Argyll and Bute - Seil Island/Oban (1 Viewer)

[PhilCumbria]

Hi all,

Will be heading up for a weeks break in April, and have been promised some time to myself to go birding - does anyone have any good suggestions for seeing something I might not get usually down here in the South Lakes?
I would have the car so not limited to one site.

I have been to Mull before (loved it) so don't fancy just a day trip there

Cheers

 

[delia todd]

Hi Phil

I spent a day on Seil Island last May. It wasn't a true birdwatching trip, as I was with my brother and s-i-l. But did manage a few, nice for me, sightings. You can see my pictures of the day here, which will give you a flavour of what can be seen.

There's a nature reserve at the south end of the island, but I didn't have time to find out about access.

Have you been to Treshnish? We went on a wonderful day trip organised by CalMac. We did one or two of them.... excellent value for money. They haven't advertised their summer programme yet for this year, but keep an eye on their website

Further south, have a run along the Crinan Canal. There's a hide at Bellanoch overlooking the wetlands. Beavers in Knapdale Forest (evenings probably best) and cracking views too.

It's a beautiful area - you'll really enjoy it.

 

[saluki]

Try Scamadale. Golden and Sea eagle, occasional Hen harrier, Dippers, sometimes divers on the loch, Goosander, etc. The pine wood at the end of the valley can hold Crossbills, etc. and is good for Spotted flycatchers later in the year.
http://streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=184294&Y=719840&A=Y&Z=120

Loch Nell can be okay for wildfowl, sometimes stuff you don't get elsewhere in the area:
http://www.streetmap.co.uk/idld.srf?X=188096&Y=726677&A=Y&Z=115&lm=1

Head of Loch Feochan sometimes holds waders, gulls, etc.
http://www.streetmap.co.uk/idld.srf?X=187671&Y=724652&A=Y&Z=120&lm=1

Take the minor road east of Kilmelford. BT and RT divers, Golden eagle, Merlin, Peregrine and Osprey are all possible. Crossbills in the conifers. Go at least as far as Loch Avich, but you could carry on to Loch Awe for Ospreys. Dalavich Wood is a nature reserve and good for Redstart, Tree pipit, maybe Pied Flycatcher if you're lucky.
http://www.streetmap.co.uk/idld.srf?X=184961&Y=713022&A=Y&Z=120&lm=1

Cheers
Jonathan

 

[delia todd]

I was hoping you'd see this thread Jonathan.

That drive you recommended to me years ago, through Kilmichael Glen, is still a favourite memory of mine. So I knew you'd come up with some more goodies LOL