Happy with our morning efforts and already late for breakfast we headed back through the valley where we had the previous days Eagle. At almost the exact same spot the shot goes up for 'Eagle!' and all of a sudden we saw that there are at least three White Tailed Eagles hunting on the hillside. The best moments were filled with one of the most exhilarating sights as the Eagles hunt and stoop along the hillside repeatedly attacking their prey. Unbelievable, and all before breakfast.
After breakfast we headed off to meet our private charter to take out to photograph White Tailed Eagles. We set off on the boat cruising by a couple more Great Northern Divers until the engine is turned off. Almost immediately we were joined by a colossus of the skies. A fabulous barn door sized fish Eagle.
Set against the fabulous Mull landscape
We were lucky that the Eagle performed three dives right next to our boat and it was a pleasure to spend time with such a magnificent bird. Pleased with our morning we took the boat further around the Loch and watched a rather distant Hen Harrier being mobbed by a Peregrine - more fantastic action served up on Mull.
After returning and having some lunch the rest of the day was spent watching waders and looking for Otters. We were rewarded with another Otter view, but too distant for a good picture. Still, the Oytsercatchers were fun to watch.
Day Three
Day three was all about Puffins. But that's not to say we didn't have another early start! And this time we were rewarded with an Otter mother with her cubs. We watched them from a safe distance before we moved in for some shots. I pointed the group to two or three good spots in the rocks whilst I went further up the shore. Having plenty of Otter shots already it was always going to happen that the mother Otter swam straight towards me and checked me out from three or four metres away. We saw some more Great Northern Divers in the bay before heading on for our second boat trip of the week.
Soon enough we were in amongst the Puffins and for once having a slightly overcast day really helped with the exposure. It's hard not to fall in love with the character of these comical birds.
Happy in Puffin town
The Puffin and the fly...
We spent the afternoon photographing the Puffins before heading back to the cottage to rest up. In the evening we decided on a walk down to Salen to see if we could find some more Otters. On the walk down we saw some more cuckoos as well as a fabulous Wood Warbler. Soon enough the sun was dropping in the sky and as the temperature cooled we headed back to the cottage for supper after another great day on Mull.
Day Four
After an early breakfast we headed to Iona in search of Corncrakes. Small disaster - the weather is so bad we can't even see Iona! We decided to try for Mountain Hare nearby and we watch a couple frolic in the boulders as a Snipe drummed overhead. We also catch up with a couple of Raven on the beach before checking out the moorland. All of a sudden a stonking male Hen Harrier cruised next to the Landrover so we set off in hot pursuit as it sped over the moorland. Too fast for us, but still we were all pleased with the spectacular views. The weather improves a little so we headed over to Iona to look for Corncrakes, but we have missed the best time of day and despite several tantalising views we decide to tour the Ross of Mull and visit the special beaches and bays in the area.
Wheatears were seen everyday on Mull.
Some just can't take the pace...
Ringed Plovers are relatively common on Mull and can be found on most of the bays around the island. Further along we found another Otter - our sixth of the trip
We also watched Arctic Terns and Rock Pipits around the bay as well as photographing the beautiful scenery at my favourite beach on Mull (maybe the planet!). Afterwards a cuckoo paid a visit to our cottage and performed well flying over the heads of our guests. Even on tough days Mull still delivers the goodies to keep spirits up!
Day Five
Following the success of the Eagle charter we all decided to have another crack at the Eagles. The light wasn't as good as the first day which presented its own challenge but the excitement was high and the Eagle performed fantastically. Amazingly after seeing the Eagles we see yet another Otter to take the total to eight for the week.
Just as we say goodbye to our final guest a Whitethroat pops up to say hello. Really this is a fabulous place. It really was with a heavy heart that we had to say good bye to our wonderful guests and the magical, marvellous, magnificent Mull.
If you would like to book on Mull 2011 we only have a few places left to please let us know
Some comments form the 2010 trips....
For now here are some snaps taken when the opportunity arose in between workshops, tours and preparations.
Black Grouse - Article coming soon on where to photograph these fantastic grouse - watch this space!