A Nature Lover's Guide to Isle of Mull's Most Iconic Wildlife

Otters, Eagles, and Sharks: Wildlife Adventures on the Isle of Mull

The Isle of Mull is a wildlife paradise, teeming with extraordinary animals that thrive in its diverse landscapes and pristine waters. From the towering golden eagles soaring above rugged peaks to the playful otters darting along its serene shores, Mull offers a captivating encounter with nature at its finest. Whether you're a birdwatcher, a marine life enthusiast, or simply someone seeking the thrill of spotting rare species, Mull delivers unforgettable experiences. This article explores the island’s most iconic wildlife, detailing where, when, and how you can see these amazing creatures in their natural habitat.

White-Tailed Eagles: Majestic Rulers of the Skies

White-tailed eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla), also called sea eagles, are the largest birds of prey in the UK and among the most captivating raptors in Europe. Known for their impressive wingspan of up to 2.5 meters, they dominate the skies with powerful, slow wingbeats and graceful gliding. Their striking appearance includes pale plumage on their head and neck, contrasting with a dark brown body, and a distinctive yellow beak. White-tailed eagles are opportunistic hunters, feeding mainly on fish and seabirds, though they are also known to scavenge. These eagles mate for life and build massive nests, which they reuse and expand each breeding season. Once extinct in the UK due to hunting and habitat loss, they were successfully reintroduced to Scotland in the 1970s, and the Isle of Mull now supports a thriving population. They are a testament to the success of conservation efforts in Scotland.

Where Can You See White-Tailed Eagles and How to Get There?

The Isle of Mull is one of the best places to see white-tailed eagles in the wild. Key locations include Loch na Keal and Loch Scridain, where eagles are often spotted soaring overhead or perched in trees. For a more guided experience, the Mull Eagle Watch offers tours led by knowledgeable rangers, providing an opportunity to view nesting sites and learn about these birds' behaviors.

To get to Mull, take a ferry from Oban on the mainland to Craignure, the island’s main port. From there, you can drive or take a local bus to popular eagle-watching spots. Renting a car is recommended to explore the island at your own pace.

Best Time to See White-Tailed Eagles

The best time to see white-tailed eagles on Mull is between April and September, during their breeding season. During these months, the eagles are highly active, with adults often seen hunting to feed their chicks. Boat tours and guided hikes increase your chances of spotting these magnificent birds in action. For the ultimate experience, visit during the early morning or late afternoon, when light conditions enhance visibility and eagle activity peaks.

Otters: Playful Inhabitants of the Coast

Otters (Lutra lutra), known for their playful nature and agility, are semi-aquatic mammals that thrive along the Isle of Mull’s pristine coastlines. These sleek creatures have thick, waterproof fur that keeps them warm as they glide effortlessly through the water. Their long, streamlined bodies and webbed feet make them expert swimmers, allowing them to hunt fish, crabs, and other aquatic prey. Otters are highly territorial, marking their range with distinctive scent glands. Despite being elusive, otters can often be seen playing or grooming, behaviors that reinforce social bonds and ensure their dense fur remains in good condition. Mull’s unspoiled environment and abundant food supply make it one of the best places in Scotland to observe these fascinating mammals in their natural habitat.

Where Can You See Otters and How to Get There?

The best places to spot otters on Mull are along Loch Spelve, Grasspoint, and Calgary Bay. These coastal areas offer ideal conditions, with rocky shores and kelp forests that provide both shelter and food. Watching quietly from a distance, especially near tidal zones, increases your chances of seeing otters at play or hunting.

To reach these areas, start from Craignure and take the island’s scenic roads. Renting a car is the most convenient option to explore the coastline, as public transport is limited in these remote areas.

Best Time to See Otters

Otters are most active at dawn and dusk, making early mornings and late afternoons the best times for spotting them. Although they can be seen year-round, calm and clear weather conditions make it easier to observe their activity along the water’s edge. Patience and a quiet demeanor are essential for catching a glimpse of these shy animals.

Red Deer: Monarchs of the Glen

Red deer (Cervus elaphus) are the largest land mammals in the UK, known for their majestic presence on Mull’s moorlands and hills. Male stags are particularly striking, boasting impressive antlers that can span up to a meter. These antlers are shed and regrown annually, becoming larger and more intricate with age. Red deer are herbivores, grazing on grasses, heather, and other vegetation. During the autumn rutting season, stags compete for mates by engaging in dramatic roaring contests and clashes of antlers. Outside of the rut, red deer live in separate male and female groups, blending harmoniously into Mull’s rugged landscape.

Where Can You See Red Deer and How to Get There?

The open moorlands of Glen More and Loch Buie are prime locations for spotting red deer on Mull. Visitors can often see them grazing at a distance or hear their haunting calls during the rut. For a closer look, consider joining a wildlife safari, where expert guides can help you locate deer while respecting their natural habitat.

From Craignure, drive west along the main island road to Glen More, or head south to Loch Buie. The routes offer breathtaking views and frequent sightings of deer, especially in early mornings.

Best Time to See Red Deer

The best time to see red deer is during the rutting season from September to November, when stags are most active and vocal. This is an unforgettable experience, with the sound of their roars echoing across the hills. Outside of the rut, red deer are visible throughout the year, especially during early morning or evening hours when they venture out to graze.

Puffins: Colorful Clowns of the Sea

Atlantic puffins (Fratercula arctica) are iconic seabirds with their vibrant orange beaks, black-and-white plumage, and comical waddling gait. Known affectionately as “clowns of the sea,” puffins spend most of their lives on the open ocean, coming ashore only to breed. Their nesting sites are burrows dug into grassy cliff edges, often shared with other seabirds. Puffins primarily feed on small fish such as sand eels, which they catch with incredible skill, holding multiple fish in their beaks at once. Despite their playful appearance, puffins are vulnerable to habitat changes and declining fish stocks, making Mull’s thriving colonies a precious sight.

Where Can You See Puffins and How to Get There?

The Treshnish Isles, located off Mull’s coast, are the best place to see puffins. These uninhabited islands are accessible by boat tours departing from Tobermory or Ulva Ferry. The tours not only bring you to puffin colonies but also provide opportunities to see other seabirds and marine wildlife along the way.

To get to Tobermory, drive or take a bus from Craignure, the island’s ferry terminal. From Ulva Ferry, a short drive west, guided tours regularly depart during the breeding season.

Best Time to See Puffins

Puffins are best seen between May and early August, when they return to their nesting sites to breed and rear their chicks. Visiting during this period offers the chance to witness their charming behavior as they shuttle back and forth with fish. Early summer mornings are particularly magical, with vibrant light highlighting the puffins' colorful beaks and lively interactions.

Basking Sharks: Gentle Giants of the Ocean

Basking sharks (Cetorhinus maximus) are the second-largest fish in the world, reaching lengths of up to 10 meters. Despite their intimidating size, they are harmless filter feeders that glide gracefully through the water with their enormous mouths open, consuming plankton. These gentle giants are known for their slow movements and dorsal fins that often breach the surface, earning them the nickname "sunfish." Basking sharks are vital to the marine ecosystem, helping to regulate plankton levels and maintaining a healthy ocean balance. Mull’s surrounding waters provide an ideal feeding ground during the summer months, making it a hotspot for sightings of these fascinating creatures.

Where Can You See Basking Sharks and How to Get There?

The waters around Coll, Tiree, and the Inner Hebrides are prime locations for spotting basking sharks. Guided boat tours from Mull, departing from ports such as Tobermory, take visitors to known feeding areas where these sharks are frequently seen. These tours often include educational components about marine conservation and the behavior of basking sharks.

To reach Tobermory, drive or take a bus from Craignure, the island’s ferry terminal. From here, several operators offer eco-friendly tours during the shark season.

Best Time to See Basking Sharks

The best time to see basking sharks is from June to September, when the plankton blooms attract them to the surface. Calm, sunny days offer the best visibility for spotting dorsal fins and tail movements as these majestic creatures glide through the water. Early morning boat trips are ideal for capturing breathtaking encounters.

Golden Eagles: Masters of the Heights

Golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) are one of Mull’s most iconic predators, renowned for their extraordinary hunting skills and awe-inspiring aerial displays. These large raptors have a wingspan of up to 2.2 meters and striking golden plumage on their nape. Golden eagles primarily hunt mammals, such as rabbits and hares, but are also adept scavengers. They nest in remote cliffs and rocky crags, building large eyries used year after year. The Isle of Mull supports a healthy population, making it one of the best places in the UK to observe these majestic birds in the wild.

Where Can You See Golden Eagles and How to Get There?

Golden eagles are often spotted in Glen More, Loch na Keal, and the rugged Ben More region. Wildlife safaris and guided tours from Mull provide expert guidance on finding these elusive birds and observing them respectfully.

From Craignure, drive west towards Glen More or Loch na Keal. Both areas are accessible by road, and the surrounding hills offer excellent vantage points for eagle watching.

Best Time to See Golden Eagles

Golden eagles are visible year-round, but spring and summer (April to August) are particularly rewarding as they are more active during the breeding and chick-rearing season. Clear days provide better opportunities for spotting them soaring high above the landscape.

Common Seals: Coastal Charmers

Common seals (Phoca vitulina), also known as harbor seals, are a beloved sight along Mull’s shores. These sleek marine mammals are smaller than their grey seal counterparts, with rounded heads and V-shaped nostrils. They spend much of their time lounging on rocks and sandbanks, basking in the sun or nursing their pups. Common seals are excellent swimmers, diving to impressive depths in search of fish, squid, and crustaceans. Their playful nature and expressive faces make them a favorite among wildlife watchers.

Where Can You See Common Seals and How to Get There?

You can spot common seals at Loch Don, Loch Spelve, and the coastline near Fionnphort. Guided boat tours around the island often include seal-watching as part of their itinerary. For those exploring on foot, the low tide reveals seals basking on the rocky shores.

To reach these areas, drive from Craignure along Mull’s scenic coastal roads. Loch Spelve is a particularly popular destination, with its calm waters and abundant seal colonies.

Best Time to See Common Seals

The best time to see common seals is during the summer months (June to August), particularly during the pupping season when females can be seen nursing their young. Midday, when the tide is low, is ideal for spotting them hauled out on rocks.

Hen Harriers: The Ghosts of the Moor

Hen harriers (Circus cyaneus) are medium-sized birds of prey known for their elegant flight and hauntingly beautiful plumage. Males are strikingly pale with black wingtips, while females are mottled brown, providing excellent camouflage. These raptors hunt low over open moorlands, feeding on small mammals and birds. Hen harriers are elusive and rare, making sightings on Mull particularly special. Their ethereal, gliding movements have earned them the nickname “ghosts of the moor.”

Where Can You See Hen Harriers and How to Get There?

Hen harriers are best spotted in Glen More and Knockvologan, where the open landscapes provide ideal hunting grounds. Joining a wildlife tour is highly recommended, as experienced guides know the best locations and times for viewing these elusive birds.

From Craignure, drive south to Knockvologan or west to Glen More. Both locations are accessible by car and offer stunning vistas for birdwatching.

Best Time to See Hen Harriers

Hen harriers are most active during the spring and summer months (April to August), when males perform courtship displays known as “sky dancing.” Early mornings and evenings are prime times for observing these mesmerizing flights.

Grey Seals: Giants of the Shore

Grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) are larger than common seals, with long noses and mottled grey coats that distinguish them from their counterparts. These charismatic marine mammals are powerful swimmers, diving to great depths in search of fish, and are often seen bobbing in the water or hauled out on rocky shores. Mull’s thriving seal population makes it an excellent destination for observing these fascinating animals.

Where Can You See Grey Seals and How to Get There?

Grey seals are commonly spotted at Staffa, Iona, and Loch na Keal. Boat tours departing from Fionnphort and Tobermory often include seal-watching stops. For land-based observation, the beaches near Iona are particularly rewarding.

To reach these areas, drive to Fionnphort or Tobermory and join a boat tour. Alternatively, explore the shores of Iona, accessible via a short ferry ride from Mull.

Best Time to See Grey Seals

Grey seals are most visible during the autumn months (September to November), particularly during the breeding season. Females can be seen with their pups onshore, making this a special time for wildlife enthusiasts. Seals are also active year-round, with low tide offering the best chance to spot them hauled out on rocks.

The Isle of Mull is a true sanctuary for wildlife lovers, offering unparalleled opportunities to connect with nature and witness the wonders of the animal kingdom. Whether you're mesmerized by the graceful basking sharks, enchanted by playful otters, or inspired by the majesty of golden eagles, Mull promises memories that will last a lifetime. So, pack your binoculars, embrace the spirit of adventure, and let Mull’s wild heart captivate you.