 |
Ardness, Bunessan,
Isle of Mull, Scotland - PA67 6DU Birdwatching and WildlifeThe Ross of Mull and adjacent offshore islands abound with interesting wildlife. Depending on the season, corncrakes can be heard and sometimes seen on Iona. The long indented coastline is the ideal place to watch oystercatchers, ringed plovers, common sandpipers, redshanks and curlews and the small flocks of whimbrel passing though on migration. Predatory birds including Sea Eagle, Golden Eagle, Hen Harrier, Peregrine, Merlin and short eared owl can be observed at most times of the year. Wild greylag geese can be seen year round whilst in autumn and winter the rare greenland white-fronted geese are present.
Seals are commonplace along the sheltered rocky coves of the Ross of Mull. Otters occupy every available stretch of coastline and sitting patiently downwind can be rewarded by extremely close views of these fine creatures. Red Deer are abundant throughout Mull and can be watched from numerous places including the road system. Flora and FaunaPlantlife is diverse and reflects the available habitats including, bog, moorland, calcareous grasslands woodlands, lochs and flower-rich machair. Lower plants, lichens, liverworts and mosses are of outstanding interest and are found mainly in the remaining remnants of Atlantic Oakwoods. Geology and Monumental HistoryFor those interested in geology, the Ross of Mull and Iona offer a wonderful opportunity to examine the many varied formations including lewisian gneiss, moine schists, pink granite and layers of tertiary basalt. Finally, last but not least, the local archaeology is outstanding with a wealth of standing stones, duns, forts, crannogs and deserted villages.
Ardness, Bunessan,
Isle of Mull, Scotland - PA67 6DU |
|||||||||
Of
special significance and particularly enjoyable to visit are the smaller
offshore islands of Staffa and Treshnish. On Staffa puffins can be encountered
at very close quarters, whilst at Treshnish visitors will be stunned by
the sheer number of breeding seabirds including guillemots, razorbills,
puffins, fulmars, shags, gulls and kittiwakes. Many visitors have been
fortunate in recent years to have spectacular views of dolphins and porpoises
with the occasional glimpse of a whale on their way to and from these
islands.
