31/12/2009
Mull is just stunning right now, sunny but cold and with big empty glens and mountains covered in snow. We saw both eagles today, fleeting otters and divers but highlight was a group of crossbills which are like little parrots and so colourful. A little girl on my trip by the name of Harriet who was very polite and bright, watched a buzzard fly low and alight on a fir tree and she said ''its just like a fairy landing on top of a Cristmas tree'' !!
30/12/2009
Like everyone else we are in an artic grip but it looks fantastic here and on a trip today we saw lots of eagles doing lots of things amid the snowy peaks of Glenmore. The whole experience felt like being in Greenland.
25/12/2009
Today was the most perfect day of the year. Mull was dressed to thrill with snow carpeting the whole of the west coast and islands. Sunny, warm, windless and just the most beautiful scenes imaginable across to the Isle of Ulva and looking back toward Ben More towering from the sea with all of its neighbouring mountains full of snow. How on earth can humans ever be happy living away from this their natural habitat and such a spectacle!
24/12/2009
You see how unreligious I am. I even mentioned my friends Neil and Sue in a posting today, when I mean 'Noel' and Sue! Just as a footnote. Out today in the snow with my two boys rescuing Tims new sports car we came across a beautiful scene across loch na Keal to the mountains and a male hen harrier with his white plumage and grey wing tips drifted ghostly across the scene.
24/12/2009
I am not religious but I still want to wish everyone a wonderful holiday and new year. We have received lots of cards and sent lots, but unfortunately I don't have the addresses of many. For instance Neil and Sue who love Mull and come up every year helping me on my trips occasionally, but I don't have your address !!! Why do these times of year make us all feel so philosophical?
24/12/2009
It's truly a winter wonderland on Christans Eve with a wonderful sunset right now. After trips to the city I am utterly convinced that city/suburban life reduces and somehow clones people into being much the same. Whereas here on an Island like Mull with nature all around you, you feel like an eagle and a free spirit and can be whatever you want to be.
22/12/2009
Well unusually for Mull we are I suppose snowbound at the moment. Which is lovely wandering around the area on foot. But our two sons are stuck in Moffat and our road from Salen isnt good for my eldest sons posh sports car. They are due here tomorrow for a while as are our two gorgeous grandsons in a couple of days. I am hoping to beat them in a sledging competition! Although the 3yr old is a pretty tough cookie.
21/12/2009
Just beautiful today with no wind at all and light snow everywhere. Pretty icy though getting up our track but a winter scene in the Hebrides is pretty fantastic. Visiting the city last week I just dont see the quality of life there, wasting fuel in traffic, trillions of people pouring around the place. The only plus is the cheap shopping!!
19/12/2009
Just had a week in Bakewell Derbyshire which was really good and had clear weather all the way back until Mull, which was sleaty and snowy but now late afternoon it is serene and beautiful again with dark puffy grey clouds over Iona and a vast peachy sky above and over the whole seaview from here.
10/12/2009
It was a calm slightly spring like day today and the usual rock doves were skipping by the house with ravens calling and buzzards as always here. I am into repairing things and filling holes in the road etc right now because wildlife customers are rarer than a greenland gyrfalcon. Yet winter is best !!
09/12/2009
I thoroughly enjoyed The Spirit of Scotland awards ceremony at Prestonfields in Edinburgh and then bending the ear of the Minister responsible regarding National Park Status for the Hebridean Islands!! The trouble with councillors, MSP's etc is that they are ordinary people and the world doesn't need 'ordinary' but inspiring and visionary people I think.
08/12/2009
A couple of years ago I was nominated for a Spirit of Scotland Award in conservation and since then we have been invited annually to the very posh 'do' in Edinburgh and so we are off there today. I think I look pretty sexy in my bow tie and all that, but I prefer my shorts and a warm sunny day on the Island!
04/12/2009
Had a trip down to Lochdon today and saw otter, hen harriers and lots of divers. No sign of my two long term sea eagle friends though but suddenly they were there, flying across the loch and landing on a small hillock as if to say hi David we've not seen you for a while. Mull is stunning right now, big empty and spectacular to look at.
30/11/2009
It was the most beautiful day again today and I don't see how it can be better. Yesterday was similar but colder in the south of the Island but we had very close views of sea and golden eagles and a few hen harriers. Also barnacle and greenland white fronted geese. Today though was warm, sunny and windless, with every movement on the sea visible miles out.
28/11/2009
Lots of sightings and probably the best weather of the year today with mirror calm seas, blue sky and flecks of snow on the meountains of mull with more snow capped peaks across the sea on the mainland. There is no one about but those that are have a big smile on their face! Off to the beaches of the south tommorrow.
27/11/2009
I hope people are enjoying my 'Gallery' pictures. All taken on my mobile phone camera by the way! If anyone has a fond memory of the Islands and would like to see a winter picture, please let me know and I will try and put something up before Christmas for you. Though 'wild' life is obviously tough to take via my mobile phone!!
27/11/2009
We have had some violent wild weather but its calming now with the sun over Iona and the usual winter cloud over Ben More. I have trips tomorrow and sunday and there should be lots of activity after the stormy weather.A young sea eagle was in front of the house yesterday being harried by ravens. Its a tough time for youngsters as they enter their first winter away from mum and dad.
25/11/2009
It's been great to get away and see all the kids and I do find the city a bit of a toy and a novelty to be honest but I don't get it anymore as a place to live!! Where is the quality of life? I feel full of problems about parking dodging traffic and weird people! Here it's paradise by comparison where you can be a true individual again, a free spirit and where life is healthy and safe again.
16/11/2009
I cannot believe that there is anywhere more stunningly beautiful and atmospheric than a winters day in the Hebridean Islands. To walk on an empty Hebridean white sand beach on a sunny mid winter day here must be the most romantic experience in the world.
16/11/2009
Guests on our Winter Wildlife Package have just had a great two days on the trip, with lots of sightings. Starting with golden eagle sitting on the headland in front of the house and finishing with woodcocks waiting by our gate as we drove back.Top golden and sea eagle views, porpoise, otters and so much more with superb winter lighting.
13/11/2009
I took the children out today from the primary school at Ulva Ferry and though no golden eagles we saw sea eagles, otter, hen harriers, goosanders etc and most important of all I thrashed the kids and teachers in my suggested stone skimming across the water competition. Of course stone skimming is one of my stronger sports! Same with conkers !
10/11/2009
Today was stunning weather and mirror calm sea on a day out to Oban. It was a beautiful serene sea and sunset sailing back, with people on deck captivated by it all. Perhaps made better because Sheffield United scraped a draw at Barnsley last night and so I am feeling pretty good!!
09/11/2009
Couple of really good days out with cold but lovely weather. Lots of otter sightings, sea eagles sitting, hen harriers and glorious views of golden eagles overhead. Best was a peregerine gliding alang Gribbun cliffs alighting and then plunging off the cliff to sweep around us after some smaller birds. Very close.
05/11/2009
Wonderfully calm, warm and sunny day today. Male and female hen harriers, golden eagle sitting and flying, sea eagles doing the same and one young sea eagle who was sitting back in the nest after leaving it about 2months ago much to his parents relief. But he clearly didnt like Uni !!And he seems to have picked up a girlfriend who was sitting some distance away while he tapped mum and dad for something to eat!
05/11/2009
Had a short trip to Lochdon yesterday and saw harriers, sparrowhawk and otter and then the sea eagles both arrived and sat on a small hill as if to say look there's David.Winter is all about natures elements with sunny windless days and then all the drama that Mother Nature can throw at you with wind and rain and rapidly changing light and colours, like being on some alien planet.
04/11/2009
Been away for a couple of days and its been diabolical weather in Scotland generally but today begins with a serene and sunny feel to it. Anyway stuff the rain, its always so utterly beautiful here. I might even get out and paint some more of our decking if it stays dry.
01/11/2009
I love the Outer Hebridean feel of the south of Mull and though wind and rain there today it is still beautiful and inspiring with its shallow pale blue sea and white sandy bottom. We had really close views of a snow bunting feeding on seeds with other birds. It looked so much chubbier and colourful than I remember my last.
31/10/2009
Lovely afternoon at Croig today with our son Sam and his girlfriend, both up from Cambridge for a few days.It's the quintessential Hebridean beach about 100m wide enclosed by craggy rocks and little islets dotting the tiny bay which has a sweep of dazzling white sand and today an otter playing among the islets and seaweed in the sunshine. Paradise!
30/10/2009
My last big trip could have been the wettest of the year !! But good view of sea eagle flying pretty close during a short break in the weather, hen harrier, red deer, otters and seals, great northern divers, greenshanks, goosander and a few more obvious sightings.
29/10/2009
Dodgy weather again but more big sightings of otters,golden eagles and sea eagles, like yesterday standing in the shallows of a small stream in Glenmore. But highlight for me was a Brambling which I don't see here. There are only two white rumped woodland birds. One is the Bullfinch and the other a winter visitor the Brambling and as I saw the white rump I knew it wasnt normal here!
28/10/2009
Another big day with good views of hen harriers, two golden eagles right over our heads, two sea eagles standing in a stream 50m below us in Glenmore with a female merlin sitting 30ft from us. Very close poetic views of otters, sea eagle sitting and two golden eagles on the way home. Always lots of more obvious things of course.
27/10/2009
The weather forecast was rubbish but they were wrong.Early sighting of hen harrier and two otters,plenty of red deer,seals,great views of golden eagles above us and displaying, another later in the day.Finally I waved my hand and suggested how the adult sea eagle might come our way and there he was way out and coming toward us wings flat out as he glided along the trees and down the coast. Great moments after such a shocking weather forecast.
26/10/2009
Super day and weather. All three golden eagle territories seen today, otters, sea eagle, great northern diver, greenshank, goosanders etc. But best sighting was a young golden eagle coming low across the road, alighting on a boulder on the hillside and then being bombarded by a male and female hen harrier.
25/10/2009
It began violently wet this morning after a rainy 24 hours but I can see Iona now and there's more of a glow out to sea. As I got up there was a young sea eagle in front of the house being irritated by crows and he must have been very hungry to be out in such rain. Hopefully he is drying off now.
23/10/2009
Good trip yesterday but only two people on it! However the lady had really good eyesight. Not as good as me but good! Sea eagle then, sitting and taking a short flight to catch prey and eat it pestered by crows. Otters were close and the couple were desperate to see one. Two hen harriers distant but interesting. Two golden eagles soaring with one landing on a peak. Good weather by the way.
22/10/2009
Back to business today which is sunny. I love seeing my grandchildren because they are adorable of course but driving back through the empty Highlands was spectacular as always and on top of the Lochaline ferry with Mull beckoning is always stirring. It's just the most wonderful place to live and to be so close to nature and the elements. But I like your cheap shopping !!
18/10/2009
Top day today with red kite, sparrowhawk, hen harriers, merlin, sea eagle, buzzards and iceland gull close, and all within one hour of starting the trip. The rest of the day was normal then, with otters, more sea eagles, golden eagles and lots more.
17/10/2009
More sensational weather today and yesterday it actually went to 85 degees on our decked area and not 80 as I originally posted. I've seen starry skies all over the world but the last couple of days have been the best with not a single section of sky clear of stars and some areas of sky packed with them.The clarity of the light and clearness of the atmosphere is something to behold in the Autumn and Winter here.
16/10/2009
80 degrees on our decking right now and a view to die for!!
15/10/2009
We have very still weather right now and from the house I keep being tempted to get my bino's out and check for cetaceans because it looks perfect and I wish I was on the north west tip of Mull right now because it's certain I would see something on this flat sea if only porpoise.
12/10/2009
No trips until next Wednesday now but it's a great excuse to get off and explore some of southern Mull which I love, with it's white sand beaches and pink granite rock. Also looks good weather here for a while.
09/10/2009
Each day is now rolling into the next with good weather and otters and eagles every day, often in this magical Hebridean light that we get now. Porpoise on the way home also yesterday. I'm thrilled that we have fought off large wind turbines again here and which do kill eagles. The problem with land based turbines is that the industry itself is lobbying hard for these because they need to sell them !! Whereas governments should have long ago developed better alternatives.
05/10/2009
Good day with golden eagles and sea eagles overhead and otter below. Highlight being an adult sea eagle flying below us and then sitting on a lochside in the heart of our mountainous area.
04/10/2009
No trip today but the swimming pool was very good and empty! It has been the most beautiful day that one could wish for in the Islands to day and finishing now with a flat golden sea, black islands dotting the horizon and grey and gold puffy clouds above them.
03/10/2009
No trip today and its very windy with millions of white horses filling the sea to Iona. Big showers are sweeping in but its just getting sunny now and the choppy sea will disappear in a golden glow as the sun sweeps over it.Every single day is a beautiful painting and why we don't have more artists here is fascinating when natures elements and the light are fabulous.
02/10/2009
Lots of sightings today including all 3 goldie territories in Glen More. Chatting after yesterdays trip I said that seeing dolphins made me 'elated' but just missing them like today made me 'deflated'. As if to make me happy, there they were at the ferry point today either side of the jetty as if to say missed you yesterday David and so here we are.
30/09/2009
'Miracle' sighting by me today of a golden eagle sitting on a mountainside just below the mist about a mile out. Otherwise plenty of action today with slavonian grebes,diver,otters,more golden eagles,sea eagles,various waders and tipped off about dolphins but could not find them but there were also some offshore in front of our house it seems!
28/09/2009
It's been the most dreadful period of weather and today was only just better. Very good close views of an otter, rock doves, turnstones, adult sea eagle sitting on the skyline of Inch Kenneth, young sea eagle right over us and then two adults sitting in a tree. Red deer, seals and female hen harrier. Finally news of a humpback whale off the Iona ferry and black browed albatross in Loch na Keal!!
24/09/2009
Most will have heard of the Donald Trump golf course development which will remove local people from their homes. Could anyone against such a thing please sign the petition at http://38degrees.org.uk/donaldtrump
22/09/2009
Mull is a genuinely romantic place and I think todays sighting of Mum and the otter cub fitted that picture. I had searched high and low and found nothing and then from quarter mile away I caught a glimpse of one in a choppy sea. Off we went and then had glimpses of them pretty close in the wind dappled sea. Suddenly they were onshore with their sunny backsides giving them away but we had to rush for the ferry !!
21/09/2009
Wettest day of the year so far I guess and so misty views of two separate sea eagles and reasonable views of an otter, male harrier and red and fallow deer, seals of course but tough day.
20/09/2009
Another good day with golden eagle coming over us and various dramatic sea eagle and porpoise sightings.Top one today was a male hen harrier quartering grassland to then land on a short post to eat his prey giving super views flying and sitting. No otters today.
17/09/2009
In a definite pattern right now with pretty good weather, good views of porpoise because of calm sea conditions, red throated divers, seals, red deer, golden and white tailed eagles, occasional hen harrier but no otters today except for one on the way to get everyone !!
15/09/2009
Good spell of weather of course and the usual big sightings that we get in September. The variety of species depletes but there are numerous exciting views of sea eagles, golden eagles and otters and really good views of lots of porpoise today also.The eagle behaviour is the result of young eagles now flying more and looking for territories of their own and so pushing resident birds into action.
11/09/2009
Everyone should be in The Hebrides today because it is the most beautiful blue sky and flat calm sea for miles out. Given that we all have a choice how can anyone live in suburbia!When I was younger and lived the suburban thing in Sheffield I think I just didnt know how fantastic it actually is out here.
10/09/2009
Pretty good weather and a good crowd saw male hen harrier for some time, female also, red throated diver, razorbills, gannets, kittiwakes, stonechats,red deer,linnets,two families of otters, golden eagles sitting and flying and close view of adult sea eagle with the youngster across the bay. But problem with the vehicle heading home!
09/09/2009
Not a big day today but it's all relative!! Because we had good views of an adult and young sea eagle, an otter for a short time, hen harrier, but very distant godlen eagles. But as Scarlet O'Hara would say tomorrow's another day.
07/09/2009
Not so many species around now but what there is often gives BIG sightings! As was the case as we watched an otter and saw geese flying and making a row a few hundred meters away. Sure enough an adult sea eagle descended through them with legs outstretched. The female flew in 10 minutes later and we then had terriffic views as they ate a goose, with crows all around them.
05/09/2009
I don't think I logged the unusual behaviour of lots of porpoise off Grasspoint behaving like small dolphins. I see this every year about this time and it must be something to do with the food that is around then, as lots of seabirds are in the area also.
04/09/2009
The weather is still dodgy but great trips I think with much handshaking at the end of the day! Two of the Glemore goldies failed to rear young at the last minute but I don't know why. I was therefore overjoyed to see them bonding and rushing around their territory together, most of the time very low to the ground in the most dramatic way. It all seemed very romantic!
01/09/2009
Definitely iffy weather now but they can be the best,like today! So mum otter with two cubs at the ferry point, sea eagle calling and sitting, greenshanks,whimbrel,godwits, razorbills, gannets,shearwaters etc.Young golden eagle, very close sea eagle and then various eagles flying and interracting above us and landing. Best views today were of male hen harrier and another on the way home plus sea eagle.
01/09/2009
Another iffy day which got better and saw male hen harrier, young sea eagle close, male otter, adult sea eagle flying and landing and finally two golden eagles we had been searching for. Seals, deer, shearwaters, greenshanks, godwits also.
27/08/2009
The dreadful forecast was totally the opposite today. So various views of sea eagles, shearwaters, razorbills, guillemots, hen harriers sitting and flying. Pretty impressed with a bloke that spotted a young goldie sitting on a mountainside. We proceeded to have lots of views of golden eagles. Finally otter on seaweed point. Bright little girl on the trip who could be the next Kate Humble!
26/08/2009
I've never once tired of doing my trips. Every day is different and I pity anyone who's life is the same each day. To be out in the natural world with wild creatures in sun or pounding rain, amid the mountains of Mull, or walking white sandy beaches is wonderful and it's not at all about being lucky !! We create 'luck' by making the big and important decisions in life, being unselfish and generous and doing your bit to make the world a better place. If you don't you won't be lucky !!
25/08/2009
Diabolical wet start today but got porpoise in calmer water, two sea eagles sitting, golden eagle and sea flying, peregrine falcon as it began to clear, two more sea eagles sitting,otter behaving unusually in a torrent of water and finally good view of female hen harrier.
24/08/2009
My mind keeps wandering back to St Petersburg which is nothing to do with nature at all! I suppose I was always so fascinated by Russia as a young man and I learned some Russian then. St Petersburg sits either side of the big River Neva in such a beautiful and adorning way, much as the Kremlin adorned Moscow during our cold war visit in mid winter and seeing the Bolshoi Ballet added to the beauty etc. I'm smitteen !
24/08/2009
A really nice crowd today and so I was anxious to please. Distant golden eagles to start, great view of three otters, possibly 5 in the area.Big big big views of young sea and golden eagles tussling over a dead sheep with adults flying around and ravens pestering them all.
20/08/2009
Slightly better weather. Adult sea eagle up with their two youngsters, shearwaters and gannets, two golden eagles soaring with two ravens annoying them, two more golden eagls one landing,Otter heading for a small islet and then scampering along various other islets, golden plovers, greenshanks, redshanks, young sea eagle sitting while adults soared overhead and then big views close as one landed legs out.
19/08/2009
Its been rubbish weather! However yesterday was not much better but stacks of sightings.Two close otters at the ferry point,adult and young sea eagle with adult coming across the water and right over us, shearwaters, gannets, porpoise, hen harriers sitting,two golden eagles sitting on a peak, big big view of sitting adult sea eagle and finally mum and cub otter with really evocative sightings as mum caught a huge conger eel. Lots of lesser things of course too.
18/08/2009
Amazing what you see if you look! getting up I saw a sea eagle over the house and same time yesterday there seemed to be a person or red deer on top of the hill behind the house.I checked ten minutes later and found it to be ayoung wing tagged sea eagle enjoying our view! I have Martin Frizell and his wife Fiona Philips and kids on the trip topday. He loves it here and always speaks well of the island and so they are a pleasure to take out.
17/08/2009
A really good group today with a couple of top spotters that I know well. Plenty of eagle sightings, harriers, two otters were really good and latterly a young sea eagle back on the nestwith an adult soaring overhead with a buzzard. The sea eagle flew maybe 4 miles and landed on a rock and we could still see it in the scope at such a great distance with ravens around its ankles.
16/08/2009
St Petersburg was elegant and fascinating and very sunny! As fascinating but less exciting than Moscow was in mid winter during the cold war when we had all sorts of James Bond experiences there.The Hermitage art collection is amazing and they have two of only 13 Leonardo da Vinci's there. Going by hydrofoil to Peter the Great's Palace was also wonderful. I like Russia!
06/08/2009
Bit belated this posting but lots of really good eagle sightings today both White Tailed and Golden eagles.I was particularly chuffed to see the Ben Taladh youngster up and about having had doubts all year as to whether they were even raising young. Now I am off for a weeks break to St Petersburg !
05/08/2009
More up and down weather now but sparkling today. Yesterday I chased the weather brilliantly and had big views of otters, sea eagles and golden eagles, while the weather was pretty poor weather in the mountains. It was a really satisfying and uplifting day with a good crowd. But I am off to the hills today with such a good forecast.
05/08/2009
Cold very windy day is tough but a number of views of hen harriers, peregrine, sea eagle sitting and very good views of two otters swimming and rolling around together to eventuallly go to sleep.Flattered yet again that a previous customer had come all the way up from the borders just to join a trip today.
03/08/2009
Challenging weather and we have lot of people in the area who don't speak English and it's tough enough getting British people focused on the day as it is!Big sighting today of a sea eagle swooping after goosaders near a Crannog in the mountains. He rested and eventually flew off as rain threatened. Later an otter swimming then trotting up from the sea.
03/08/2009
It would be really helpful and caring if any of the people reading this could support the stop shooting of seals petition which only requires a few more people to sign it. My friend Mark Carter is on hunger strike in support of this cause.Please go to http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting/
02/08/2009
It's been much more iffy weather wise but we are so glad of the rain and its gloriously sunny today. Even in this dodgy stuff its still interesting as an otter ran across a pebble shore while we had refreshments and just prior there was row of rock doves sitting below us and a huge flock of twite making a racket and chatting away to each other. Why do they flock like this if to isn't to exchange views on how the season has been and whether the kids were good?
30/07/2009
Another dazzling day here and me out with the children to collect Chantarelle Mushrooms. We got quite a lot to the value of about £35.I think that being a professional forager here would be pretty interesting and better than being a forager anywhere else I guess because Mull is massive and very underpicked !!
29/07/2009
Nice crowd today and a young man who helped me a lot with sightings today. So Sea eagle sitting and male hen harrier. Two short eared owls and a female hen harrier. Golden eagle above us being chased by crows and same bird again giving good views. No otters today but of course seals, red deer, buzzards etc. Then yesterdays young sea eagle again and then mum coming above us with big views.
28/07/2009
Really chuffed today to see Glen Seilesdairs newly fledged young sea eagle on the wing. Last year the youngster was due to fly and went straight through the nest and died at the foot of it.We had good views of this years young and he eventually disappeared behind some conifers and we found him sitting with a very proud mum.
28/07/2009
It's a much tougher time of year with people less 'focused' though I am never sure why, but I suppose there is more of a 'just looking for something to do' mood. My own problem with this is that I dont just do my work for the money but to genuinely give people the best eco day out and to educuate them about wildlife and wild places and people seem less dedicated to this cause in the height of the tourism season.
26/07/2009
Seems the weather has at last broken here with winds more to the west. But we so needed the rain here. Otters and golden eagles today but the interesting one was of a female sea eagle going out to sea and coming back pretty quick with prey. It swept along a line of trees and landed on the now empty nest and dropped down to feed the recently fledged youngster.
25/07/2009
Nice crowd yesterday with two keen children, one from UK the other Belgium and we had plenty of top sightings. Sea eagle,hen harrier,golden eagles but no otters !! We also have our 3 year old Charlie for a time to keep his brother company and I will be putting the two boys pics on my photo library soon as we had a beautiful time on the beach today.
23/07/2009
Where do they get these weather forecasts from? Its another 'sparkling' day here and we took Sonny into Glenmore to find the Crossbills. Which we duly did. We also had a young sea eagle with a buzzard over our heads. Then it was ''Can we climb a mountain''from Sonny. Halfway up the 'mountain' we sat by a waterfall and made aeroplanes out of twigs and grass. A Lovely day wild and free.
22/07/2009
What rain we have had has been piffling!! and we need more but it seems not until Sunday earliest! Saw crossbills again yesterday and a male velvet scoter which is good for here. Porpoise, otters and sea eagles with one adult arriving with prey to give a newly fledged youngster sitting on the hillside.
19/07/2009
Well today was our first real rain for months and frankly we all needed it with our own well out of water but we are lucky in having a stored supply for such eventualities.Took our grandson and his new pal from nearby to see the Peregrines on Gribbun Cliffs and do some beach combing which is always fun with kids of course. Its now dry and sunny.
17/07/2009
Rain almost everywhere else but a super day starts again here and we saw the common dolphins in Oban Harbour yesterday which delighted Sonny our 5 year old grandson. We cycled later and did lots of boyish things, as you do!!Seeing the way Mull brings out the free spirit in him is just the meost delightful thing to behold. I wish I had enjoyed such a childhood instead of my terrace house and steel city experience.
16/07/2009
Another glowing, tropical looking day and off on the ferry to Oban to collect our older grandson Sonny who is 5 and is here for two weeks. All little ones think such places are paradise! Which Mull is of course and we may see the common dolphins frequenting Oban Harbour at the moment.
15/07/2009
An excititng day! Porpoise, golden and sea eagles, hen harriers and lots more but I then had a tip off about dolphins in Loch na Keal and sure enough we got them as one my crowd spotted splashes just offshore. From there we followed them under Gribbun cliffs and watched them below us. All cetaceans are inspiring because they symbolise true freedom I think.
14/07/2009
Otters, sea eagles, golden eagles and harriers yes, but one of those big moments today. After a quiet session at Grasspoint I decided to stop for a drink and eats, when across the water I spotted one of the sea eagles on a small hill.The wind was perfect, coming from us to the eagle and pretty soon the eagle was up and coming across the estuary to eventually go right over us carrying prey.
13/07/2009
Another beautiful day. Sea trout,stonechat, whinchat, porpoise, seals, manx sharwaters, black guillemot, swift, golden eagle and then 4 more together.Adult sea eagle and one young, ravens, kestrels, buzzards of course, lots of red deer and always lots of more obvious things including superb scenery. Now a gorgeous still evening.
11/07/2009
Super day dawns again here and I will be singing my excellent rendition of 'Up on the Roof' by James Taylor, as I am up there doing more painting this morning but I may go in the sea this afternoon for a treat.It has been the most glorious long spell of weather but maybe rain at last tonight? Otherwise I may have to wash my vehicle like a townie!
10/07/2009
An enthusiastic bunch today who saw red throated diver, sea eagle, seals, red deer, peregrine coming low over the sea, another sea eagle close. Young sea eagle and golden eagles sitting and flying overhead.The otters that all wanted to see and the usual good food and drink, in yet more glorious weather here.
09/07/2009
Big eagle day but as we went into Glenmore I thought I might have had crossbills going over us and so we parked up and sure enough there was about 30 of them feeding on larch cones.The bright red parroty male looking exotic in this locality. We watched them for baout 20 minutes until this tranquil scene was shattered when a sparrowhawk swept through them sending them all off with a lot of noise.
08/07/2009
Havng the usual good trips but it goes a bit quiet re punters until the English school hols begin. The body language of golden eagles has now changed as they turn from carrion to hunting mountain hares also different behaviour with sea eagles as they turn to live coastal prey rather than sheep and deer carrion in the hills.
06/07/2009
A good day with plenty opf sightings. Otters, sea eagles, divers, porpoise. But highlight was the three young peregrines that have just fledged on Gribbun Cliffs. Much calling and whizzing around on the slopes below the main cliffs. Just very uplifting to see them healthy and free.
05/07/2009
More glorious weather again. It was so nice I was up at 7pm painting the shed in my shorts. Ive been using the word 'tropical' lately and it's appropriate with an emerald green foreground down to the shore and little white waves flecking a blue sea. There are dazzling sunny and shadowy areas on the mountains and sea cliffs.I'm relieved not to have trips this weekend as its freed me to deal with jobs around the house and frankly rest my eyes from the sun!!!
05/07/2009
More glorious weather again. It was so nice I was up at 7pm painting the shed in my shorts. Ive been using the word 'tropical' lately and it's appropriate with an emerald green foreground down to the sjore and little white waves flecking a blue sea. There are dazzling sunny and shadowy areas on the mountains and sea cliffs.I'm relieved not to have trips this weekend as its freed me to deal with jobs around the house and frankly rest my eyes from the sun!!!
03/07/2009
Well it's the most serene and beautiful evening here on the west coast of the Island and I am just off for a cycle down to the quay at Ulva Ferry. I know that I will probably not meet anyone but that's the joy of it of course.Pity about Andy Murray. I think the pundits have let him off lightly because he just didn't go for his shots!! I think I do when others don't and that's why I live here!! You have to go for it or be forever ordinary.
02/07/2009
Within 15 minutes of setting off from the ferry point with todays customers we saw 3 red throated divers and calling, otter, sea eagle and two porpoise, plus the last big sightings of orchids! The day progressed in this way with a super golden eagle gliding low and circling around out in front of us. Weather though is a bit more varied now.
01/07/2009
As always it's been a delight having our 5 and 3 year old grandchildren here. As it was with our own 3 children who grew up here. It's a treasure island experience for all young people in The Hebrides and grown ups have immense pleasure from it too. Why bring children up in suburbia and cities when they have this option of freedom, safety and such a healthy way of life. Tourism is a great industry to be in mainly because everyone is on their holidays and in a good mood!!!
30/06/2009
Only 4 people today!! Yet we had lots of interraction with three sea eagles, then two golden eagles, peregrine falcon handsome and sitting, young sea eagle, burnet moths, two otters pretty close, plenty of seals and deer of course and finally another golden eagle distant. Plenty of sun today as flaming June departed Mull for another year.
30/06/2009
More tropical weather but at least in the Islands there can still be a breeze and you can go in the sea or just paddle to keep cool.Could not find golden eagle or otter on yesterdays trip but had lots of sea eagle sightings and one up with a male harrier which was carrying prey and was dwarfed by the sea eagle.
28/06/2009
The West of Scotland is all amazing and is still clearly the land of opportunity. We have just returned from a few days in Arisaig which coastally is low to the sea like the South of Mull with hidden white sand beaches such as the sands of Morar. Unlike most of Mull the area is also heavily wooded with native forest. Superb seaward views of Rhum, Eigg, Muck, Canna and Skye. It was sublime weather and new coastline for me to explore. Beautiful sky here tonight.
26/06/2009
Another beautiful day unfurls here and I hope the trip matches it and then its off to Arisaig in the north west to play the role of tourist ! Wildlife wise the only really big creatures that the area can deliver are wildcat and pine marten and possibly minke whale off the small isles but it will be nice just to have a change frankly.
25/06/2009
No trip today because I needed a haircut in Oban, Visa photos for a trip to St Petersburg and to deliver stuff to our accountant. But it was very sunny again sailing over and my hairdresser [why do I go when I have so little] said that a Spanish party in Oban had been complaining because it was too hot for them !!! Maybe it could all go the other way with global warming and Spanish people start moving to the Hebrides for the sun?
24/06/2009
More tropical weather and porpoise, orchids, sea eagle, touching views of otter and cub but very exciting encounter with 4 adult golden eagles diving at each other on the ground, going for a walk!! locking talons and generally swooping and diving at each other for some time. So big moment with golden eagles.
23/06/2009
Mull is tropical in feel right now and today we saw a few porpoise, others on the trip had dolphins in Oban. Good views of red throated divers today in summer plumage, two young sea eagles in Glen more,Mum otter and her cub rolling around on the seaweed while a male chilled out some way off,two adult sea eagles right overhead showing fluorescent tails and finally two golden eagles as we raced back for the ferry!
23/06/2009
A sparkling morning today with emerald green landscape in front of the house and mirror calm sea all the way to Iona. But yesterday was mirky!! Saw otters, golden eagle sitting in the mist, young sea eagle and I then performed as a guide spotting an adult sea eagle in an old pine quarter mile behind us. Big view and got midged.
20/06/2009
Volunteered to look for a small red and black day flying burnett moth with the butterfly conservation society and it is only seen on the isle of Ulva. It was the most beautiful day on the island with deep exotic vegetation and massive vistas in every direction AND we found the moths!!!!!!
19/06/2009
Sea eagles and otters today but the most interesting encounter was long term views of a short eared owl at Grasspoint flying overhead lots of times and going out to sea and coming back. It repeatedly dived into very dense small patches of vegetation and stayed there for long periods. We also saw a red throated diver in summer plumage same coastal location.
18/06/2009
I'm losing track of the days, which is not unusual for me at this time of year. Dont ask me why! Anyway got the weather and judgement dead right today with otter, clearing weather we saw sea eagles, golden eagle, brief otter and another sea eagle.Distant but interesting golden eagles again.
17/06/2009
Today started horrendous but the forecast was good and the sun duly obliged. I had two Australians cancel on concern about the weather but they were very wrong!! As the weather cleared up came the sea eagle and it flew out across the loch. Across the same loch we waited for golden eagles and up they came to dry themselves in the air before going off to hunt. Otters and peregrines also today and a good crowd on a succesful day.
16/06/2009
I thought it was a tough day being cold and windy. This keeps all our small insect eating birds down and I could not find godlen eagle or otter either!! But we did get porpoise, lots of orchids and good views of sea eagles and a really close 'over our heads' sighting later in the day. Finally a male harrier flew over us to.
15/06/2009
Very good crowd today, lots of orchids and compulsory to smell fragrant orchid! porpoise,sea eagle sitting,seals,red deer, snipe,kestrel scrapping with sparrowhawk,evocative views of golden eagles sitting and flying, Female otter with cub, adult sea eagle, very good food as always!
14/06/2009
Where does the weather man get these forecasts for Western Scotland from? We have a hot day with clear blue sky and another absolutely flat sea. I can see the white sand of Iona across the sea which has not had any rain for a month on it. The beaches shine dazzling white and I am in my shorts on our roof painting today.
13/06/2009
More sparkling weather today and can the sea get any flatter? Yesterday we had big encounters with our big three. Two sea eagles near the ferry point on the wing as the RSPB were ringing the chicks. Another at Grasspoint flying close and sitting. Golden eagle in the heart of the mountains and top views. Otter at last after much searching and then good views also. Porpoise and good time of year for our orchids.
11/06/2009
Today starts as Hebridean as it gets with crystal clear light and the white sandy beaches of Iona 10 miles out shining across a deep blue sea. I hope for a big day of sightings and I am sorry for my mum in Sheffield because she is deluged with rain!
10/06/2009
More stunning weather with the ground starting to crack from the rocks! Distant golden eagles today and otters of course but the encounter with the adult female sea eagle was rewarding asshe swept along a ridge alighted and sat enjoying the sun and the view toward her youngster in the nest. We waited an age for her to soar above us but got it, to great joy from my crowd.
09/06/2009
No trip today as I have to do some painting but it's another glorious sunny day with a truly tropical look of vivid sun dappled sea and lush green landscape.It's the most beautiful place on earth on days like this. Pity about having to do the painting.
08/06/2009
This morning we left Glasgow at 5am and saw virtually no one all the way through the Highlands, Glencoe and across to Mull and it was a sparkling sunny drive with snow still on the highest mountains. Straight into a trip the highlight was a young golden eagle and adult sea eagle directly over us.
05/06/2009
Super weather continues here and plenty of top sightings of our big three. Mum and a cub laying on seaweed spit just below us in a furry ball.Yesterday young golden eagle tangling on the ground with a young sea eagle. Adult golden eagle over us as we stopped in a forest clearing for refreshments. Most important of all though are easterly winds!!!!! Because its always pretty good here and can be long term, as it has been !!
02/06/2009
Excellent day with otters, sea and golden eagles but the biggy today was the two adult golden eagles in Glen more locking talons with a young intruder and plunging from on high to separate at the last minute and sweep skywards again to chase the young golden eagle off. Big and rare sighting for my visitors on a clear blue day again.
31/05/2009
More beautiful realiable weather but my wild friends know that and so they can sit around for ages not needing to fly and hunt just for me. Anyway, otter at the ferry point, another at Grasspoint,female hen harrier,seals,deer,palmate newts,sea eagle landing on a dead sheep and being pestered by hoodies and ravens,more otters close,adult sea eagle pretty low and putting lots of birds up. Even warmer this morning!!
29/05/2009
Sparkling weather here and lots of sightings!Otters, whinchat,stonechat,snipe,woodpecker,cuckoo,goldeneagles,sea eagles,short eared owls,hen harriers and lots more.Most interesting as always are eagles doing different things. A young goldie yesterday repeatedly dropping and catching prey to eventually plunge down on a dead lamb and do the same thing with that.
24/05/2009
Today was a true test of my senses with misty slow to clear weather but I think I got it right! With a sea eagle sitting in open flat ground and being mobbed by gulls with a greenshank nearby,otters doing different things and laterly golden eagles doing what I hoped as the weather slowly cleared. Actually my problem sometimes is in getting everyone on the trips focused on the task and aware.
23/05/2009
Every trip I am asked about an eagle or an otters eyesight, their hearing and general awareness etc. What the now sheep like, PC and suburban state of we humans has lost is the magical and powerful sense of INSTINCT. All wild creatures have that'super sense' which people like myself have to a much more limited degree. In fact 'instinct' in humans is in my opinion becoming more and more dulled. So get to the Wild more often, mix with true individuals. You will enjoy cultivating your lost senses!
23/05/2009
May as always is delivering and we have just had guests here thst enjoyed a lovely sunny week. Lots of top sightings now with a sea eagle scrapping with an osprey above Ben Taladh. Young golden eagle coming right over us in the most spectacular place.Gorgeous encounters with otters yesterday as mum and the two cubs rolled around and then slept in a furry ball and later very close views of them swimming and wandering around on a small islet.
20/05/2009
Good weathar and lots of really ineresting sightings lately. Porpoise,divers,harriers,peregrines,newts,otters doing different things but best of all lots of eagle sightings and a whole host of them yesterday with young golden eagles, adults, young sea eagles and adults. Sea eagles feeding on dead sheep with ravens pestering them etc etc etc.
16/05/2009
Met a lot of people that come up regularly this week and I want to thank all of them for their help in spotting our wildlife. Why don't you all move up here? Today Mull is a sparkling, crystal clear, Hebridean day, that only the most unromantic could not think was wonderful and inspiring.
15/05/2009
A dry but really cold and very windy day. Problem is that we humans are not built for the more raw elements but we got the big three and latterly a male hen harrier racing quarter mile along a ridge like a peregrine, as a golden eagle swept low and past it, going the other way !!
14/05/2009
More vivid and beautiful weather with everything from distant snow clad peaks to white sandy beaches on Iona being so crystal clear. Looking at this huge vista of the 'best view in the world' yet knowing there are only about 10 people in the entire sweep of the eye, amazes me in crowded Britain that there are not other adventurers like me out here. Seeing all of our big three on all days at the moment.
12/05/2009
More beautiful sunny weather and yes otters, sea eagles,golden eagles but the brid that sucked us in latterly was a possible white billed diver! Or are other people trying to convince themselves? Because in our very clear and strong sunlight right now a greyish bill can look very light in colour but not as big and upturned as the white billed diver and so the questions go on and maybe I will find answers today on another trip?
11/05/2009
We are in great weather and lots of sightings. Today porpoise,hen harriers, short eared owls, golden eagles, sea eagles and lots more. Nice crowd also today including a Barcelona fan and better news as sheffield United go to Wembley for the premiership playoff after beating Preston. Yipee!!
09/05/2009
Cold and windy day but otter, sea eagle, whimbrel and great northern divers, another sea eagle in spectacular environment. Sparrowhawk kestrels, buzzards, red throated diver,another otter, rock doves, yellowhammer.Female hen harrier, two short eared owls flying and sitting, snipe. Another female harrier with another short eared owl and lots of little birds. Beautiful evening and good weather for some time from now.
08/05/2009
More cold winds and rain today and it was a challenge again to find otters, sea eagles and golden eagles but yes got a really good view of a sea eagle sitting, three otters sleeping and a golden eagle grabbing a dry slot to soar along a ridge above us.
07/05/2009
No trip today but it looks very Hebridean out there, with sun and clouds and thousands of white horses splashing the whole ocean which is a deep metallic blue, like our new car. It looks great actually. That is the car and the ocean !
06/05/2009
Today was really wild with wind and rain all day!!But otters seem to like it.Anyway first off was a sea eagle coming over us and then back out to sea.First Otter was on Loch na Keal breezing along and coming ashore with a fish. Next was mum and the two cubs under the cliffs at Gribbun. Then mum and another cub on loch Scridain with lots of calling from her as she came ashore below is in more rain with a fish.We were very very wet today !!
04/05/2009
Two totally different days of weather but lots of sightings and big ones on the very wet day. In a window of weather we had a super otter rolling around below us, whimbrels, Divers in summere plumage, sea eagle coming straight over us and out to sea and a barn own sitting and flying and pretty unusual for Mull in the middle of the day. More otters also today and golden eagle feeding on a dead lamb.
30/04/2009
Quiet start today with poor weather. By lunchtime it was clearing and, bang!! Various eagle sightings and a goldie attacking a sea eagle. Though I know she is a tough cookie! 4 otters, 4 short eared owls, lots of divers, goosander, whimbrel and very good view of a female hen harrier. Tonight the sky is clear and Benmore and its surrounding mountains are red from top to toe.
28/04/2009
A stunning clear day here today and top views of otters yesterday on the trip. We had an early sighting of a male bringing fish ashore regularly but a female otter an hour later with two cubs was really entertaining. she caught a lumpsucker and the two cubs scrambled around here and began a tug of war between themselves until they each got a bit of the fish and settled to eat it.
27/04/2009
Had a few days away in the Cairngorm National Park and I have to recommend it and the historic and posh Culloden Hotel near Inverness. Still snow up there and deeply forested at sea level. We saw Pine Martens and had lovely weather. You can't beat The Scottish Islands for Ocean and Islands spectacle but its a super change to be in ancient Caledonian pine forest.
22/04/2009
Ignore the forecasts the weather has been pretty good here! Lots of sea eagle sightings today, male and femle hen harriers interracting together, no otters !!! But big sighting of a young sea eaglethat came from miles out to be right over us on the highest road on the Island. It swung around with talons down upsetting a short eared owl and a buzzard.
21/04/2009
Starting wet but getting better here today but it has been beautiful. Yesterday steam was coming off a flat calm sea on the way home and we saw porpoise late in the day and an otter very close.Tough start though, but fallow and red deer, lots of eagle sightings, male and female hen harriers, seals and more Afrcan birds are arriving for the summer. Lots of divers too.
17/04/2009
A gorgeous day out and just across the water on Morvern today. It is very wooded along the coast there and looks back to Mull, very sheltered from easterlies and very warm.We also had a wander around the Ardtornish Estate which has magestic trees and a lush tropical feel today.I live in the most wonderful place in the world. In my opinion!
16/04/2009
The most beautiful weather is grabbing the headlines again but being in exactly the right place to have lunch and maybe get the golden eagles paid off with big views.We also had a similar situation with the wind direction just right and two adult sea eagles coming from miles out and then above us. The realiable weather is almost too good because all creatures can act lazy!!
16/04/2009
We are in very good weather here. Dry and sunny but a little windy at times. Lots of eagle sightings yesterday. You name it and they were doing it !! Otters are always a delight to everyone and so it was a pleasure to see peoples faces as mum and a cub did there thing pretty close to us.
12/04/2009
Each day is rolling into the next right now with lots of eagle sightings, otters are pretty reliable also, hen harriers quiet just yet, barnacle geese still here and great northern divers coming into breeding plumage and only here until early may ! What I can state is that easterly winds are shaping up for Britain and that means long spells of sunny weather here. So anyone coming in the next fortnight at least, should get that.
08/04/2009
Beautiful sunny day after a cloudy start today and so off to the beach with the grandchildren. Been having very good trips and keen people lately with otters, sea eagles and golden eagles of course. Two Iceland Gulls in Tobermory yesterday when I was there for a vehicle check. Plenty of great nortern divers around now.
02/04/2009
A wonderful clear Hebridean day. Why is living by the sea so evocative to we humans? and then add to the scene a mum and two otter cubs rolling around and scrapping on the shoreline. Very good trip yesterday with a keen bunch. Sea eagles and golden eagles doing lots of things and teasing views of hen harriers.Usual dynamic encounter with peregrine falcons calling and rushing around sea cliffs.
01/04/2009
Just returned from the pleasure of seeing our sons,daughter and grandchildren, who are all descending here next week for a holiday. I just dont see the 'quality' of life on mainland Britain.Traffic,pollution,materialism,crime,wasteof lives getting from A to B,parking,strange people!!! unfriendly people!! locking cars, homes. Where is the quality? Yet millions are living it!! They should not laugh at the behaviour of sheep here.
26/03/2009
Some excellent trips but the weather has been wintry and varied. However these days give dramatic sightings. We had a male sea eagle close but he was off along a hillside. I caught him breaking the hill on the other side and guessed where he might be.Sure enough 4 miles away he was high in the mountains in strong wind posing at the edge of his territory. Eagles are romantic in every sense, from their look and where they live to their way of life.
21/03/2009
Lots of eagles today. Female otter and cub snuggling up and then wandering around together on a seaweed point with a sun spangled sea behind them which made for really evocative images. Hen Harrier dashing off, to then cross the road, over a small lochan and then catch a vole and give us good views in the scope as it sat eating it. Bright crowd of customers also today!
20/03/2009
Like everyone else we are in beautiful settled weather. Only here we also have mountains, islands, the sea and white sandy beaches!! I increasingly make no sense of why people stay in city life when the remoter parts of the world have always been the land of opportunity and have true 'quality of life' in my opinion. In the past we were not a herd animal but we have definitely become so, but does it really suit us I wonder? I think here you become an individual again.
18/03/2009
The most beautiful day one could enjoy on Hebridean Island today with warm sun, no wind and a flat sea all the way to Iona. Still a small flecking of snow on the peak of Ben More but of course it adds to the scene.
15/03/2009
Two days of up and down weather but very good sightings of both eagle species, male and female harriers and as I have always believed an optimist creates his own luck, a really good otter encounter as he wandered around a shingle shoreline showing his full silhouette and very ottery walk, with big back end and long stiff tail. If anyone wants to find a snow leopard stick me in Mongolia and I will find it!!.
12/03/2009
Love taking kids out.They always ask great questions! Two today chatty and good fun. So Otter at the ferry point, sea eagles coming from trees dramatically and landing close while we had a coffee and scone!Divers and slavonian grebes. Where is the white billed diver? Hen harriers, sea and golden eagles flying,dippers,goosanders. You know that I don't have to mention seals,buzzards and deer don't you.
10/03/2009
The most gorgeous day one could imagine in the Highlands, as we drove through Glencoe amid snow topped peaks and brilliant blue sky. There was no wind at all and at home the day ended witha super sunset. In these situations and after the city I always find myself wondering why more people do not live like this instead of that city mire. I dont think 'work' is a good enough excuse actually!!
07/03/2009
A really wet, windy and mizzly day, so I was in search of calm water and an optimistic break later!So it transpired, with a fabulous encounter with an otter very close on Loch Spelve.Against the forecast it began to clear and we saw a golden eagle on loch Uisg. Off then to bigger country and glen more and a golden eagle and sea eagle at the same time.So top sightings on a bad bad day.
05/03/2009
A pretty good day weather wise and good views of otter, sea eagles and golden eagles but rather like the same time last year a highlight for mewas at least 35 !! great northern divers together on Loch na Keal. All looking pally together and serene. Divers are usually solitary and so this behaviour intrigues me. Missesd 3 dolphins in Craignure though this morning.
04/03/2009
Still a wonderful day today with a low sun, no wind, calm sea and a light dusting of snow across the loch and covering our main mountains.There's a small group of red deer 50 metres in front of the house grazing gently left like a herd of wildebeest. I will have to put some sort of weekly photographic content on my site because snowy Ben More looks so beautiful right now.
04/03/2009
Beautiful calm sunny morning here. We have a sweeping vista from the house of maybe 30 miles over mountains, sea, islands and sea cliffs and every day is different. I remember my youth of a two up and two down terraced house in the middle of the steel works of Sheffield and smoke filled air. Inside the house my father smoked himself to death. Little wonder I enjoy this paradise of a place like a child and that others do the same after the claustrophobia of suburbia and city life.
02/03/2009
Had Allen staying here for a couple of days and we enjoyed two big days with both species of eagle. First off an adult hovering over a duck with a view to eating it!! but being pestered by lots of other birds also.Its mate then came in and joined it sitting out on the shingle.There was much clucking and chucking heads back and then off they went into some trees. Thing about this area is that its visually stunning without the eagles !
26/02/2009
Yes a good trip today with fascinating interraction between 4 sea eagles behaving strangely near a nest site. No golden eagles today but hen harriers and a male otteralseep on his back on a bank of seaweed showing his pale chin at range before he rolled over onto his tummy to show his ottery face and whiskers.
25/02/2009
Well we have definitely lost those beautiful sunny days while everyone else in Britain was thick with snow. Much more changeable now but none the less atmospheric and surely aimed at making us all feel very alive here!!Big sweeping dark showers arrive and then pass to give clear blue sky and a sea with a million white horses. Our renewable energy fair had a massive turnout. In fact a sort of Hebridean Oscars and you missed lots of good food with me as waiter.
22/02/2009
I am gutted yet happy for the people of Harris who unlike Mull have voted for National Park status for their wonderful Island. Mull is better!! and far more varied and it got the governments vote in the recent Park consultation.But a few people here did not want it and in these places it's about he who shouts loudest unfortunately.
22/02/2009
Slightly grey but calm day today and if its calm in the Hebrides its Heaven! So it was, on the wild headland of Treshnish Haun in the far north west of Mull. A golden eagle quartered the ridge above us and the scene was big empty and serene.Its some time since I was up there and I know I go on about the sheer spetacle of the mountains, coastline and offshore Islands etc but I can't help it !! Mull captured my heart again today and tonight the sunset is huge.
19/02/2009
Good day for a trip today and an early adult sea eagle sitting out on the large expanse of shingle beach on Loch na Keal. The backdrop is spectacular with light snow on the top of Ben More which towers out of the sea in the background. Three golden eagles diplaying above us. Two more coming from a mile out. The otter that everyone wanted to see and very close! Various divers and a female hen harrier flying across the road in front of us.Lots of red deer stags.
16/02/2009
Just had a few days away and returned to misty drizzly weather but milder. Unloading the car I saw a sea eagle lifting from the coast ahead of the house, as if to say welcome back. If he wants to make me happy though, he would nest just down there on the cliffs this year and who knows??
12/02/2009
Well after the heady days of inspiring weather that we have been getting, today is raining !!! but I think it's a getting better day. We had a good vole year in 2007 and breeding was very good for our vole eating birds of prey and so I think that added to the good winter it should be another good year for raptors, I hope !!
11/02/2009
Days are getting even better with another clear sunny day but a bit warmer today. Reminds me of the February almost 30 years ago when we were rennovating our big old house in Tobermory and the tradesmen were sititng on the lawn having their lunch. 2007 was also a beutiful February and we were stripping off at Loch Buie I recall. It turned into a memorable Spring and Summer.
10/02/2009
A wonderful 120 mile round trip to Scoor beach in the south of mull today amid clear skies and snowy peaks. In fact it was quite warm at the beach and no one there of course. The low sun white sand and sound of the sea breaking is lovely to behold in mid winter. A place for the geologist and fossil hunter too and rock pools galore amid the white sand for the kids. The Hebrides is a wonderful place to bring up children, with such space, safety and closeness to nature.
09/02/2009
Another amazing looking day here with golden landscape and a flat sea for miles out. It's an unusual soft peachy light on the islands and the frozen and glistening snow flecked mountains across Loch na Keal.I dont see how there can be a more beautiful sight than today on the West Coast of Mull. How long is this dry sunny weather going to last here? Well forever, provided we get easterly winds.
08/02/2009
I travel a lot and of course regularly in England with Derbyshire my old stomping ground but thinking about this I can't recall ever using the words 'isn't that just magical' ever down there but here I think I say it every single day! It's not just the sheer beauty of the Islands in all of natures elements, it's the sheer biggness and empty grandness of it all.
07/02/2009
We continue with sunny but cold weather, while the mainland looks like snow bound Russia to us ! On a trip yesterday we saw 3 sea eagles, a few golden eagles, with one rushing from afar to sweep along a ridge just above us. Two Otters, waders, sea ducks, hen harrier, red deer, buzzards and kestrels. But again the look of the Islands is stealing the show. A chap I know was flush in the face after his jaunt to Iona and the beaches in the south of Mull. It was excitement and 'sun' I think!
06/02/2009
Another beautiful sunny day here with a little more snow on the highest mountains but it all looks stunning across the sea. Had a walk down the coast and we saw 3 sea eagles, one white tagged bird from 2007, one no tag from 2008 and the adult bird from that area carrying nest material. It's another 'holy' looking scene toward Iona right now with dark grey puffy clouds and peachy coloured edges above the horizon with shafts of golden sunlight splaying out from this.
05/02/2009
We have a light dusting of snow across our fantastic sea and mountain views this morning. Its very calm and now sunny. Just gorgeous in fact. Off to Oban to do some townie stuff like shopping today. Actually it's fun when you are not use to shops !!
04/02/2009
The most memorable thing about the Island that I recall on my very first visit here as a young man was the wonderful silence around our little cottage, which seemed to stretch miles and miles in all directions. Today was like that with absolutely no wind at all and a mirror calm sea but we have had a light dusting of snow. A great northern diver and a shag were having a difference of opinion for some reason. Oh and my birthday today!
02/02/2009
It turned into a super day. The Peregrines were on their breeding sea cliffs scrapping with buzzards. We saw an otter on the way, slavonian grebes, barnacle geese and though a cold wind got up, it's pretty nice tucked up against a big boulder looking out to sea with the sun on your face and feeling the first hint of spring,I think!! Not to mention another wonderful sunset from the house. Its not all play though and I am getting on well with rewaterproofing the guests wet shower room.
02/02/2009
Don't believe everything the media tell you because it's not snowing everywhere. In fact we have clear blue sky, not a cloud and very little wind and I'm just going to check on the Peregrines across the sea on Gribbun Cliffs.
01/02/2009
What really is it about these romantic winter skies that we get here? I think it might have something to do with the extra clarity that we get because there is no real power in the sun to create any sort of haze at all, so maybe every colour is that bit more colourful? But its all stunning again tonight with low grey clouds hanging over distant Iona and splays of peach and gold beating down behind black islands sprinkled on the sea and the foreground.
01/02/2009
It was a starry sky all night and clear blue sky with a beautiful sunrise above Ben More today. Every creature on Mull should be enjoying the day because its also sunny and very quiet everywhere.My very first day on Mull was like this many moons ago and the only sound I recall was the odd curlew calling and the whistle of the wind on a spring day as it russled through a millions tuffs of cotton grass. The day I fell in love with Mull in fact.
30/01/2009
Well good news then for the West Coast of Scotland beacause we are heading into icy blasts and snow down the East of the UK and that means great weather here in the Hebrides!!!!No one seems to be reporting that we have been having the longest spells pf easterly winds in recent years, ever recorded in Britain and that always means dry sunny weather here in the Islands.
29/01/2009
Here's the scene. Our National Scenic Area, The most spectacular coastal run in Europe. Its mid winter and there's no one for miles. Across a very stormy sea with white horses, snow trickles down all of our mountains like icing sugar.Overhead is a white tailed sea eagle leaning into wind like me. He's glancing left and right above me and with imagination I see a twinkle in his eye saying 'Wild things in wild places David, that's you and me. But you can't fly'.
28/01/2009
Strangely enough it's nice to get off Mull and see the world as others know it!! But how shocking life is now on the mainland and it seems to me more like existing or surviving than living. Shaking it all off to head through Glenco's snowy wondrous scenery and then Mull beckoning with a beautiful sunset and empty big ocean and islands is definitely better than the 'rage' of life for so many people on mainland Britain. I go with optimism to England but I love coming back!!
22/01/2009
In case anyone is making enquiries over the next week I am unable to respond to emails during that time but telephone is just fine on 01688500121.
21/01/2009
Its been a lovely quiet day today though a little grey at times. But the snow on all the mountains across the sea does make for a wintry scene but evocative still. The sunset was as usual special at this time of year as it sets directly in front of the house in the off season. Huge splays of golden light fanned out across the horizon and over Iona through dirty grey clouds above.
20/01/2009
We have snow on the mountains at present. I was at a meeting in Oban yesterday and sitting on the ferry looking across to the mountains of Mull it looked magical with the sun shining on the snowy peaks and dark grey islands and hills across Oban Bay. It's visually stunning here at all times, whether in driving wind and rain or on calm sunny days on the beaches in summer. I have probably stated before that I am not religious but if God lives anywhere earthly it would probably be here in the Hebrides.
18/01/2009
Really stormy weather yesterday evening and we lost a few slates. Things are built for it here though and if this were suburbia I'm pretty sure a few homes would see major damage. Calmer today and a sea eagle just lifted off the lansdcape in front of the house with an Iceland gull up with it. I suppose there could be a few Icelandic,Greenland birds around after the storm. Many winter here. To them this is their winter hols in the sun!!
15/01/2009
Did anyone see 'the best job in the world' thing on the news the other day, with ariel views of white sandy beaches? It certainly looked like Mull!! But my job is definitely not up for grabs by anyone. I think that the BBC have got a liberty saying that my job is vacant!!!!
14/01/2009
A calm slightly greyish day here today with rain expected this afternoon. Forgot a sighting the other day of a possible Wildcat just down our coast. They are not supposed to be here but people get odd sightings and this animal was on the button, with a big face, big banded tail drooping low with big black and typical wildcat body markings. So they ramain a little mythical here! Don't wild things in wild places send a shiver down your spine??
13/01/2009
Another beautiful Hebridean day here with showers and lots of sun. Though as you may know Mull does have the most varied scenery and climate in Britain and so it can be sunny all day in the south and cloudy and wet in the centre and like today snow on the top of Ben More. Terrific sunset now.
12/01/2009
Big showers today but plenty of sun in between here on the West Coast. It would be a good day for a wildlife trip if only you townies would get off your backsides, get on a plane, hire a car at Glasgow airport and get Hebridean and wild again!!Remember that feeling of white sandy beaches and splashing into the sea as a youngster?? Well its not in suburbia!! Ok the sea is cold here right now, but that's even more fun !!!!
11/01/2009
The sea was foaming today amid very strong winds but if you like being inside natures elements then Wow!! An adult sea eagle drifted over the house trying to go out to sea and windward.Good view of a male hen harrier quartering the grassland and an otter coming out of the wild sea with a fish. Lots of divers around and mini tornados whirling the sea upwards.
10/01/2009
Stonking wind and rain today but as visitors often say 'I would sooner be here in this than sunny in the city' !!Its all about clothing I think because out in this today with warm clothes and boots on can be utterly inspirational and fun. Lunch and a log fire after it makes for a perfect day.
09/01/2009
Another beautiful day and I enjoyed a cycle down the coast today with the sun setting red in the west. You know we often watch TV even up here!! and the number of times on some property programme that they wnader to the window and say 'Now isn't that a view to die for' or perhaps it's a travel programme or moving to Australia or something. Well it's a load of rubbish because the Hebridean Islands and my view is the 'view to die for' and that's certain.
08/01/2009
Grey but dry all day and we went to the southern tip of Mull which is white sand and pink granite headlands and islands low to the sea. A hundred miles round trip!!But saw otter,golden eagles and sea eagle,harrier with prey, Greenland white fronted and barnacle geese,rock doves,snipe,reed buntings and lots more.
07/01/2009
Had our first rain in weeks yesterday evening but today is another dream like day with a sea that is flatter than flat!! Mystical looking clouds are rolling over the islands and mountains across the sea, with bursts of sun in between on a red and gold landscape.Views are massive from the house with no humans in sight except the odd prawn fishing boat well out to sea. Just another wonderful day again then which you should be here to behold.
05/01/2009
Another spectacular day here from sunrise to the sunset I now see and which I can't describe adequately !! But red/orange streaks of sky across the horizon and above Iona, interspersed with hundreds of grey clouds edged with red stretching the entire length of the oceans horizon. Above are thicker grey clouds and above this the blue sky we have had all day.In winter you cannot take your eyes off the visual beauty of the Islands. Everything else in life becomes secondary.
04/01/2009
Yet another serene and empty Mull again today. Across the loch I was really pleased to see our peregrines already in residence on the sea cliffs, which is very early indeed for Mull. Could be a good sign re weather I think !!We now have a peachy sky out over Iona with strands of smokey grey cloud weaving its way through it, a flat sea and very mild weather today.
03/01/2009
Another visually miraculous day today, as we drove our son and girlfriend back to Glasgow Airport and through Glencoe and over Rannoch Moor. Which is as close to Iceland as you can get.Still very cold here but the house is really cosy in winter. I never thought I would enjoy living in a modern house but having glass all around to draw the sun and frame our expansive sea and island views is the reason I think.
01/01/2009
Well here we are in the Hebrides and 2009. Mull was paradise today from glorious sunrise to sunset. Croig beach was a typical Hebridean scene with white sand,blue sea and wonderful clear views all the way to the islands of Rhum and Skye.It was perfect today with lots of young children enjoying the famous five lifestyle that I also feel living in these Islands.
Really big day today as it cleared around 11am. Red kite, sparrowhawk, hen harriers, merlin, white tailed sea eagle and iceland gull close. And all within an hour of starting the trip.The rest of the day was normal then with otters, golden and sea eagles and lots more.
Sightings from previous years
2012
2009
David Woodhouse
Isle of Mull Wildlife Expeditions
Ulva Ferry, Isle of Mull
Argyll, Scotland
Tel/Fax: 01688 500121
Mull Eco-Charter
