Pottering to Mallaig......Day 9

 The stormy weather that was predicted a few days ago did arrive today, a little later than forecast, but no point sitting in just because it was breezy and wet.After all this is Scotland. Leaving the farm we once again headed down to Fort William but this time turned West on to the Road to the Isles. A stunningly beautiful drive(even in this weather) which takes in Glenfinnan, Arisaig and terminates at Mallaig.

 

 Our first stop was at the North shore of Loch Shiel and Glenfinnan. Home to the Glenfinnan monument built in 1815 honouring those who fought in the Jacobite rising and of course also to the Glenfinnan Viaduct famous as the railway to Hogwart's in Harry Potter. Harry Potter fans might also notice that Loch Shiel and the island were used as film locations for the Tri-Wizard Tournament in Goblet Of Fire.

Looking towards Glenfinnan Monument & Loch Shiel

 Turn 180 degrees and marvel at the viaduct. About 15 years ago we did actually manage to go over the viaduct in the Hogwarts Express.

 The rain continued unabated as we drove West but it just made the scenery even more atmospheric.

 There are a couple of lay-bys we usually check out just before Druimindarroch which are good for Divers but the weather meant it was not going to be possible to search for long so we only spotted a few Seals on the rocky islands before having to rapidly get the car window back up.

 

 Arisaig is one of my favourite places and the Rhu road along the peninsula is breath-taking and concludes at a small parking space giving panoramic views across to the isles of Rum, Eigg and Muck on most days. Today was not one of those days. 😂

 Our view over to Rum.

 From Arisaig you have two options for the last part of the journey to Mallaig, either head back to the main road or follow the slightly longer coastal route. We of course took the coastal road. The weather was finally starting to improve so we were able to park near the golf course and scan the beach and water for wildlife.

Nothing on the water but on the right of this beach were a flock of around 30 Oystercatchers.

 This route also takes you next to the White Sands of Morar. A spectacular estuary of the River Morar with turquoise waters and white sand.

Photo Shutterstock (hence the blue sky 😉)

 Arriving in Mallaig we parked up and walked into the harbour. It was much quieter than usual as due to the storm, ferries running from Mallaig had been cancelled. There is always wildlife to be found here though. 

 Both Herring and Great Black-backed Gulls were hanging around the fishing vessels. The Gull in the 3rd photo not wanting to share it's Space Raiders.

 Before we even caught sight of my favourite Sea ducks we could hear them Woooing from behind a trawler.Common Eiders, 11 of them, Males, Females and a juvenile. They came nearer and then started diving, foraging for Scallops.We watched as they returned from underwater with food but within minutes of starting their hunting, Gulls arrived. Every time an Eider came back to the surface with food, they were immediately mobbed by Gulls trying to hijack their catch. This forced them to instantly dive again to protect their prize. This went on each time until finally the Eiders changed priorities and their attentions to the females.The Males started their calls, throwing their heads back and making one of the most wonderful sounds heard in the Natural World.

Eiders foraging for Molluscs and then having to evade the Gulls.

 Eiders turning their attention to 'Wooing' the Females.

 The Eiders drifted away and as we watched we noticed a Black Guillemot on the other side of the harbour, too distant to photograph though.

 Ripples much closer got our attention.At first nothing reappeared and then one of  Mallaig's resident Grey Seals popped to the surface.

 Majella's video of the Selkie.

 More great close up wildlife encounters courtesy of this stunning country. We drove back to Tulloch Farm after another fantastic,if slightly wet day. On returning I instantly noticed the Great Spotted Woodpecker on the fat balls in the garden.

 Another rainy night meant no more trail cam footage(for now) but tomorrow we head East into the Cairngorms.

Thank you so much for spending time reading another episode of my blog. Just 3 days of our Scottish adventure to come but more wildlife on the horizon.

Stay safe. 😃