Birding advice, near Oban. (1 Viewer)

T

thomasclark1985

Well-known member

• Apr 29, 2018

• #1

Hi,

I am on holiday near Oban next week, and although I’m fairly booked up I’m hoping to get at least a day of birding in. I have already arranged a trip to Lunga to see the puffins and other sea birds, & hopefully Sea Eagles if lucky!

But are there any other marks close by that people could recommend? I would especially like to see Short-eared Owl if that is around as I’ve never seen one, and if not, I could do with practising divers and grebes.

I’m also walking Ben Nevis, so any advice on what to look out for there would also be great.

Many thanks,

Tom

 

G

Gander

Well-known member

• May 1, 2018

• #2

Hi Thomas,
I stayed in Oban a few years ago, but it was before I really took up birding. If I was to go back with birding in mind, I believe I would take the short ferry trip out to Mull. Certainly Sea and Golden Eagles would be on the menu.

If you do that, there is an informative section in Gordon Hamlett's book, Best Birdwatching Sites - Highlands, that will be worth your while taking a look at.

 

T

thomasclark1985

Well-known member

• May 2, 2018

• #3

Thanks for the advice, and I’ve heard a lot of positives about Mull so far, so I might try for an extra day. Unfortunately I’m leaving tomorrow morning so I won’t get the chance to buy the book.

 

delia todd

If I said the wrong thing it was a Senior Moment

Staff member

Opus Editor

Supporter

• May 2, 2018

• #4

Hi Thomas

You'll get loads of information and website links, including for Mull Birds, in The Opus article for Mull.

When I stayed in Oban a few years ago, CalMac did some wildlife tour trips, which were good value for money, especially as you didn't need to take the car. I've not checked their website this year to see if they're still doing them.

You might pick up the owls in Glen More (on the way to Fionnphort) or the moorland between Dervaig and Tobermory.

On the mainland, I just don't know I'm afraid.

 

T

thomasclark1985

Well-known member

• May 19, 2018

• #5

Hi Delia,

Yes I had already arranged a trip through CalMac and Turus Mara to the Treshnish Isles, which was an amazing experience I will never forget. Managed my first White-tailed Sea Eagle, Black Guillemot, & Great Skua on the trip.

Unfortunately I didn't see a Golden Eagle, or Short-eared Owl! But nonetheless it was a great holiday and didn't want to leave.

Another highlight being a Pine Marten coming to the kitchen door at 1am whilst drunk & playing cards!

Many thanks,

Tom

 

Ian Bell

Registered User

Supporter

• May 19, 2018

• #6

thomasclark1985 said:

Hi Delia,

Another highlight being a Pine Marten coming to the kitchen door at 1am whilst drunk & playing cards

Tom

Click to expand...

Bloody typical of Pine Marten.
Knocking at the door pi$$ed at all hours,looking for a gamble

 

T

thomasclark1985

Well-known member

• May 20, 2018

• #7

Ben Nevis said:

Bloody typical of Pine Marten.
Knocking at the door pi$$ed at all hours,looking for a gamble

Click to expand...

Haha I tried enticing it back the next night with food, but there was no sign, so I think you're right! I hear they often scavenge around bins, is that right?

cheers,

Tom