Mull, Iona and the Treshnish Isles

Mull is a wildlife paradise, becoming ever more popular with birdwatchers. It’s easy to see why, with more Golden and White-tailed Eagles than anywhere else in Britain, plus Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl, Raven and a range of northern moorland species.

During this exciting Heatherlea adventure we take our time to thoroughly explore the island, and we also visit the enthralling island of Lunga, with its seabird colonies including Puffin at point-blank range, and the fascinating islands of Staffa and Iona, which have strong cultural resonances and also play home to key wildlife during the time of our visit. The moorland and fields of Mull hold many waders including Snipe, Curlew, Lapwing, and Oystercatcher, and we also intend to spend time Otter watching. All this amongst magnificent scenery, featuring towering mountainous cliffs, picturesque strandlines, rocky foreshores and beautiful pristine beaches.

KEY MOMENTS at our Friday round-up - which will be yours?

* Puffins at point blank range!
* Chances of Corncrake on Iona.
* White-tailed and Golden Eagle over the mountains of Mull.
* Otters playing on the coastline.

Our thrilling boat trip takes us firstly to Staffa, where we have enough time to visit Fingal’s Cave and scan for the few Great Skua which breed on the summit. Next, on to the tiny isle of Lunga, where the ‘Puffin experience’ is perhaps the best in the British Isles, as we pass right by the burrows (the birds are inquisitive, and a careful birder can enjoy views from a few feet). Further along, auks, Shag and gulls can be safely appreciated at eye level just yards away. Photographers will enjoy this spectacle! A quiet walk from the main cliffs and we may hear Twite singing. Our boat returns to harbour in time for us to keep birding as we return to our hotel. Many thousands of Guillemot, Razorbill, Kittiwake and Shag are present, with Black Guillemot, Manx Shearwater and perhaps tiny Storm Petrel, Great Skua, Arctic Tern and ‘real’ Greylag Goose offshore.

As well as thoroughly exploring Mull itself, we drive across the Ross of Mull to the small island of Iona. Any lingering Great Northern Diver will be superb in summer finery, and an absorbing day should once again include both eagle species and Red Deer. On Iona at this time the grassy fields around the ancient Abbey hold Corncrake. There can be up to 20 males calling, and although we can’t guarantee a sighting, we should hear the birds rasping mechanically, and perhaps be rewarded with a glimpse or two!

Join this holiday from Oban and meet the group on Mull, or travel with us from Nethy Bridge.

Day 1: Tuesday - Arrival and first explorations of Mull
We transfer from The Mountview Hotel to our base on Mull by minibus and two ferries, or you can join by taking the ferry from Oban, and we will greet you at the ferry terminal on Mull. Should you travel with us from Mountview Hotel, watch out on the way for Black Guillemot, Eider, Red Deer and Hooded Crow, with perhaps our first view of eagles and otters. Spring on Mull offers outstanding scenery in rapidly changing weather conditions, and we use our knowledge of the island to find the best spots for the day. Both Golden and White-tailed Eagle are high on our agenda, though Hen Harrier are also targeted. Moorland and fields hold lots of waders, including Snipe, Curlew, Lapwing, and Oystercatcher, and we also expect to spend time Otter watching. Wonderful scenery, good company and fantastic birding before we transfer to our hotel and settle in.

Day 2: Wednesday - Treshnish Isles boat trip: Staffa and Lunga
We enjoy a spectacular boat trip, visiting the Isle of Staffa, where we have enough time to visit Fingal’s Cave and also scan for the few Great Skua which sometimes breed here, as do a few Puffin. Next, on to the tiny isle of Lunga to visit the fabulous auk colony on the cliffs of Harp Rock, facing west across the ocean. Many thousands of Guillemot, Razorbill, Kittiwake and Shag are present, with Black Guillemot, Manx Shearwater and perhaps tiny Storm Petrel, Great Skua, Arctic Tern and ‘real’ Greylag Goose offshore. On Lunga, the ‘Puffin experience’ is perhaps the best in the British Isles, as we pass right by the burrows (the birds are inquisitive, and a careful birder can enjoy views from a few feet). Further along auks, Shag and gulls can be safely appreciated at eye level just yards away. Photographers will love this  spectacle! A quiet walk away from the main cliffs and we may hear Twite singing. Throughout the journey we watch out for marine mammals including Grey Seal, Common Seal, Minke Whale, Bottle-nosed Dolphin, Common Porpoise and also Basking Shark. Our boat returns to harbour in time for us to keep birding as we return to our hotel.

Day 3: Thursday - Iona and the Ross of Mull
Today we travel to the Ross of Mull, where sea watching can be productive, and our absorbing day's birding should again include both eagle species. Any lingering Great Northern Diver will be superb in summer finery, Gannets, terns, gulls and auks fly through the narrow Sound, and as we travel down the peninsula, Raven, Stonechat, Hooded Crow and Greylag Geese should all be seen. Across the narrow Sound lies Iona, and we take the ferry by foot to spend some time on this lovely little island, dominated by its imposing Abbey. On Iona at this time the grassy fields hold Corncrake, and there could be as many as 20 males calling. Hearing Corncrake on Iona is easy, catching sight of these elusive birds is not so straightforward! The grasses grow quickly in May, and even small patches can hold Corncrake without letting us catch a glimpse, even though we can approach at very close quarters. We do however have a few favoured spots which have been productive in recent years, and we work the public roads to find places where the experienced eyes (and ears!) of your Guide can often produce a sighting. We can’t guarantee Corncrake on this holiday, but we have excellent chances during this day. There are also many passerines and seabirds to be found on Iona, and if you wish to visit the Abbey, you will have time to do so.

Day 4: Friday - Exploring back roads in the north
A full day on Mull to visit some of the lesser known places, including a remote glen where three or more eagle territories can be watched simultaneously. Redpoll and Hen Harrier are also frequently seen here. Quieter areas inland may produce Dipper, and the deciduous woodlands are worth investigating for warblers and possibly flycatchers. The first of the orchids may be flowering, and rare Marsh Fritillary butterfly are possible too. Throughout the day we may see eagles virtually anywhere, and a full, leisurely day with the wildlife of this entrancing island will produce thrilling and memorable sightings as we thoroughly explore 'Magical Mull'!

Day 5: Saturday - Return to the Mainland via Morvern
Another morning around Mull to round up, then return by minibus and ferry. If travelling with us to Nethy Bridge, you will investigate quiet backroads on the west coast where eagles, Twite, waders in summer plumage and moulting Great Northern Diver can again be expected.

This holiday can be combined with:

SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
Birding the Highlands in May

Field Notes 

Expect a wide variation in weather conditions. Blazing sunshine, rain and cold winds are all possible, and you will probably experience a bit of everything. Biting insects not expected this early  in the season. Please bring walking boots or shoes, fully waterproof clothing and a small rucksack. Conditions on boat trips are invariably colder than those on dry land, so bring warm clothing! Please note that depending on tide, the landing on Lunga may be on slippery boulders. The walking on Staffa and Lunga is on rough and at times steep paths and care is needed. Guests can of course remain on the boat if they do not wish to land.

What's included in your Mull, Treshnish and Iona holiday price

• Four nights comfortable hotel accommodation on Mull. We will carefully select your hotel from our personally inspected shortlist of hotels where birders are welcome and the hospitality is special. Guests are never expected to share. Full details with your joining pack. Rooms are en-suite, with TV and hospitality tray.
• Full Scottish breakfast and dinner from Tuesday evening till Saturday morning, packed lunch Tuesday - Saturday.
• Boat trip to Staffa/Lunga. Please note in adverse weather conditions boat trips may be cancelled and rescheduled.If the weather is extremely poor for the whole trip certain excursions may not be possible.
• All transfers between Nethybridge and Mull by comfortable minibus and Calmac ferry. Drivers can leave vehicles safely parked at The Mountview Hotel.
• Guidance from a professional Group Leader.
• Courtesy bus service to transport in Aviemore on departure.

What's not included in your Mull, Treshnish and Iona holiday price

• Insurance, drinks and other items of a personal nature.
• Extra night in Nethybridge area at end of holiday. This can be arranged for you if requested at time of holiday booking.
• Collection from Aviemore on arrival.