet of our car!"

You can keep up to date with news of all the wildlife at Glenloy, near Fort William at www.glenloy-wildlife.org.uk.

The Cairns of Coll and Chocolate Cake

2011-07-13T10:04:00.005+01:00

This short video from Ardnamurchan Charters reminded me of the lovely summers I spent as crew on a wildlife-watching boat. The Cairns of Coll really is the most beautiful place and chocolate cake on the island of Muck was to die for.

Wild Scotland's members offer a fantastic range of tours and activities, so check out our website for more inspiration.

News of Mull's Famous Sea Eagles

2011-05-18T14:53:00.002+01:00

Sad news that Mull's famous sea eagles, Frisa and Skye have once again lost their eggs. However there's still plenty of other birds and other wildlife at Mull Eagle Watch to make it definitely worth a trip.

Here's RSPB's officer on Mull giving an update on his blog..

Thank you all for your patience and interest in the progress - or otherwise - of Frisa and Skye and all their fellow white-tailed eagles on Mull.

As you can imagine it's been a hectic period throughout incubation and now into the early chick stage. Everyone here does their best to keep them safe and to try and ensure they're all successful but there's always the hand of fate which intervenes to make some pairs succeed and others to fail. This year for reasons we're still not clear on, Frisa and Skye will not be raising any chicks although they are still present at Loch Frisa and still usually showing well. Their incubation period went smoothly but their hatch day came and went - just like last year. It hit everyone here involved with this special pair very hard. We just were not expecting it. They seem to be over their disappointment already so we now must follow their lead.

Thankfully this year we have been able to retrieve one intact but addled egg for analysis which may provide us with some answers - or not. We just don't know at the moment but will keep you posted on any significant developments.

We haven't been completely silent by any means since the last blog and have been trialling Twitter@SkyeandFrisa as a quicker, more instant way to keep you all up to date. It would be interesting to know what you think of this, whether you still like Blogs as well or if Twitter does the job? With only the two of us here there may be periods of apparent inactivity on the social networking scene but rest assurred we'll keep the updates going whenever we can!

So trips to the Eagle Hide continue to be very busy and they now offer a unique 'Forest Drive-thru' experience which has never been done here before. Working with our friends at Forestry Commission Scotland, visitors meet the Rangers at the north end of the Loch Frisa track on the Tobermory to Dervaig road and then head into the forest along a good track, stopping at various intervals to look for eagles, harriers, divers, ravens, deer and a whole host of smaller forest birds. Skye and Frisa are usually to be found on a favourite hill or tree and you conclude the visit at the amazing Eagle Hide where you can learn about their whole story and the saga of Mull Eagle Watch. Well worth the £5 adult/£2 children cost which goes to the Mull & Iona Community Trust to support local projects here. For more information check out the Date with Nature pages on the RSPB main website, Mull Eagle Watch or the Forestry Commission Scotland website under Mull sea eagles. To book a trip call 01680 812 556.

Meanwhile, other eagles on Mull - golden and white-tailed - hatched their eggs during a beautiful spell of calm, dry, warm weather. They couldn't have had a better start in life. They need to be brooded by an adult for a good ten days to two weeks before they can control their own body temperature so they are very vulnerable at this stage. As a result Mull Eagle Watch does not end when the eggs hatch! In fact there's now the long 12 weeks to go before they fledge. But that's a while away for now. We've been seeing several white-tailed eagle nests with two white downy heads of the chicks just beginning to appear above the rim of the nest. It's always a fabulous heartwarming moment and you realise that at least they're through the hazardous hatch stage which is probably the most dangerous time of their little lives.

Some of the chick 'twins' have been having wee battles in the nest to work out who is in charge and who will get the first feed when an adult returns with prey. With golden eagles this can sometimes end in the death of the smaller or weaker chick. White-tails seem generally more amiable and less aggressive in the nest although they do sometimes have a bit of a tussle. At this early stage there is always an adult brooding or nearby so perhaps the chicks have less opportunity to get bored and start a fight. To see the mighty form of an adult with that yellow cleaver like beak tenderly offering morsels of food to tiny chicks is a sight you never tire of witnessing.

So what will the coming weeks bring? The weather has certainly gone down hill since hatching so they're not out of danger yet. We may well lose other chicks but we're ever hopeful that most will now go from strength to strength. For us? Well, we've dusted ourselves down, taken a deep breath and just keep on going because there's still so much to do. It means a great deal to us to know we have such a dedicated troop of RSPB supporters and followers out there who care about the eagles as much as we do. It really is much appreciated.

Once more unto the breach dear friends!

Dave Sexton RSPB Mull Officer

You can follow Mull Eagle Watch's blog here.

Spring on Mull

2011-04-01T15:48:00.004+01:00

Spring wildlife sightings from Arthur Brown of Discover Mull...

Although the weather on Mull has been mixed at the beginning of March, there has been no shortage of wildlife sightings to be seen on the island, with white-tail sea eagles and golden eagles being especially visible nest building and pair bonding. Buzzards, kestrels and sparrowhawks have also been very obliging and we have had a couple of great sightings of peregrine falcons and a particularly good sigthing of a merlin.

On the mammal front, otters as always being the stand-out attraction but we are also seeing a number of Arctic hares at the moment. Red deer seem to have survived the winter well and appear to be in quite good condition. None of the deer on Mull are farmed and earlier today I saw 38 mothers and calves in a field.

As the month progresses we will be looking out for the early arrivals of the spring migration with wheatears always being one of the first. Fulmars are already back at their nest sites and the first meadow pipits have been seen displaying.

Jon's Blog - A Wildlife Year in Lochaber

2011-01-14T13:19:00.002Z

Jon Mercer of Glenloy Wildlife has compiled a full year's blogging into a beautifully illustrated hardback book. The book looks at the changing face of wildlife seen over the course of 2009, mainly in the West Highlands.

The book is available through Glenloy Wildlife for £15 + postage.

A Roost for the Night...

2010-12-20T09:38:00.003Z

"As the night draws in and you close the front door on the cold winter day, spare a thought for small birds as they embark upon the long chilly night. Some of these birds, such as blue tits, great tits and wrens, seek cavities in which to roost overnight, sometimes huddling together to keep warm. Millions of nest boxes are provided in UK gardens and these might provide an ideal network of ‘bedrooms’ for these birds. Help the British Trust for Ornithology to find out more, and discover the species roosting in your garden, by participating in their Roosting Survey."

Taken from British Trust for Ornithology's Roosting Survey website.

Snow: great time to watch red kites

2010-11-30T15:36:00.002Z

Check out this video of red kites feeding in the snow. Taken at Argaty Red Kites, near Stirling, Scotland last year.

Autumnwatch on Isle of Mull this week

2010-10-28T17:24:00.002+01:00

Autumnwatch are paying Mull Eagle Watch a visit again this week. Presenters Chris Packham and Martin Hughes-Games are on Mull recording a whole host of stories.

Look out for the show on the 4th November.

More info on the Autumnwatch website.

Unusual sighting of Northern parula on Tiree (normally found in the Americas!)

2010-10-13T14:26:00.002+01:00

The Inner Hebridean island of Tiree has recorded the first ever Scottish sighting of a tiny bird more usually seen in the United States. The northern parula, which is smaller than a blue tit, must have been blown thousands of miles off course by strong westerly winds during its migration to Central America.

This brightly coloured warbler has been recorded previously in England and Northern Ireland, but the Tiree bird is a first for Scotland.

It appeared on September 25 in the garden of local RSPB Scotland officer John Bowler, who has planted native trees to attract such migrant birds.

John said: “The Northern parula is such a beautiful bird, it’s been a real treat to have it as a visitor on Tiree. It caused quite a stir among twitchers, and we’ve had about 75 people come to the island just to get a glimpse of it, which has been great for the local economy. It’s actually the first major twitch we’ve ever had on Tiree, so we’ve had two firsts!”

The Rut is Underway!

2010-10-11T17:07:00.002+01:00

The red deer rut is now underway, with stags bellowing on the hillside to warn challengers off as they lay claim to their harem of hinds. The sound of the stags has been described as "something between a chainsaw and a burp". Now if that doesn't intrigue you...

Wild West are running trips to watch the rut. Trips will run daily, on demand at 13.00. For the real enthusiasts, they are also offering a "Dawn patrol", aiming to be with the rut at first light when most of the activity takes place. For more details and to book, visit www.wildwestsafari.co.uk

Back from the Bird Fair

2010-08-25T11:15:00.005+01:00

We're back from our fifth successful year at The Bird Fair at Rutland Water, Leicestershire. We welcomed over 1000 people to our stand over the three days and thanks to everyone who came to say hello. On Saturday we were joined by a piper who added a touch of Scotland to the fair.

As well as encouraging people to come to Scotland to watch wildlife, this year we were also promoting Scotland Outdoors magazine. If you're interested in Scotland's nature and outdoors, then this is definitely the magazine for you. Four editions a year and an annual subscription of only £10 (usually £3.80 per edition).

Special thanks to the team who helped on the stand (in order of picture above) Robbie Sheddon, our piper, Debby Thorne (Mull Eagle Watch), Richard Rowe (Scotland Outdoors), Caroline Warburton (Wild Scotland), Adrian Davis (Wildoutdoors) and Angela Mercer (Glenloy Wildlife).

The Seal and the Octopus...

2010-08-18T16:53:00.000+01:00

Check out this great picture of a seal eating an octopus.

It was captured by a passenger sailing with Turus Mara on a trip from Mull to Iona.

There are some other great wildlife pictures from their trips at their 'Island Lass' blog.

Shetland otters...

2010-08-17T16:35:00.003+01:00

Check out the adorable otter pictures on Brydon Thomson's Shetland Nature Otter Blog. Is this a perfect job or what!

He writes...
"Finally managed to upload a few images from my Otter antics over passed couple of months. This sequence are from an encounter I enjoyed in late July, of a mother with her two cubs. It was a beautiful still summers night, but unfortunately the light was rank. It was a fantastic encounter none the less, I was with them for nearly two hours, at one point down to about 20feet as the cubs play fought in front of me in a mirror calm rock pool. This family are not animals I know well as they are at a location I do not normally visit, I reckoned the cubs to be about 10 months old".

To see the pictures, click here.

Latest from Ardnamurchan Charters

2010-08-15T09:14:00.000+01:00

Whatever the time of year, there's always great wildlife watching in Scotland, here's an update of the week's sightings from west coast wildlife boat trip operator, Ardnamurchan Charters:

"We've seen bottlenose dolphins in the harbour of the island of Muck (one of the Small Isles) the last few times we've visited which was a lovely way to be escorted in. Although the breeding bird numbers are best at the start of the season at this time of year, the basking sharks are in their highest numbers at the moment and the grey seals out at the Cairns of Coll are getting ready to pup next month."

More info: Ardnamurchan Charters

Hen harrier chicks making good progress at Clyde Muirshiel

2010-08-13T14:44:00.002+01:00

The hen harrier chicks continue to do well at Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, near Greenock, under the watchful eye (well lense) of a camera which is beaming live footage back to the Muirshiel Visitor Centre.

Hen harriers are a scarce breeding species in Scotland. Creatures of the moor, they nest on the ground and feed on small birds and mammals.

At time of writing the first chick had just started feeding for itself. You can follow the chick via the Rangers Blog on the Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park website or visit the centre yourself.

Summer of Great Wildlife Sightings from the Outer Hebrides

2010-08-12T10:00:00.009+01:00

Outer Hebrides based cruise company, Island Cruising have reported a summer of interesting sightings, despite some bad weather.

Skipper and owner, Murdo MacDonald said that this year had been unprecedented for the large number of basking sharks (pictured) in the area, at times seeing 10 individuals together. He'd also had great sightings of orca (killer whales), as well as two sunfish (pictured). These are bizarre looking animals which are found in tropical and temperate waters feed on jellyfish. A few are spotted off the west coast each year although this is at the very tip of their range.

Island Cruising have been running cruises around the beautiful Western Isles and out to St Kilda for many years and offer a range of wildlife, activity and island hopping cruises through the spring and summer season.

More info: Island Cruising

Calling Wildlife Photographers: red squirrel hide available for hire.

2010-08-10T11:02:00.008+01:00

Photography holiday company, Northshots have made their purpose-built red squirrel photography hide available for hire.

Set in a small pine forest clearing in the Cairngorms National Park in the Highlands of Scotland, the hide is perfect for capturing great images at close quarters.

Click here for more details.

Photo credit: Northshots/www.northshots.com

Scotland's oldest osprey leaves for her African migration

2010-08-10T10:50:00.003+01:00

Lady, the oldest breeding osprey has left its nesting site at Loch of the Lowes in Perthshire. This amazing bird has bred at the nature reserve near Dunkeld 20 times and raised a staggering 48 chicks.

Following a strange illness in June, there is some discussion about whether she will make her 3,000 mile migration to Africa and return to Scotland next summer.

The drama of the Loch of the Lowes ospreys has been followed minute by minute by thousands of people around the world, thanks to a camera in the birds' nest which is beamed live on the internet.

Although the female has left, the chicks are still around and will leave shortly.

Check them out on the Scottish Wildlife Trust webcam.

Festival of Politics: Environmental Photography Workshop

2010-08-02T12:40:00.002+01:00

Environmental Photography Workshop
Thursday 12 August, 11.00 (13.00) Committee Room 4 FREE*
Join professional nature photographer and founding director of both the Tooth & Claw predator project and Wild Wonders of Europe, Peter Cairns. Following a short talk by the photographer about recent work, there will be time to discuss with this expert his approaches and techniques in wildlife and environmental photography.

More info: click here.

Great news for Torridon sea eagles

2010-07-23T15:06:00.002+01:00

RSPB staff joined Wild Scotland member, Torridon Sea Tours recently to go and ring a white-tailed eagle chick on Shieldaig Island.

The excitement about this chick is that it's the first chick be raised on the island and shows how this one persecuted bird is starting to expand its range.

Gemma Livingstone of Torridon Sea Tours said 'we have had some fantastic sightings of the adults and their chick recently. The eagles were not introduced to our area but have came of their own accord and hopefully they will be there for a long time to come.'

More info: Torridon Sea Tours

The Caithness Challenge

2010-07-19T10:43:00.003+01:00

Up in the north of Scotland for your holidays this month? Well, why not have a go at The Caithness Challenges. A series of events are taking place from 23-25 July as London 2012 Open Weekend.

More info from the Dunnet Head Educational Trust website.

Praise indeed for Wild West Safaris

2010-07-16T09:00:00.001+01:00

It just goes to show that wildlife watching can create some of the best memories from a holiday, and Wild West near Fort William certainly helped make their guests' trip.

Here's a quote from a very contented customer:
"Just wanted to say thank you, for the best day we have ever had in all the years we have been visiting Scotland.

"The trip to Kinloch Hourn, one we have made several times before ourselves, was made so very special by the abundance of wildlife, your knowledge of the local history, the plant life, Billy's boat trip to Barrisdale Island & yes, even the bugs.

"I doubt will we ever find anything to match that day, we will keep trying though".

Wild West is run by Ian MacLeod and offer wildlife-watching 'safari' tours up Glen Garry and the Great Glen in the Highlands of Scotland. For more details about their trips, click here.

Huge group of basking sharks off Small Isles

2010-07-15T11:02:00.004+01:00

A group of over 50 basking sharks has been seen together off the north coast of Canna, the most westerly of The Small Isles.

The sighting was reported by Bella Jane Boat Trips who run wildlife-watching boat trips from Elgol, on Skye.

The picture is of a basking shark jumping clear out of the water. It was taken in a similar area last year by Sea Life Surveys who run trips from Tobermory on Mull.

Common seal pups about...

2010-07-14T11:12:00.004+01:00

It's been really windy here in Scotland this week which can thwart plans to go to sea, however there's still lots to see at the coast. Ardnamurchan Charters have been watching 2-3 week old common seal pups this week in Loch Teacuis and Loch Sunart. Aaaah!

For details about this week's sailings, click here.

Common dolphins in their hundreds off Skye

2010-07-07T11:44:00.003+01:00

A group of wildlife spotters has encountered a massive pod of dolphins on a boat trip off the north coast of Skye.

Wild Scotland member, Hebridean Whale Cruises, who operatoe out of Gairloch on the west coast, estimated there were about 1,000 short-beaked common dolphin.

For more info and a video, click here (link to BBC website)

Great sightings of basking sharks off the West Coast

2010-07-02T17:01:00.004+01:00

West coast boat operator, Ardnamurchan Charters are reporting that there are loads of basking sharks around at the moment. These harmless creatures are the second largest fish in the world and an increasing number of them are spending their summers in Scottish waters.

They also report that the Treshnish Islands off the coast of Mull are looking great - packed full of seabirds as always. If you want to see the seabird colonies at their best, now's the time.

You can keep up to date with their sightings by clicking here.

More information about boat trips, go to Ardnamurchan Charters

Check out the acrobatic Moray Firth dolphins!

2010-06-23T10:58:00.010+01:00

There are loads of great whale, dolphin and basking shark sightings at the moment. Get out there and see them for yourselves!

This great video was filmed last week onboard Moray Diving, who run trips from Lossiemouth. They also saw six orca last week (alas no photos!).

There are two other great videos, click here to see them.

Firsts for two Wild Scotland members on Mull

2010-06-21T15:07:00.005+01:00

Two Wild Scotland members on Mull have become firsts in different areas:

Sea Life Surveys: first boat operator in Scotland to reach Gold in the Green Tourism Business Scheme

Islandscape Photography: awarded 4 stars and graded as 'Excellent' by VisitScotland under their 'Tour' quality assurance scheme.

Congratulations to both organisations!

Naturally it was a Wild Week!

2010-06-17T13:06:00.002+01:00

Here's the lowdown from Rosie of Wild Rose Escape about their Naturally Wild Week during May. Sounds like a great way to spend a week in the Highlands...

'We have just had a wonderful week at East Rhidorroch Lodge. The weather could not have been better, with scorching sunshine when we were on Handa Island! A big thank-you to Julie for her expertise at the beginning of the week and also Paul who cooked up some wonderful feasts, including mussels we had foraged from the shore. We spent the week looking out for wild plants, foraging for our supper and spotting birds. On our last day we spotted a golden eagle in the crags, which was a real treat and a delight to watch. Next year we will be running our wild week at the same time of year if you would like to join us.

Other holidays offered by Wild Rose Escapes:
Fleece to Felt: July 24th-30th (places available)
Learn a traditional craft in the Highlands and have holiday at the same time. Staying in a beautifully renovated old school house, home cooking, open fires, foraging for dye plants, natural dying your fleece, croft visits with hand shearing demonstrations and of course learn to felt using Highland as well as Mongolian techniques.

Family Escapes: Half terms, Easter holidays, July & August
Need to worry about cooking for the week you can have the freedom of a self catering cottage with delicious meals supplied so you can all properly relax. Choose from activities such as, wild food foraging for the family, beach days, rib ride to see the seals, bird watching, storytelling in the tipi and wildlife walks as well as much more...

West Coast Relaxation Week: September 11th -17th (places available)
Come and truly relax, with morning yoga run by Joanie, delicious healthy breakfasts, local walks to stunning sandy beaches, felting and art workshops, bread baking and evening massage and relaxation workshops.

Further information:

True value of wildlife tourism

2010-06-16T18:01:00.000+01:00

Wildlife tourism worth over £60 million a year to the Scottish economy

2010-06-16T09:30:00.002+01:00

£65 million - that's the value of dedicated wildlife tourism to Scotland as stated in a report by Bournemouth University announced today.

The £65 million relates to the 1.12 million trips taken each year by wildlife watching enthusiasts and which support 2,763 FTE jobs.

Commenting on the report, Wild Scotland chairman Ben Mardall (pictured) said,

'We're delighted that this report have been published, particularly as many of our members were involved in the study. The results confirm that wildlife tourism is now a significant part of the Scottish tourism economy, employing over 2500 individuals. The report focusses on only the dedicated wildlife watchers so just think how many more people include a wildlife trip as part of their holiday to Scotland.

'Wild Scotland has worked hard to get the wildlife tourism sector recognised as a key part of the tourism industry and this report helps highlight its value as well as some of the issues which need to be addressed in order for more visitors to enjoy the fantastic wildlife-watching that Scotland has to offer'.

The study, titled 'The Economic Impact of Wildlife Tourism in Scotland', was launched today by Richard Lochead, MSP, Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment.

Further information

Don't mess with me as buzzard meets its match!

2010-06-10T19:22:00.000+01:00

How's this for a spectacular shot?

Mull photographer Iain Erskine, who holds a special licence, captured the image while accompanying an RSPB team to a nest where eaglets were to be ringed.

Read the full story here.

Wildlife Sightings Update from Discover Mull

2010-06-10T12:40:00.005+01:00

Here's a entry from Arthur Brown of Discover Mull's blog:

"June 8th was a fabulous day for the Mull specialities with a great start when a male hen harrier flew all round us as we were having coffee and biscuits. We then went to a golden eagle site and had terrific views of both birds sitting and flying. Whilst we were watching the eagles we spotted 3 red deer stags on a crag just below the skyline, the guests loved it, golden eagles on the wing and stags in the same view - the epitome of a Scottish scene!

"Later we watched a white-tailed eagle feeding a chick which made us all feel hungry so we went and had lunch of welcome hot soup and sandwiches which included, dare I say it, venison!

"After lunch we can an even better sighting of a white-tailed eagle and then an otter sighting - my best one of the year. We watched it for half an hour as it fished and then brought a large crab out onto a rock to eat, as you can imagine our guests were delighted.

"In a nutshell, a great time was had by all with no disturbance to the wildlife whatsoever, something we pride ourselves on."

Other species seen by Discover Mull during May:

Summer plummage dunlin, black-tailed godwits and whimbrel all passing through Mull on their way north
Great-northern and red-throated divers
A rare treat of pair of bee-eaters who stayed around for a few days
Corncrake seen on our special trip to Iona for Wild Isles Week on Mull

More info

The Big Bug Hunt! Cluny House Gardens, near Aberfeldy

2010-06-04T08:05:00.001+01:00

Spend a morning or an afternoon with Craig Macadam Buglife’s Scottish Conservation Officer looking for and identifying garden bugs.

Learn how important all the wee creatures are in our gardens. On Tuesday the 22nd June he will be leading an event at Wild Scotland member, Cluny House Gardens, Aberfeldy from 10.30 to 12.30 and from 2.30 to 4.30 he will be at the Wildlife Garden in Pitlochry. The cost will be £4/person. All proceeds will go towards red squirrel and bird food for both gardens.

For Cluny, please contact Wendy Mattingley wmattingley@btinternet.com 01887 820795 and for the Pitlochry Wildlife Garden please contact Sally Spaven sally.spaven@btinternet.com 01796 472020. Booking is essential as numbers are restricted.

About Buglife: The Invertebrate Conservation Trust is the first organisation in Europe devoted to the conservation of all invertebrates, and are actively engaged in saving Britain's rarest bugs, slugs, snails, bees, wasps, ants, spiders, beetles and many more fascinating little animals. Buglife’s aim is to halt the extinction of invertebrate species and to achieve sustainable populations of invertebrates. http://www.buglife.org.uk/

The events at Cluny and the Pitlochry Wildlife Garden are coinciding with National Insect Week 2010, 21st – 27th June. During that week, on the website and at hundreds of local events around the UK, there is the opportunity to “Discover Diversity in the World of Insects”.

National Insect Week is organized by the Royal Entomological Society, supported by a large number of partner organizations concerned with many aspects of insect science, natural history and biodiversity

Seaprobe Atlantis: best wildlife events in the UK

2010-06-03T15:19:00.000+01:00

Glass bottom boat, Seaprobe Atlantis based at the Kyle of Lochalsh on the West Coast of Scotland was in the top ten best wildlife events in the UK in the Daily Telegraph recently.

It was part of their National Wildlife Fortnight focus, and was providing ideas for wildlife-watching over the summer half-term break.

Read the full story here.

Speyside is UK's top wildlife spot says Chris Packham

2010-06-02T12:04:00.003+01:00

Speyside in the Cairngorms National Park was heralded as one of the best wildlife areas in the UK last week.

During the Norfolk launch of BBC Springwatch's programme this week, naturalist and TV presenter Chris Packham commented:

"It [Norfolk] is up there as one of the best eco-tourist attractions in the country. You've got Speyside in Scotland, and then you've got north Norfolk."

Too right, Chris! And the rest of Scotland is equally amazing too!

Click here for more information about the Cairngorms region

Quote taken from article in EDP24.co.uk

Happy 10th Birthday Scottish Seabird Centre

2010-05-30T16:29:00.000+01:00

It's the Scottish Seabird Centre at North Berwick's 10th Birthday this year so there are extra special events taking place.

One in particular is on Sunday 4th July when the Radio Forth Roadshow will be live from the centre.

Enjoy a fun packed afternoon at the big summer beach party to celebrate their 10th birthday with the help of top DJs Boogie and Dingo There will be fun and games, food and drink and lots of prizes to be won. Get there for 12.30pm and the fun starts at 1pm. There’s no charge – so go and have a free fun day out.

More information: Scottish Seabird Centre.

Cream o'Galloway goes Batty

2010-05-28T12:24:00.007+01:00

Award-winning environmental visitor attraction, Cream o'Galloway near Castle Douglas in Dumfries and Galloway is going batty next week with their 'Bat Night'.

On Wednesday 2nd June, there will be an evening of bat spotting as well as other fun activities about bats. Event starts at 8.30pm (finish by 10.30pm). Bring a torch and some warm clothes.
Cost: £2.50
Booking essential - call 01557 815 222

The day after on Thursday 3rd June at 11am, they're holding a 'Hedgerow Safari'. Search for small mammals in the hedgerow habitats of Cream o' Galloway and find out why the organic lands of Rainton Farm are so valuable, with staff from OMSCO, the Organic Milk Suppliers Cooperative.
Cost: free
Booking not essential

Cream o'Galloway run great events for kids so if you're looking for something to entertain them (and yourselves), then head over to Cream o'Galloway.

Oh, and did I mention that they also make organic ice-cream!

For more info, visit the Cream o'Galloway website.

Spring is Swinging with Wild West Safaris

2010-05-19T14:55:00.006+01:00

Here's a quick update from Ian Macleod of Wild West Safaris on what he's been seeing recently over in the West.

'Well, spring is now swinging along nicely, with the verges and woodlands carpeted with wood anemones and primroses, plus bluebells starting to put in an appearance. The osprey at Loch Lochy is sitting on eggs and the sea eagles are active on Loch Arkaig. A healthy population of scoter (see picture) are resident on Loch Garry. I was told by the local warden there are 24 birds on the loch, approximately 25 per cent of the Scottish nesting population.

'I'm also regularly seeing black and red throated diver on the trips, and butterfly are on the wing. Saw my first chequered skipper of the season yesterday, at Allt Mhuic on Loch Arkaig.

'An early start last week found black grouse still lekking just outside Fort William and half an hour spent sitting at the mouth of the river Lochy in front of the underwater centre, not far from the town centre proved very fruitful with an otter swimming and feeding happily in front of me. You don't need to go to wild, remote places to see these charismatic creatures.'

Ian runs Wild West Safaris, located near Fort William. For more information about his trips, click here.

The Whales are Back!

2010-04-13T09:51:00.002+01:00

Hot off the press, the first minke whale of the season was spotted today in the Hebrides by a yachtsman.

Also 12 bottlenose dolphinsw seen travelling up the Sound of Mull from Craignure.

Wildlife Sightings from the Ardnamurchan Peninsula

2010-03-04T10:28:00.005Z

The West Coast of Scotland is a great spot for wildlife watching. Located on the western most peninsula of the British mainland, Ardnamurchan Charters are recording all their wildlife sightings.

This month (and yes, we're only just in March) they've reported a group of six harbour porpoises feeding just off Resipole.

There were plenty of sightings in January and February too. It just goes to show that Scotland's as great for wildlife in the winter as it is in the summer!

To see the Ardnamurchan Charters sightings board, click here.

For other sightings from the West Coast, visit the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust website

An Utterly Otterly Day on Mull

2010-02-19T13:21:00.008Z

Here's a excerpt from Pam and Arthur Brown of Discover Mull's diary this week. It goes to show that wildlife-watching is great throughout the year, and Mull is a great place to see otters!

'The weather was cloudy after a flurry of overnight snow. Cold, but calm. We were out with a couple of friends on a day out and what a wonderful day we had.

'At our first stop we were lucky enough to find an otter feeding by the harbour. We also saw 2 white-tailed eagles which flew over us as we watched the otter.

'A great northern diver was seen at the next stop, another 17 were to follow during the day.

'A short while later we spotted 2 more otters then a large herd of red deer. More otters were then seen along with a great view of a golden eagle sitting on a rock at the top of a hill. Oh, and then another 3 otters!

'As we headed to where we would have our lunch we spotted a kestrel and another 3 otters.

'Lunch was a quiet affair (i.e. no otters) but we did see teal, goldeneye, wigeon, red-breasted mergansers, some Slavonian grebes and a very close grey heron.

'After lunch we set off again to look for more golden eagles but instead saw 2 more white-tailed eagles.

'At the next stop both common and grey seals were seen and then as we journeyed on we spotted another 4 otters. This time they were very close to the shore and we had to crouch down low to watch the cubs frolicking in the water whilst their mum was fishing. Each time she caught a fish she brought it onto the seaweed to give to her cubs.

'At tea break we saw 3 more otters and this brought our otter total for the day to 19! Our previous best daily total was a meagre 10.

'We went into a snowy glen to look for flying eagles but instead were amazed by a herd of over 50 red deer feeding on the lower ground due to the ice and snow.

'We desperately wanted the 20th otter of the day and spent the last hour rushing to an area where we had not been on the tour and yes we found one!

'We had seen 20 diffent otters in an unforgettable day. We just could not believe or stop laughing at our good fortune. Isn't wildlife wonderful'.

To join Pam and Arthur on one of their wildlife-watching adventures, go to www.discovermull.co.uk

Red squirrels love Cluny House Gardens

2009-12-18T14:55:00.004Z

If you're in Perthshire over the Christmas break, make sure you pop into Cluny House Gardens in Aberfeldy.

The gardens are offering free entry to the gardens throughout the winter and it's a great place to watch wildlife. Their speciality is red squirrels who although threatening in other parts of the country and thriving in Cluny House Gardens.

Entry is free until end of February (although donations towards squirrel food are very welcome!).

More Information

Make your New Year resolution for 2010 to do something to support biodiversity.

2009-12-15T15:00:00.000Z

Did you know that 2010 is the International Year of Biodiversity?

Wild Scotland is a partner organisation and to get things starting, we're asking everyone to do one simple thing to help preserve biodiversity. It can be something very small or more significant but it all helps.

Have a think or have a look some ideas on the the International Year of Biodiversity UK website.

Montrose Basin: still full of geese

2009-12-11T13:58:00.004Z

Montrose Basin in Angus is the place to be at this time of the year. The nature reserve run by the Scottish Wildlife Trust is just full of birds, including 20,000 pink-footed geese.

Now is a fantastic time to visit as the winter clear days gives some excellent light on the species.

The pink-footed geese are still in very high numbers for this time of year. The last goose a few days ago still turned up around 20,000!

Other winter species numbers include:

Dunlin - 655
Scaup – 69
Shelduck – 1191
Wigeon – 1710
Eider – 1081
Shoveler – 12
Oystercatcher – 1412
Kingfisher – 2

The Centre is open Friday, Saturday, Sundays from 10.30am until 4pm. The new hide at Tayock gives an excellent vantage point from which to watch the morning lift of geese and also at dusk when they come back to roost with us.

For more info: Montrose Basin Reserve and Visitor Centre

Don't miss the boat!

2009-12-02T14:27:00.003Z

Congratulations to Wild Scotland member, cruise company The Majestic Line who won the Best Visitor Experience category at the Highland and Islands Tourism Awards at the end of November.

For more information, click here.

Another Whale of a Season off Gairloch!

2009-11-16T13:08:00.005Z

It’s been another super season for whale and dolphin watching with Wild Scotland member, Hebridean Whale Cruises who run from Gairloch Harbour on the West Coast of Scotland.

So far this year, sightings have been:

Minke whale: 277
Long-finned pilot whale 1
Humpback whale: 1 definite & 1 possible
Short-beaked common dolphin: 2319
Bottlenose dolphin:80

There have also been several sightings of killer whales in the area.

For more information about wildlife watching trips from Gairloch, visit Hebridean Whale Cruises

Another Good Season on Mull

2009-11-13T12:13:00.006Z

Here's a round-up of the wildlife-watching season on Mull from Discover Mull's Arthur Brown:

"With the summer and autumn season now over this is an update of the happenings from Discover Mull on The Isle of Mull during these two seasons.

"White-tailed eagles (Sea Eagles): a record number of 10 chicks were fledged this year on the island so we were very pleased. Three pairs fledged two chicks each which was also very good and one chick died when a nest collapsed causing it to hit the ground just before it was to follow its sister in flying the nest, the only black spot on a very good year. We were lucky enough to have very good white-tailed eagle sightings on most of our tours with views of two adults taking gulls and eider ducks being the most exciting. Some guests were able to get some very good photographs of this magnificent bird of prey flying low right above our heads, a fantastic memento of their stay on Mull.

"Golden eagles did not have such a good breeding season due to wet and cold weather in May this year. We have more breeding pairs of golden eagles than white-tailed eagles on the island but they fledged less young which meant that it was harder to see golden eagles on the tours as less birds were feeding young. We were very lucky to see them on most tours as our favourite pair did manage to rear a youngster despite having to build a new nest this year as their chosen nest sight of the last few years blew out in a gale the previous winter.

"Hen harriers and short-eared owls had a very poor year due to the very poor May weather this year, in fact most short-eared owls left the island early as they had failed to breed so we did not see many on the tours. Hen harriers did remain in small numbers and we saw them on some tours particularly in the late summer and early autumn.

"Otters were seen on most tours and provide hours of entertainment and delight to all that see them. Fewer cubs were seen in the summer this year but as autumn approached more were being seen with their mothers as they got stronger and disturbance was less from visitors playing around the coasts, sailing and kayaking.

"Red deer were seen on every tour this year with the obvious highlights being calving in June and a spectacular rut in the late autumn. Fallow deer were also seen in the early summer and autumn before and after the bracken appeared and disappeared.

"The other main highlights of a great Mull year were mountain hare seen in very good numbers this year. Common and grey seals were seen on nearly every tour, one particular highlight was when we witnessed a common seal giving birth. Seabirds had a very good breeding year with gannets providing the most spectacular sightings of the seabirds plunge diving to catch fish.

"Another great wildlife summer on Mull, a working island and not a reserve, that shows what nature can achieve if we work harmoniously with it and not try to change it for our own ends."

For more information: Discover Mull and Wild Scotland

The fish are swimming too!

2009-10-30T11:52:00.002Z

We're just received this video from the underwater cameras at Philiphaugh Salmon Viewing Centre in the Scottish Borders. It shows the huge number of fish trying to get up the river.

The Fish are Jumping!

2009-10-23T12:16:00.005+01:00

Autumn brings some great wildlife spectacles, and one of the most impressive is the migration of salmon up our great rivers so that they can spawn.

This event is at its peak at the moment and one of the best places to watch it is at the Salmon Viewing Centre on Philiphaugh Estate near Selkirk in the Scottish Borders. The visitor centre with its underwater cameras and fish counter sits by the River Ettrick and over 600 fish were counted going up the river in one day!

The most northerly point of the British Mainland...

2009-09-07T10:45:00.005+01:00

...has just got its own promotional video.

Often overlooked by its more famous neighbour John o'Groats, Dunnet Head is the most northerly point on the British Mainland. Often described as Caithness in miniature, the video below provides a flavour of the areas's attractions, including great scenery, geology, walking, fishing, horse riding, kayaking and of course, great wildlife watching. Dolphins were seen off the coast only last week.

The full DVD can be purchased from Dunnet Head Education Trust.

Wild Scotland at The Bird Fair 2009

2009-08-23T09:32:00.006+01:00

Today, we're here at The Bird Fair at Rutland Water in Leicestershire. This is the last day of the fair and it has been a successful weekend. Visitor numbers have been higher than ever suggesting that interest in wildlife and the environment continues to grow.

One of the most pleasing aspects of attending the Fair is hearing how many people love Scotland and agree that Scotland is Europe's no.1 wildlife-watching destination.

We've had record numbers of entrants into our prize draw this year too, with over 800 entries. With nine prizes up for grabs, it has obviously caught visitors' attention.

We're also highlighting the Highland Tiger campaign on the stand which has generated alot of interest in the Scottish wildcat.

On the stand this year, I'm being helped by Rachael from Rothiemurchus Estate and Lynda from the Scottish Seabird Centre, as well as our Chairman, Ben Mardall (pictured).

Batty about Bats

2009-08-12T15:22:00.005+01:00

Now, the bat is a species that is often overlooked, however with 17 species found in the UK, there is plenty to learn about these amazing little mammals.

At this time of year, youngsters will be becoming less dependent on their mothers' milk and will start to feed for themselves. As a result the nursery roosts will start to disperse.

Bats are active throughout the spring and summer but as the winter draws in they become less active and hibernate (from November to February).

So now's a great time to go bat spotting, and we just so happen to have a great event for you to attend...

Go Batty at Argaty
Date: 28th August 2009, 7.30pm - 9.30pm
Location: Argaty Red Kite Project, Lerrocks Farm, Doune, FK16 6EJ
Price: £4 adults, £2 children (50% donation to the local bat group)

Join experts from Echoes Ecology for a brief talk / presentation followed by a dusk and evening meander in search of our little ultrasonic friends! Using special detectors we will track their nocturnal antics as they try to catch their evening meal. This event is for enthusiasts and first timers alike. Please wear suitable footwear, warm clothing and a torch if you have one. This event is open to all (children must be accompanied by an adult).
For more details contact Argaty Red Kites by email or phone (01786 841 373)

More information

Curious minke whale...

2009-07-10T10:00:00.006+01:00

Here is a great video taken a few days ago by Andy Tait during a whale-watching trip with Sea Life Surveys on Mull. This young minke whale is definitely checking the boat out!

Enjoy the part when the whale turns over to get a better look at the boat (about 2 mins into the film).

For other wildlife videos by Andy, visit his YouTube page.

Glenloy Wildlife early June highlights

2009-07-07T12:57:00.001+01:00

Had some great sightings with Glenloy Wildlife guests last weeks, and am just playing catch up with some of the details:

Monday: 2 youg red squirrels ran along the road towards the van and paused on the verge for a good look before scampering off. Sword-leaved Helleborine still flowering nearby. Eagles up the glen.

Tuesday. Orchids flowering in Glen Loy Chickweed Wintergreen in the Caledonian Pinewoods. Whinchats singing throughout glen. Spotted flycatcher by deer fence.

Wednesday:Stopped to look at a goosander in Loch Linnhe and spotted a female otter on the rocks, which then fished for us. Whist still watching for the otter two sea eagles appeared behind us, and were harried by a golden eagle, with great views of all. For good measure a buzzard and a raven also appeared in frame to give a great idea of scale. Later that day a pair of merlin were disturbed by a raven , which they continued to harry for some minutes, shrieking and dive-bombing it.

Thursday. Shearwaters cutting the waves around the boat on the way to Rum. Hundreds of common seals sunbathing on the skerries.

Friday. Porpoise rolling in Loch Linnhe and fantastic close-up views of Marsh Fritillary on the shore nearby.

Saturday. 3 black-throated diver feeding together in close group on nearby loch affording fantastic views from the shore. Red deer hind, heavily pregnant, feeding by the bridge at Glenfinnan and unwilling to move as we eventually crept past.

Great Time for Whale Sightings

2009-07-06T14:43:00.014+01:00

Here in the Wild Scotland HQ, I'm receiving reports from up the West Coast and round to Dunnet Head that there are plenty of whales about at the moment.

Minke whales were seen only last week in the Pentland Firth from Dunnet Head on the north Caithness Coast and operators in Gairloch tell us that whale and dolphin sightings are excellent at the moment.

Excitingly, West Coast whale conservation charity, the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust had a fantastic sighting of a humpback whale between Coll and South Uist. For more info, click here.

So if you're interested in whale-watching, then now's the time to head north!

More info:

Whale-watching trips in Gairloch, click here.
Accommodation and wildlife news in Gairloch, click here.
Dunnet Head Educational Trust, click here.
Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust, click here.
Full list of whale-watching companies in Scotland, click here.

Harbour porpoises at the weekend...

2009-06-22T14:55:00.002+01:00

Wild Scotland Chairman, Ben Mardall writes about his wildlife encounters from a weekend on the water...

"While sailing this weekend on the West Coast of Scotland, we spotted harbour porpoises and a bottlenose dolphin. On Saturday, just after leaving Craignure on the island of Mull, we were making for the island of Lunga when I heard a ‘blow’ behind me. I looked round to see a dolphin two feet off our stern. It went under the boat and I went forward hoping to catch another glimpse at the bow but it had disappeared as quickly as it had appeared.

"On our way home on Sunday, again between Oban and the Sound Of Mull, we came across the tideline and saw two groups of harbour porpoises, about 8 or 10 in total. A great sight, watching them breaking the surface and disappearing again. Such a fleeting glimpse however it builds the tension and you are almost willing the next sighting on. It does not matter how many times you have seen dolphins, whales or porpoises, you never tire of that amazing feeling you get when they suddenly pop up in front of you.

"We did not make Lunga on the Saturday night so we anchored off a small just north of Lunga. With it being the night before the Summer Solstice it was light until very late on, even with a heavy cloud cover. Plenty of wildlife to watch though, seals relaxing on the rocks as well as gannets, shags and skuas.

"Back ashore, the drive over from the East Coast was not without wildlife encounters too. As we came through Glencoe there were more red deer by the road than I have seen for a long time and just as we came through Ballachulish, a roe doe with two kids right on the verge."

Please be very careful when driving late evening, early morning and at night, lots of wildlife about, do take care.

Please let us know of your sightings and experiences while in Scotland, especially if you have been out with one of our Wild Scotland members.

Whale Watching: the ethical alternative

2009-06-18T17:02:00.008+01:00

This week I've been on Mull with the World Society for Protection of Animals (WSPA) and Really Wild Show presenter and naturalist, Terry Nutkins.

Wild Scotland is supporting WSPA's anti-whaling campaign which is being launched this Monday at the start of the International Whaling Commission's annual meeting (see here for BBC article).

Wild Scotland took WSPA and Terry to Mull to join whale-watching company, Sea Life Surveys on a boat trip to celebrate a more compassionate way to profit from these stunning animals.

The minke whales which frequent our waters each summer, and which more and more people are wanting to see are at threat. The annual Norwegian whale hunt, which takes place every year in April has been awarded a 2009 whaling quota of 885 minke whales and has killed over 150 whales so far this year. These are the very animals which come to the safety of Scottish waters each year.

Do help support the campaign. Find out more at www.wspa.org.uk.

Photo Caption: Sea Life Surveys skipper & Wild Scotland Board member Richard Fairbairns with Terry Nutkins

A Note from Wild Scotland Chairman

2009-06-09T15:15:00.008+01:00

Welcome to the Wild Scotland Blog, it has been very remiss of me as Chairman not to have contributed to the blog as yet. So I have to apologise to Caroline our excellent Project Manager for my delay.

Wild Scotland was formed over 5 years ago, it was created because the operators recognised that the industry was growing and there was concern that the fragile resource we aim to share with the public could be jeopardised. So the operators formed a charter to work to, sort funding to develop best practice guidance and set up a not for profit body to give the sector a voice and the mechanism to respond to wider market concerns and demands.

Those principles still remain and during that period we have worked with Visit Scotland to develop a ‘Quality Assurance’ for Wildlife Operators, with Scottish Natural Heritage on the ‘Best Practice Guidance’ and with Scottish Enterprise and Highland & Islands Enterprise to raise awareness and gather research on the sector.

There are currently just fewer than 100 businesses across Scotland working to the Wild Scotland Charter and up holding the principles that were laid out in our formative years.

If you are going to take a wildlife holiday I would encourage you to use one of our members and you can be safe in the knowledge that not only will you get a great experience but the wildlife you have come to see will there in the future for others to enjoy.

Have a great holiday and keep on eye on the blog and website over the summer as the members report in their sightings.

If you have any great wildlife experiences that you would like to share with us please do get in touch via our website.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Ben Mardall
Wild Scotland Chairman
www.wild-scotland.co.uk

BBC Cameras at Wild Rose Escapes, Ross-shire

2009-06-05T12:10:00.010+01:00

Spring has sprung in the Highlands at Wild Rose Escapes. Rosie Hazelton provides an update on their activities:

'Our spring flowers and greens are here, we have had our first harvest of nettles and dandelions, the swallows are back and the seabirds are settled in.

The growing season has started! This week I have been cleaning our demi-jons ready to make a batch of gorse flower wine - from Lizzie’s granny’s recipe.

We spent today mixing clay and bracken to make our first bread oven of the year, the best way to mix is to stomp! We have ended up with a beautiful dome shaped outdoor oven ready for tonight’s homemade pizzas.

BBC cameras & us!
Last month we had the BBC filming one of our family holidays for the CBBC programme; Gimme a break- where the children choose the holiday, and they chose ours.

We started with a tour of Leckmelm farm with Lucy, feeding jock the Clydesdale horse, the pig with her piglets, holding the baby chicks, and collecting eggs. Lucy was a natural with the camera and the kids loved hearing all about the farm and its inhabitants both animal and human! The family returned to their cottage in Ullapool to a home cooked supper and still had time to pop out and see the stunning sunset.

The following day the family went for spot of fishing with Steven, a local gamekeeper, and afterwards went out on Brian’s speedboat seal spotting. We ended the day with mussel collecting on the shore and a beach barbeque with freshly caught prawns donated by Gerry, a local fisherman, the family and crew loved them.

The family spent their last night in a castle just outside Inverness completed with a haggis supper and Highland piping.

If you are interested in watching us all we will be on BBC 2 and CBBC in September'.

For more information about Wild Rose Escapes and their holidays, click here.

May Wildlife Report from Isle of Mull

2009-06-05T10:18:00.011+01:00

Arthur Brown of Discover Mull Wildlife Tours writes about his May wildlife highlights...

'May was very changeable weather wise with days when it rained incessantly and days when it was beautifully sunny.

The month began with great sightings of great northern divers and red throated divers and on the 1^st May we saw our first fulmar of the year.

Golden eagles were seen on all but one tour in the month with a high count of 7 on the 10^th.Hen harriers were about in good numbers at the start of the month and were joined in a few areas by short eared owls. These owls became harder to see as the month drew on as they started nesting. We hope the wet, cold weather does not prove to be a problem for these ground nesting predators.

I saw my first wood warbler of the year on the 9^th and the next day we had 4 tufted ducks in the Loch Ba estuary, a duck we rarely see in North Mull. The white-billed diver was seen on the tour on the 15^th much to the delight of the birders on the tour. In the middle of the month a lot of whimbrel were seen as were some beautiful golden plovers.

Shelduck ducklings were seen, 8 of them, but we have not seen them since, we hope mink have not taken them. The 21^st proved to be a raptor fest with most of Mull's birds of prey were seen on the day including great views of a peregrine falcon.

Little birds prominent in the month include linnets and twite we are seeing these birds more often on the tours this year but the same cannot be said of the whinchat which have been in short supply, it was the 24^th before I saw my first whinchat of the year.

It was 2 days later when we had a high count of white-tailed eagles with 6 being seen in the day. Bird-wise the month ended on a high with great views of a pair of summer plumaged long-tailed ducks, the drakes long tail showing very well and it was the first time I have seen the long tail on this predominately more northerly sea duck. The month finished with great sightings of Manx shearwaters and great skuas, I cannot wait to see what birdlife June brings.

The usual mammals were seen on most tours with grey seals being the obvious stars but mammal highlight of the month were 5 arctic hares all together on one tour, a terrific sight.

Bluebells and primroses got the month off to a fine start on the floral front and in the middle of the month a botanist pointed out 2 new flowers to me, the mountain everlasting near Eas Force waterfall and bogbean, a beautiful bog plant not far from Calgary Bay. The month ended with prchids, the wonderful narrow-leafed helleborine on the woodland walk at Calgary Farmhouse Hotel, then the heath and common potted orchids and the beautiful deep purple northern marsh orchid which I will endeavour to photograph in the next few days.

It has been a great month for wildlife watching and I can’t wait to see what June will bring, so get out there and enjoy it, or better still come up to Mull and see it with us from our self catering chalets or on one of our tours or both. Enjoy the summer and we hope to see some of you on Mull later in the year, cheers Arthur and Pam.'

For more information about Discover Mull, click here.

For special offers on accommodation and trips on Mull, click here.

Highland Wildlife & Birdwatch Safaris (Aviemore)

2009-06-02T20:49:00.007+01:00

Late May 2009 saw us enjoy some fantastic dry, hot, sunny weather with temperatures soaring to 27.5c on the last weekend, and we now have almost 20 hours of daylight - great wildlife watching weather! With all of the Summer visitors now arrived, bird day-list crept higher up into the 60's, with mammal day-lists steady at 6-10.

Wildlife highlights included:

Most of our 'local specialities' - the species that my clients most hope to see (osprey, goldeneye, red-throated diver, black-throated diver, Slavonian grebe, dipper, red grouse, ring ouzel, crested tit, crossbill, red deer, red squirrel, mountain hare, etc) - continued to show well - though capercaillie & black grouse, with their 'lekking' season now over, have become much more difficult to see.

A new 2009 record (so far!) mammal day-list of 10 - rabbit, bank vole, wood mouse, roe deer, red deer, reindeer, brown hare, mountain hare, red squirrel & mountain goat.

Regular views of our local ospreys fishing (& sometimes actually catching a fish!) & delivering their catch to the female & chicks at the nest - a wonderful sight!

Great views of a ring-tail (female) hen harrier hunting low over heather moorland , impressing us all with it's very buoyant, acrobatic flight - sadly , this is a very rare sight these days.

Super close-ups of one of Britain's rarest and most beautiful birds - Slavonian grebe, on a lovely secluded local lochan (see pic)

A brief mid-afternoon glimpse of a beautifully marked woodcock on a quiet track - a rare & enjoyable treat as they are normally only seen at dusk.

Fledglings! first sightings of young goldeneyes, red grouse, greylag geese & ospreys.

More info: Highland Wildlife and Birdwatch Safaris

First Basking Sharks of the Season Reported!

2009-05-22T13:15:00.003+01:00

The first basking sharks of the season have been spotted off the West Coast, a sure sign that summer is on the way!

Peregrines

2009-04-30T16:26:00.005+01:00

Staff and visitors at the Scottish Wildlife Trust's Falls of Clyde Reserve near Glasgow are watching their peregrine falcons.

Their stunning wild peregrine falcons are currently sitting on a full clutch of eggs, high up on the cliffside above the Falls of Clyde. From the SWT hide on the opposite cliff visitors can enjoy the closest views of a peregrine eyrie in Britain.

This is the 12th consecutive year of breeding peregrine falcons on the SWT wildlife reserve and they are provided with 24/7 protection.

The SWT Visitor Centre in New Lanark now has direct, live CCTV from the nest site (40 mins walk).

For more info, go to the SWT website.

Discover Mull comings and goings

2009-04-24T12:19:00.012+01:00

Our week began with some fabulous views of Slavonian Grebes on Loch Na Keal in full Summer plumage a great bird to see, they will soon be going north to breed so this is the best time of year to see them on the Isle of Mull. On the same day we saw a drake Long Tailed Duck a rare species to see on Mull and only my second one of the winter.

The White Tailed Eagles on Mull are all nesting at the moment and so far 2 pairs have hatched chicks although we don’t know how many chicks each pair has had yet. When out on a tour this week we lucky to see 8 White Tailed Eagle all in the binoculars at the same time, this is really unusual and it only happens if the birds are feeding on large carrion. Golden Eagles are also nesting at the present time and as such are not as visible as they will be when their young have hatched. Hen Harriers and Short Eared Owls have been displaying this week a wonderful sight to see and they too will soon be thinking of nesting and having young.

The Deer both Red and Fallow have started to disperse from their winter feeding areas now, the Red Deer stags up the hills where foliage has started growing, they are losing their antlers now with only a few still having the monarch of the Glen appearance. The hinds are appearing on their calving grounds where there is plenty of grass and cover for the new calves when they are born in June. The Fallow Deer bucks are busily feeding up after the hard winter and the does are also feeding up prior to calving in the summer when they tend to lose themselves in the dense woodland.

The Otters on Mull have had a hard time this winter with several being run over and killed. Money from the Mull Eagle hide project has been allocated to put out road side reflectors in the worst areas to try to stop Otters crossing when vehicles are approaching, let’s hope it succeeds.

Most of our winter birds have now left Mulls shores although there are still some Great Northern Divers here, now resplendent in their chequered black and white finery. The Red Throated Divers that breed on Mull are returning to the nest areas and it is wonderful to hear their call as they fly over our house on the island. Bar Tailed Godwits and Whimbrels are passing through Mull on their way north to breed as are the beautiful Golden Plovers. Migrant birds returning to Mull this week Willow Warblers, Grasshopper Warblers, Common Sandpipers and Tree Pipits and the first cuckoos of the year have been seen and heard. Last but certainly not least the first Minke Whales have been seen this week by the whale watching boats so now we know spring has truly arrived.

For more news from the Isle of Mull go to http://www.discovermull.co.uk/ and read Arthur's daily blog.

Highland Wildlife & Birdwatch Safaris report 18/04/09

2009-04-23T22:56:00.004+01:00

What is it that makes us wildlife lovers get up at 3:30 am, and spend 12 hours out in the wilds at this time of year? Was it seeing the beautiful sunrise over the River Spey accompanied by the Dawn chorus?, the super views of lekking capercaillie & Black Grouse, or the close encounters with Roe Deer, Red Squirrel & Brown Hare? Whatever it was, my party all agreed that it was well worth it, to have seen these rare & special wildlife treats, and all before breakfast! The excellent bacon & egg butties were consumed with relish, and shortly followed by close views of Crested Tit and Scottish Crossbills in the Caledonian Forest, and amazing views of Ospreys at their nest - so close you could see their yellow eyes! The day continued with excellent close-ups of Red Grouse, Slavonian Grebe, Osprey (fishing), & Black-Throated Divers (see pic) and we were then able to enjoy our picnic lunch in a superb upland glen whilst watching huge herds of Red Deer, Mountain Goats & a Mountain Hare. All too soon , our day was over. Our day-list of 50+ bird species & 9 mammal species was impressive, but didnt really matter - what was more important was that we had spent a memorable day watching magnificent wildlife in a selection of varied & beautiful habitats in some of Britain's finest scenery and, best of all, had hardly seen another person - magic!!

Easter at Glenloy

2009-04-22T19:28:00.004+01:00

Things have been pretty hectic at Glenloy of late, but now have finally got time to draw breath and provide an update.

Have had a great spell of weather of late, which completely coincided with the holiday of our first wildife guest of the season - so she was sent home a happy (Easter) bunny - the first lambs of the season also brought out the coos.

Saw our first swallow of the year at Oban on Monday (20th). Migrants have been coming in thick and fast - willow warblers appear to be singing from every bush and tree, having first appeared on the 11th - only 3 days after our first chiffchaffs - so didn't have time to get fed up with chiffing and chaffing before the willow wrens kicked in. Delighted to see our local ospreys back on Sunday (19th). We were worried about these as their nest uhad blown down over the winter, but two birds - presumably a pair- were perched on the same tree and looked to be rebuildling. Also had the first sandpipers along Loch Arkaig on the same day.

Lots of great northern divers up and down the coast - oftne in groups of 3 or more, and in all stages of transition from winter plumage to full breeding plumage - very handsome. A few red throats are also appearing but black-throated have been pretty elusive this last week.

Spring flowers are also coming into their own, with lots of lovely patches of wood anemone, carpets of primrose and celandine. Mayflower also appears to be locally abundant, and quite early. The first bluebells are starting to flower near the coast, and it won't be long before they are everywhere. Even the oaks are starting to leaf - no sign of ash though - sign of a dry summer??

Had good views of deer by side of road (most of antlers now shed) seals and pine marten to entertain our guest. Jim of Eagle Watch Cruises, Loch Shiel, did us proud as usual, with good, if distant, sightings of a goldie. Loch was beautiful and startlingly clear last Friday, despite a breeze on the way back. Saw the West Highlands at its best in the spring sunshine - long may it continue.

First minke whales of the season!

2009-04-21T16:21:00.004+01:00

Wild Scotland member, Sea Life Surveys have spotted their first minke whale of the season.

Four minke whales (a mother and calf and two sub adults) were seen feeding between the islands of Coll and Muck. Even better for everyone onboard the whales actually came over and associated with the boat.

Incredibly the first sighting last year was on the very same day!

Kinloch Huorn trip

2009-04-06T17:12:00.002+01:00

Glen Garry is only half an hour away from Glen Loy, but once the main A82 is left there is another hour's worth of single track road to Kinloch Huorn at the northern edge of Knoydart. This is wild and spectacular country and the journey is pregnant with wildlife possibilities. I was fortunate enough to take a trip out on a sunny Sunday (it wasn't forecast!) with Ian McCleod of NevisPix, in order to suss out a possible boat trip. A stop off at the western end of Loch Garry is usually productive, and so it proved with plenty of goldeneye, a small herd of 6 whoopers and a goosander. The star was a distant black-throated diver that we were able to get a better look at further along the loch. More sand martins about. Plenty of deer along side of the road further along Loch Quoich, including a magnificent 16-pointer. Saw our first wheatear of the year - as usual flashing its white tail as it disappeared into the distance.

There is a dramatic descent into the narrow fjord of Loch Huorn, and the subsequent views across to Knoydart from the boat were magnificent (in an area noted for superlatives). The trip was short but sweet, out towards Barrisdale, and not nearly as choppy as feared earlier on in the day. The skipper, Billy, was full of useful local knowledge and historical facts - our thanks to him, and hope he had a good picnic afterwards. A couple of early seals seen together en route - strangely enough one common and one grey. Pleased to see my first greenshank of the year skimming low across the water. We had great views of a heronry on one of the little islands, and on the way back the first porpoise of the year. Definitely worth consideration for adventurous guests!

On the way back a well-marked moth with colourful underwings landed on the windscreen - an orange underwing. Not sure whether many of these have been recorded this far northwest before - record will be on its way to Butterfly Conservation sometime soon.

Checked out the local black grouse lek this morning - good showing with 7 blackcock displaying. Must be serious as they were fairly going at each other with their claws - not just posturing as is often the case.

Had a look up the glen for eagles this afternoon and was pleased to see one in the vicinity of a known nesting area. Although I was a long way from it (on a public path) I wonder if it rose off the hill on my account, as there has been a lot of local disturbance in the vicinity recently. A little further on a sea eagle appeared over the crest of a ridge, and was promptly seen off by another goldie. I suspect this is another territory. Good to see the contrast in size, and shape of wings - in addition, the tail of this sea eagle was particulalry diamond-shaped. Pipits provided about the only other avian distraction.

Posted by Gley Loy Wildlife

2009-03-31T11:35:00.000+01:00

Glenloy 31st. March, 20098. More lovely days in Lochaber last week. Took the opportunity to investigate the Arkaig glens, setting off via the Allt Chia -Aig and descending a parallel river back to the loch. Sparkling burns full of little drops and falls. Saw just the one dipper, and our first small tortoiseshell of the year on a forest track. Not a great deal about other than the ubiquitous frogs - huge masses of them in the peat hags - purring and leaping. Also saw yet more lizards, which Angela manged to photograph. Small flock of skylarks had ascended the glen, and these were tentatively beginning to sing. Large herd of stags on our descent on the other side of the river - which had descended into a small gorge, flanked with old scots pine at this point - very picture-postcard. Quite an easy walk, but wouldn't like to cross the watershed in wet weather!

Had a trip down south and took a detour on the way back to see the kites at Ardgaty, which I have been promising myself for some time. Beautiful sunny afternoon, with blue sky forming the perfect backdrop to these magnificent raptors. Was suitably impressed with the facilities. Nice screened walk to a spacious hide, interesting chat inside and a brand new visitor centre at the car park. The star attractions were performing nicely, with as many as 25 kites swooping down to the feeding station. A lone buzzard was living rather dangerously, trying to pinch its share of the booty. It provided an interesting perspective on the relative size of the kites - these are big birds! Surprised at how long it took for the kite flock to gather and start making serious swoops down for the food - at least it prolonged the spaectacle.

Back at home I was pleased to see the first flock of lapwing by the River Lochy close to Glenloy - mixed with equal numbers of starlings (also uncommon just hereabouts) and a solitary curlew. Walking back via the canal, decided to investigate a smalll burn, the scene of a great massacre last year. The same scene of carnage greeted me again - bits of frogs everywhere in the water and on the bank. The culprits were obvious this time, however - large piles of otter spraint full of little frog bones, and clear paths between the burn and the canal. Mental note to self to see if I can see what is going on some evening soon.

Glenloy Wildlife 20.3.09

2009-03-25T12:13:00.002Z

Beautiful series of sunny spring days here in Lochaber this week .Explored the upper part of Glen Roy, hoping for eagle sightings. Not a lot about yet, and even had to get right up to the end of the track near the bothy before seeing a group of hinds. Still spooked from the culling season. The most prominent wildlife was the frogs, which were everywhere. Little males clinched big butch females in amplexus in every little puddle and roadside ditch. Ample spawn produced. A more surprising sighting was that of the first lizards of the year. These are still quite sluggish and don't sem to disappear quite as easily as usual, although mercifully still too quick for the dog. We did get to see our eagle - a juvenile, with a prominent white patch on its tail, possibly a male. It quartered the hill fairly close to us for some time, and we had good views. Scenery fascinating, with the parallel roads continuing above for almost the whole way, with additional glaciated valleys joining Glen Roy as side branches. The river terracing looks quite strange, and discontinuous - must find out more about how it was formed. On the way back we were equally surprised to see a couple of rabbits at Brae Roy - a long way up the glen, and surely at some distance from the nearest population. For more info see www.glenloy-wildlife.org.uk

The first of many...

2009-03-19T12:11:00.009Z

Welcome to Wild Scotland's blog.
Wild Scotland is the Scottish wildlife tourism association and our members are busy getting ready for the Spring season. If you love wildlife, then we hope that you'll enjoy our blog. We hope to bring you news of the many wildlife sightings and spectacles that Scotland can offer from our many members across the country. Hopefully we'll inspire you to come for a visit.

To start things off, here's an update from one of our members, Discover Mull who run wildlife tours on the beautiful west coast island of Mull.

Mull is a wildlife-watcher's dream, with sea eagles, golden eagles, seals, otters, minke whales as well as a whole range of bird life. This entry is from March 17th 2009, as you see Spring is on the way!

Discover Mull Blog: March 17th 2009
"Weather beautiful sunshine and a gentle breeze - Spring cleaning all morning then a trip around our local patch watching a hunting golden eagle and ring tailed hen harrier, buzzards, kestrel and ravens. In Calgary Bay there were 3 great northern divers and a single red throated diver, but the birds of the day were newly arrived skylarks busy feeding after their journey, it is lovely to see them back. A wheatear was seen yesterday the first one reported on Mull this year, Spring has arrived, Hoorah!"

More info about Discover Mull