What's on Arran? (2 Viewers)

[Empath]

I'm holidaying for a few days on the Scottish island of Arran this year. Are there any unusual birds to watch out for there? And what about other creatures? I have heard there are a number of adders, which I am hoping to see, but what about otters and other wildlife?

 

[Keith Reeder]

I was there for a week last year, and loved the place.

While I was there I saw my first-ever goshawk, several peregrine, both species of seal, an otter, more ravens than you can shake a stick at (fantastically close views too), and nearly stood on a red deer!

There is also a very good hen harrier observation point - although I'd missed the birds by time I was there - and there's a chance of golden and sea eagle.

On the ferry over I just couldn't take in the number of shearwaters I could see, and I got fleeting slimpses of what I believe were petrels too (dunno what species).

That should be enough for starters, eh?

 

[Empath]

Thanks Keith. Seems my 3 days on Arran won't be enough...

 

[Keith Reeder]

My 5 days wasn't, that's for sure.

I might well head back this year, actually.

Where in Arran are you staying?

 

[Andrew Whitehouse]

I think Arran is supposed to be one of the better areas for seeing Basking Sharks.

 

[Keith Reeder]

Good point, Andrew - in fact it's supposed to be excellent for all manner of large pelagic beasties.

I didn't see 'em myself, but in addition to basking sharks, you're in with a chance of dolphins, porpoises, minke whales...

And - though I dipped here too! - there are usually a couple of black guillemots hanging around Brodick harbour where the ferry terminal is.

 

[harry eales]

I'm holidaying for a few days on the Scottish island of Arran this year. Are there any unusual birds to watch out for there? And what about other creatures? I have heard there are a number of adders, which I am hoping to see, but what about otters and other wildlife?

If it was the Irish Isle of Arran you were going to, you may get to see a good range of sweaters, even if you can't see any wildlife. As for the Scottish Isle of Arran, then there is a good variety of insects to be seen, it's just a case of when you are going. Certainly its worth taking a moth trap with you, even if it's only a small 'Heath' portable trap.

Harry

 

[Empath]

My 5 days wasn't, that's for sure.

I might well head back this year, actually.

Where in Arran are you staying?

I'm staying in Whiting Bay and visiting ancient places and remote woodlands. I've also heard there is a thriving red squirrel colony there. Anyone see them?

 

[Keith Reeder]

Aye,

I saw a few in the grounds of Brodick Castle, which isn't far from Whiting Bay...

 

[JTweedie]

I was there for a week last year, and loved the place.

While I was there I saw my first-ever goshawk, several peregrine, both species of seal, an otter, more ravens than you can shake a stick at (fantastically close views too), and nearly stood on a red deer!

Couldn't agree more with you about the red deer, a couple of years ago there was one walking about the streets of Lochranza in the north of the island. I also remember being at the top of Goatfell, there was a Raven and a gull there competing for food from walkers - the gull couldn't get into the small crevices between the rocks though, so the Raven was really cleaning up!

 

[Keith Reeder]

It might've been at Lochranza where I saw three young bucks lying down smack-dab in middle of the green of a hole on of the many Arran golf courses, even though players and passers-by were just yards away!

In fact the golfers simply played around the deer as if they were any other course hazard (albeit a mobile one) - neither players nor deer were in the slightest bit worried about the other...

As to the ravens - I had a very peaceful wander to the top of Dun Fionn (a smaller hill at the south end of Brodick Bay) and there were ravens everywhere.

It was a beautiful day and I had the hill to myself (which is as much a sea-cliff, depending on which way you're facing).

When I got to the top I had a rest and a sit-down against the trig point, and I was within about 30 feet of where the ravens were playing in the updraughts coming off the sea.

I stayed very still and they came closer and closer until they were flying directly above me, no more than 10 feet or so above my head.

It was amazing to be that close to them - man! They're big! - but I couldn't shake the slightly disconcerting feeling that they thought I was lunch!

 

[HouseCrow]

just to add:
Amazing views of Black Guillemot in Brodick Harbour. the water is cristal clear there so they're easily seen hunting through the water
3 Golden Eagle near Glen Rosa river

cheers,
HouseCrow

 

[Gramayr]

Don't forget the Arran Blonde, easy to distinguish by its pale colour.
More enjoyed in the evening..

 

[HouseCrow]

?? or 'come again'?

 

[Gramayr]

B for those who are unfamiliar with Arran Blonde..

 

[MikePB]

Adders and basking sharks

I have seen adders on several occasions in Glen Rosa and in Glen Sannox. There are quite a few basking sharks in the Firth of Clyde in the summer.

 

[Andrew]

Try 'Isle of Arran Blonde' ale, I gave it four out of five and not many get that rate from me. Lovely stuff.