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. 😃

 

Scotland 2020 - Day 4 - Eagles, Martens & Potter

  For day 4 we headed to the stunning West coast along the A830, "The Road To The Isles". Our first stop was Loch Shiel and the Glenfinnan Monument and Viaduct.

  Glenfinnan viaduct made more famous from been used as the route to Hogwarts in Harry Potter.

  The Glenfinnan Monument, a memorial to the people who fought in the Jacobite risings in 1745.

  Loch Shiel with a handy bench to view the scenery(if you have wellies)

 

  To the left of the monument entrance there is a boardwalk that takes you around a marsh and woodland area so we had a quick stroll along it til the boardwalk became part of the Loch.

  Spring was most certainly in the Highlands as Common Frogs were everywhere along with clusters of frog spawn.

  Back in the Monument car park we had the pleasure of this Robin's company.

  We continued West til we reached the scenic Loch Eilt with it's small islands including Eilean Na Moine which was used as Dumbledore's grave (yes this post does seem to becoming a Harry Potter location tour) 

  I tried to get a photo quickly as a hail storm began and hurt like hell lol 

  Loch nan Uamh was always worthy of a stop in the layby as we had spotted numerous Great Northern Divers here before.Today we had Cormorants and a few Seals on the distant rocks. While scanning the water for life this Song Thrush appeared out of the scrub nearby.

  The next place worth exploring is one of our favourite places.As you turn off the A830 to Arisaig there is a single track road to Rhu.A fabulous little road that takes in all the inlets letting you scan for waders and ending with a stunning view across to Rum and Eigg.

  It's an amazing place to stop and sit in the car having lunch while watching the wildlife around the West coast.A Curlew foraged among the seaweed, a Grey Heron fished from the rocks and a Hooded Crow using it's high intelligence to hover in the wind with a shellfish, dropping it on to the rocky beach below to be rewarded with a small meal.

  Grey Heron fishing the bay.

  A pair of glorious Stonechats flew from the field behind to land in the scrub before us.

  Male Stonechat

  I usually look for Raptors along this road too as there are usually Buzzards and Kestrels nearby but I didn't expect the flying barn door to appear from over the hill and glide calmly by us.

  White-tailed Eagle near Arisaig.

  What a spectacular sight :) 

  We made it into Mallaig just as the wind had blown a snowstorm in from the sea, obscuring the view over to Rum.

                             

  Staying in the car we watched the waves crashing into the shore and waited for the Snow to die down before walking into the harbour.

  Herring and Black-backed Gulls filled the air and Eiders and a solitary Black Guillemot drifted on the undulating sea.

  Black Guillemot

  Fishermen were working on their boats anchored to the harbour walls which had interested the local Grey Seal popuation.
  Photo by Majella Fox

  As more snow was forecast to hit the West coast we decided it was time to head back and beat the coming storm.
  Tug and Shadow were waiting on our arrival back to the farm.
Tug who we sadly lost this week.

  Shadow

  The trail camera was not surprisingly put out again but placed further up the lawn and nearer the cabin in hope of getting views from the kitchen.
  The Pine Marten didn't disappoint.

  Later during the night you can see the Snow arrived, though the Rabbits didn't seem too bothered as they made off with all the apples lol 

                             

  Thanks again for joining us on our trip in Scotland.I hope you are enjoying me sharing about Scotland's amazing wildlife and scenery.

Day 5 is all about the Snow and a train. See you then :)