Birding on the Ardnamurchan peninsula

[dryslwyn]

Following on from a visit to Mull in May I am staying on the Ardnamurchan peninsula - first visit. If anyone has found any especially good birding places there please let me know. I am sure it will all be great but its nice to have somewhere specific to head for sometimes.
Bye the way what is the midge situation like the first 2 weeks in May?

[delia todd]

Hi dryswlyn

I was over there in May last year and you can see my trip report here (http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=59575)

The midges are not really too bad then, you may come across them in odd patches just.

PM me if you want more exact location details.

D

[Colin]

At the point itself there is the lighthouse and if you walk around it to the back you can do some seawatching. There is a shelter with glass surround so if the weather is bad you can take shelter but the glass can get salted up. There are however, some places to take shelter outside depending upon the wind direction, so it is a generally a good spot for a bit of seawatching and there is a very small cafe there too. The Natural History Centre some miles back along the road is fascinating too. Keep your eyes peeled anywhere on the peninsula for any birds especially raptors but also keep an eye on the road or preferably more than one as it is single track and unlike many roads in northern Scotland or indeed Mull, which are wide open and easy to see oncoming vehicles, the road across the peninsula from Salen (not to be confused with the Salen on Mull) is very twisty and narrow.

Oh, and as Delia has said should be no problem with midges in May.

[Brian Stone]

A few places I would take a look at:

Walk between the lighthouse and Portuairk. I've seen Otter at Bay MacNeil:
http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?lat=56.7326&lon=-6.2095&scale=25000&icon=x

Achosnitch woodland and walk
http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?lat=56.7224&lon=-6.1721&scale=25000&icon=x

Sanna beach is possibly the finest in the world (no that isn't an exaggeration) and attracts waders. The drive across the ancient volcanic crater through Achnaha to get there is excellent:
http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?lat=56.7459&lon=-6.1773&scale=25000&icon=x

The view from the north coast to the Small Isles is spectacular and is best for cetaceans and Basking Shark (possibly a bit early in early May), divers, Black Guillemot and the like. Swordle Bay is a good location and there's an interesting cave there (PM for detailed directions if interested).

I've had most luck with eagles between Ardslignish and Loch Mudle on the east side of Ben Hiant.
http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?lat=56.6973&lon=-6.012&scale=100000&icon=x

The atlantic oak woodlands along the south coast around Glenborrodale are also worth a look:
http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?lat=56.6781&lon=-5.9186&scale=25000&icon=x

[MarkHows]

There is now an eagle feeding station at the visitor centre there, its via a video link, but it is not far from the visitor centre so eagles (both types on my last visit) can be seen coming and going


Mark

[dryslwyn]

Thanks to all - I shall make good use of the info. Dryslwyn

[Dave H]

There is now an eagle feeding station at the visitor centre there, its via a video link, but it is not far from the visitor centre so eagles (both types on my last visit) can be seen coming and going


Mark

That sounds fantastic. A new development since I last visited. The Centre is fantastic. The people who run it are very helpful and will give you advice about where to go.

On my visits to Ardnamurchan, I have had some luck seeing eagles around the Ben Hiant area. Also on the road near to the Natural History Centre on the way to Glenborrodale. Just keep those eyes open. The benefit of an eagle sighting on Ardnamurchan is that it is often at a far lower altitude than a lot of the main Highlands.

Ardnamurchan point is great for seawatching. The conditions were poor the day I was there but it's a good spot on a flat calm day.

Otters are to be found with some patience at many points on the coastal road. We had some good views at the Ardery Hide which is well signposted. There are also occasional sea eagle sightings from there.

http://sunartoakwoods.org.uk/recreation/wildlife.htm

Have a great time!

Dave

[Jack Daw]

Following on from a visit to Mull in May I am staying on the Ardnamurchan peninsula - first visit. If anyone has found any especially good birding places there please let me know. I am sure it will all be great but its nice to have somewhere specific to head for sometimes.
Bye the way what is the midge situation like the first 2 weeks in May?


Hi Dryslwyn
Visited the Ardnamurchan in May 2005 and had Golden Eagle at the back of the camp site at Resipole also Pine Martens seen there regularly too. Apparently some of the folks who stay in the caravans there feed them and they come down to the bird tables - jam sandwiches good way to attract them.
Regards Jack

[wolfbirder]

I stayed at Otter Lodge right next to Glenmore Visitors centre, in april /may 01 and had pine marten and twite on the property. The bays nearby were great for GN Divers in summer plummage. Also a few RT Divers, and a sole BT Diver one evening all by itself on loch budle. Had golden eagle over the barren land already mentioned towards Sanna bay, and by the mountains between glenborrodale and kilchoan. Also had Hen Harrier. It seemes extremelty wild and barren and it can be hard work but if you want wilderness this is it.

[dryslwyn]

Thanks. I think!

[pandachris]

dryslwyn

You might be interested in our trip report as well - early June 2005 - it is on the Scotland 2005 tag on our website www.avengerpenguins.co.uk . Ardnamurchan is a lovely place for a wildlife holiday.