A scenic but quiet loch on Mull
Atrip to Mull is not complete without a run down to this beautiful loch, with its castle and standing stones. It never seems busy, and the stroll around the area can be very rewarding. I have never failed to see both eagles and Otters down here.
WHERE TO WATCH
1
This is one of the most scenic roads on Mull, with mountains around you and lochs by the roadside. Check the area for soaring Golden Eagles, as I have had an adult pair with first and second years being fed on Mountain Hare here. Loch Uisg is a freshwater loch surrounded with rhododendron, but rarely has much on it.
2
The car park at Loch Buie is ideal for scanning for a number of species. Divers are often found in numbers, both Great Northern and Red-throated, with the occasional Black-throated. Check for Red-breasted Merganser, Black Guillemot and Eider.
3
Walk around the shore towards the castle looking for waders. You will have a great chance for Ringed Plover, Turnstone and Greenshank through the winter and into spring. Listen out for Rock Pipits and try finding White Wagtails in spring, along with Greenland Wheatears, which pass through the area. One of the few places for Fallow Deer. 4
The far side is much wilder and hardly ever disturbed. A pair of White-tailed Eagles are often seen hunting this area and look out for the herd of Wild Goats and Red Deer which come down to the shore to feed. Scan the skies to watch the interactions of eagles, with several ‘Goldies’ also found here.
5
This sea loch can hold Gannets, especially during stormy weather, but look out also for Shags and Cormorants, Manx Shearwaters and feeding Guillemots and Razorbills. Both Arctic and Common Terns visit the loch to fish along with Kittiwakes. I have found Whooper Swans and Pink-footed Geese passing over in spring and autumn, and scan the shore for Otters and even Mink.
INSIDER KNOWLEDGE
If you want to see the Fallow Deer, try walking around the tracks by the estate as they are often grazing the fields.
TARGET BIRDS SPRING/SUMMER
● Willow Warbler
● Whitethroat
● Wheatear
● White Wagtail
● Pied Wagtail
● Meadow Pipit
● Arctic Tern
● Common Tern
● Twite
● Hooded Crow
AUTUMN/WINTER
● Raven
● Golden Eagle
● White-tailed Eagle
● Hen Harrier
● Snipe
● Turnstone
● Great Northern Diver
● Red-breasted Merganser
● Black Guillemot
● Herring Gull
INSIDE KNOWLEDGE
March is a great time to come and watch for the raptors displaying.