After a slightly grey and damp start to the week we set out on our day with a guide on Tues. It was just the 4 of us so plenty of room for all weather type clothes, camera's, scopes and tripods and of course a packed lunch and hot drinks and a hip flask in case it got really cold. The photos are in no particular daily order but most were taken around the shores of Loch Na Keal.
Firstly the ubiquitous Hooded Crow with a few Bluebells, making a nice change from our local crows.
On the drive we stopped to look at a field of Whimbrel! Having only seen them in ones or two's it was quite a sight to see about 18 spread across the site.
With a Bluebell woodland on the other side of the road.
Been awhile since last saw a Bullfinch.
Then onto the shores of the Loch. Common Sandpiper
Then in the far distance a Golden Eagle being mobbed by a Raven.
All heavily cropped.
On the Loch a few sea ducks
We then drove around the other side of the Loch to look for White Tailed Eagles and lucky us.... Again heavily cropped as they and the Golden Eagles were such a distance away.
Some local scenery
We stopped at a riverside on the way back to look for Dippers as the guide knew where a nest was. the light was tricky but we had great views of the pair but only one decent pic.
Finally a sunny view from our back garden one evening.
View back to Loch Frisa on the road to Dervaig. We did a walk along one side of Loch Frisa and spotted our first ever Whinchat but no pics.
Although there are no Otter pics we had 3 sightings but all too distant to get a photo, especially with one from s moving car and no where to pullover.
Another lovely set Tony... the views of Tobermory must be the most photographed in Scotland lol (I've got it too!!)
Is your first sea duck a Great Northern Diver?
Ongoing fabulousness... will have to send you back for otter pics
PimperneBloke said:the views of Tobermory must be the most photographed in Scotland lol (I've got it too!!)
So have I ...
Glad you enjoyed your trip and saw some wonderful stuff Tony ....
Oh to get the Golden Eagles distant or not just awww..magical moments
(Pardon the Scottish Accent)
What a wonderful selection of photos and bonus to see a Golden Eagle, WTE and all the Wimbrel; Great Northern Diver (as PB suggests) and the glorious scenery. Well done on spotting a Whinchat too, lovely little birds.
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Regards, Hazel
it looks like you had a fabulous visit Tony, great photos thanks for sharing
In addition to all your great wildlife pics the views are just wonderful! Thanks for sharing
2013 photos & vids here
eff37 on Flickr
A lovely finish to your holiday PB, thanks for all the lovely photos and commentary.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
More fabulous photos Tony.
I can honestly say, and have no shame, I do not have any photos of Tobermory, nor have I ever visited there. But it's on the tick list and has been for a good while
Mike
Flickr: Peak Rambler
I visited Mull about 6 years ago. I was staying 3 nights in Oban on a a touring holiday in my car. 3 nights at Whitby, 3 nights at Seahouses, 3 nights at Oban and 2 nights at Windermere. One morning after breakfast I drove down to the ferry port to find out departure times and the man on the barrier said, 'In about five minutes, park your car in that line, and run to the ticket office and get a ticket'. So I thought why not? When I got back to my car the car in front was just setting off and I was the last car on. I parked on the car level and went up some very steep iron steps to the passenger level. I was a bit concerned that my dog at the time would not be able to get back down the steps, so I enquired and the staff said that we could use a lift if we wanted, but he managed OK. The trip was wonderful, the sun shone and we had about 6 hours or so travelling around. It was beautiful. I would highly recommend Mull to anyone, particularly if the weather is fine ...