Mull 2013, Part 3: Don't mention Ivory Gulls

Thursday 5th, after the 96mph winds during the night, a light covering of snow was a welcome change. Whilst having breakfast a Woodcock fed in the garden foraging in the undergrowth next to the wall. More activity was in the garden as a Raven cronked from a tree under the window and a Ringtail Hen Harrier flew through the valley opposite.

Most of the day was spend on the cliffs between Treshnish Point and Calgary Bay. One of my favourite sites of the week were the abundance of Hooded Crows. There were plenty of the beaches and shorelines as they dropped shells onto rocks from a height. After being caught in a snow storm that forced us to shelter for half and hour we made it back to the car in time to see a male Hen Harrier close in as it quartered a coastal field. As we left we even got to see the phenomenon that is the reverse waterfall.

Friday 6th, more stunning snowy scenery back at Loch Na Keal. Extended views of feeding Otters once again on the rocks and a few Goosander of the Loch. Another WT Eagle swooped over the car near Killiechronan, Fallow Deer in the woods and a WT Eagle chasing Salmon through a stream near Loch Ba made for a great ending to an amazing trip.

Saturday 7th, whilst stuffing my face with deep fried Black Pudding and chips, news of the Ivory Gulls came through. Unable to get back before dark we mad the best of the day and visited the William Wallace monument at Stirling instead. Oh well at least we won at Old Trafford, that made things slightly better :)

Winter is coming