MULL, IONA and the TRESHNISH ISLES

TUES 16 MAY – SAT 20 MAY 2023

TUES 14 MAY – SAT 18 MAY 2024

PRICES: from £1595pp

Single supplement: £225. Deposit £300pp Max 7 clients. Leader Barry Embling (2023)

Mull is a wildlife paradise, with higher densities of Golden and White-tailed Eagles than anywhere else in Britain, plus Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl, Raven and a range of northern moorland species. The fields hold many waders, including Snipe, Golden Plover, Curlew, Lapwing and Oystercatcher, and we always plan to spend time Otter watching. All this amongst magnificent scenery, featuring towering cliffs, picturesque shorelines, rocky foreshores, and beautiful pristine beaches.

The coastal habitat is extra special, and we enjoy a thrilling boat trip to the Isle of Staffa, where we have enough time to visit Fingal’s Cave, scanning for Great Skua too. Later we go to the tiny isle of Lunga, where the ‘Puffin experience’ is one of the best in the British Isles. Passing right by the burrows, the birds are tolerant, and a careful birder can enjoy views at just a few feet. Further along, other auk species, Shag and gulls can be safely appreciated at close range. Photographers will love this! A quiet walk away from the main cliffs and we may hear Twite, Rock Pipit and Wheatear singing. From the boat, we enjoy the breeding seabirds at ‘their level’ perhaps seeing Kittiwake, Manx Shearwater Arctic Tern and perhaps tiny Storm Petrel or cetaceans too

As well as thoroughly exploring Mull itself, including some lesser-known hotspots, we visit 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 perhaps Otter. The grassy fields on Iona hold Corncrake, the meadows around the Abbey often a favoured location. There can be up to 20 males calling, and although we can’t guarantee a sighting, we are often rewarded with a glimpse or two and should hear the birds rasping. On recent trips we have seen Common Dolphin, Minke Whale, Killer Whale, Basking Shark and even a Bearded Seal – a really exciting holiday. Total species c. 70. Number of centres: 1.