Wildlife In Oban
Situated as we are sandwiched between the edge of a sea loch and some of Scotland’s highest mountains, yet surrounded by farmland, large gardens and rivers we have an incredibly diverse range of bird and animal life on our doorstep.
Wildlife In Oban
Regular visitors within the grounds of Bonawe House are buzzard, sparrow hawk, tawny owl, barn owl, heron, greater spotted woodpecker, tree creeper, thrushes, siskins and the whole range of garden birds easily watched on our frequently filled bird feeders.
At the loch shore you can see swans, eiderducks, oystercatchers, sandpiper, tern, cormorant, goldeneye, goosander, wagtail, tufted duck, teal, wigeon, red throated diver. During the summer we have regular sightings of Ospreys, and occasional sightings of white tailed eagles from the piers.
By the river watch the nesting sand martins, curlew, dipper, field fare, kestrel, lapwing, pied wagtail, pochard, redwing, ringed plover, wax wing winchat.
Within the local woodland (and indeed in the trees in the grounds of Bonawe House) there are blackbird, blackcap, blue tit, brambling, chaffinch, coal tit, collared dove, cuckoo, great spotted woodpecker, goldcrest, goldfinch, greenfinch, great tit, house martin, jay, kite, long tailed tit, pipit, mistle thrush, redwing, robin siskin, snipe, song thrush, , swallow, swift, tree creeper, warbler, wheatear, wren and yellow hammer.
From April to July there are puffins on the Treshnish Isles, which are amazing to see. They are so tame and photogenic, great for the beginner and children. The boatrips by Turus Mara take you there (see island excursions). There are some on Staffa as well, but they are often on the sea during the day, and you are lucky to see them.
These safaris are run from Mull, by Land rover. They pick you up at Craignure , and you’re dropped back off for the ferry. Not recommended for young children.
Very much like above with the same time schedule, but a different company. Sightings of eagles, otters, seals, red deer, and dolphins and basking sharks at the right time of year. Poor weather often produces the best sightings. Includes a picnic lunch.
A day trip in air-conditioned Land rover round Mull seeing wildlife, geology and historical sites. Lunch and binoculars included.
Within the grounds we have hedgehogs, foxes, the occasional red deer and lots of rabbits.
By the loch shore you have a reasonable chance of seeing otter or mink.
Upper Loch Etive offers a fairly guaranteed sighting of seal (there are boat cruises up the loch from near the house) and Glen Liver is home to Scottish wild cat (though you would be very lucky to see one) and plenty of red deer
David Ainsley runs wildlife cruises from Seil Island and is very knowledgeable.
Want to take that perfect shot of otters, beavers, dear, birds? This is the company for you. Years of experience knowing the perfect time and place to be for Scottish wildlife photography.
