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Another basic mistake that the visitor makes is to assume that if the
day begins wet, it will stay wet, or vice versa. In short never assume
anything regarding the weather in Scotland. Also bear in mind that birds
do not like rain anymore than we do and so they are going to be on the
wing as soon as there is any indication that it is going to stop. In a
nutshell check the weather forecast and if it is going to be poor all day
go coastal, where you are more likely to get better weather and at least
see seabirds, sea ducks, Otters etc. If the weather is more optimistic
you can head for the mountains and hopefully see a Golden Eagle on the
wing or maybe a White Tailed Sea Eagle. Sea Eagles can of course be more
coastal in their behaviour than Golden Eagles and you may find them sitting
on a rocky islet as they wait, like you, for the weather to clear.
Take note of the wind direction!! because almost all birds of prey hunt
head into wind especially Golden Eagles, Hen Harriers, Kestrel, Buzzard,
Short Eared Owls etc.
If anyone mentions a sighting of a bird to me I always ask about the
habitat that it was seen in first, because you do not get Hen Harriers
sitting on sea cliffs for instance. Nor do you get Golden Eagles sitting
on the shoreline. It is a Buzzard on that telegraph pole and not a Golden
Eagle!! Etc etc. So habitat is critical when Bird Watching. Crossbills
are in pine forests, it is probably a rock pipit on a rocky shoreline and
not a meadow pipit and if you are in open moorland away from the coast
it is a meadow pipit.
Sightings during the breeding season are quite different to sightings
in the autumn or winter. For instance waders are very territorial during
spring and summer and yet they are highly sociable in the winter months.
A Golden Plover will nest on some remote and bleak moorland and yet outside
the breeding season they can be in large flocks in a field quite close to
a road.
I often get asked about bird watching gear and my answer is to recommend
bringing sensible footwear because in Scotland you will be walking on rocky,
boggy and perhaps seaweed covered terrain. Wear layers of clothing and
always carry a lightweight waterproof. It can also be extremely
hot and sunny here and therefore bring a couple of t-shirts and a pair
of shorts. The sea off Mull and the other Hebridean islands is particularly
clear and you will almost certainly be tempted to have at least a paddle
off one of our beautiful white sand beaches, so bring swimwear.
Regarding binoculars and possibly telescopes. It is very big country
here and you will get excellent use out of a telescope. Whether you
are a birdwatcher or not, binoculars are “essential”. If you are joining
one of Scotland’s land based wildlife tours you will probably find that
they provide you with binoculars for the day, but often sea trips do not,
remember there is always a chance of seeing that distant whale. Binoculars
are great for scanning seabird colonies, or looking for dolphins offshore.
That sitting Eagle on a mountain side can also drive you potty if you do
not have your binoculars with you.
Finally remember you are coming to one of the best nature watching destinations
in the world where the scenery can be equally spectacular. |
