On Saturday afternoon, a group of Orcas (Killer Whales) were seen in Loch Leosavay at Amhuinnsuidhe! One adult male (massive dorsal fin), and we believe an adult female and 3 calves. Orcas are the largest members of the dolphin family. There is only a small population present in the Hebrides, ranging over large distances and constantly on the move. As a result, sightings are pretty rare.
Archive for the ‘Wildlife Sightings’ Category
7th November: Sea Eagles and Snow Buntings
Three juvenile Sea Eagles seen from the road, flying about around Aird an Tolmachan this-morning. We’ve also had a few reports over the last couple of weeks of Snow Buntings being spotted – These distinctive little birds come down from the arctic circle to overwinter in the UK.
15th October: Bramblings
There has been a large Brambling influx over the last few days with flocks of 30-45 seen at Tarbert, Leverburgh, Manish, and Leac a Li. Nice Scandinavian migrant rarely seen in treeless terrain – very unusual to see such large numbers here.
20th August: Merlin
On the Eagle Walk on Wednesday, as well as golden eagle sightings, we got a couple of brilliant sightings of Merlin out in Glen Vigidale. The UK’s smallest bird of prey, the Merlin nest in deep heather, usually in sheltered gulleys – so plenty of good habitat for them here on North Harris.
24th July: Minke Whales!
Yesterday on the Guided Walk out to Scalpay lighthouse, we were treated to sightings of a number of Minke Whales out in the Minch! The sea was totally flat/calm so it was really easy to spot everything on the water. Also plenty of Gannets, Guillemots and Gulls, as well as a Great Northern Diver and even a solitary Puffin fishing just off the lighthouse! What a day!
14th May – Eagles aplenty!
A very successful Eagle Walk at Bogha Glas today – with an abundance of sightings of Golden Eagles and Sea Eagles. We were seeing so many on the way up the glen that if we’d stopped to look at them all, we’d never have finished the walk!
8th May: Divers on Scalpay
On the first guided walk around Scalpay this year, a group of 4 Great Northern Divers were seen off the lighthouse, then a pair of Red Throated Divers (now in summer plumage) back round near the Outend.
25th March: White Tailed Eagle
A White Tailed (Sea) Eagle was spotted last night from the main road by Loch Seaforth.
24th March: Whooper Swans
A flock of approximately 128 Whooper Swans were seen this weekend on Loch Haladail, near Amhuinnsuidhe. Previously this flock was spotted in Loch Meavaig.
21st March: Otter
An otter was seen earlier this week at Amhuinnsuidhe – thanks Diana!