wildlife

[johnpeter]

Hello, Iam Johnpeter , will be staying in cottage for a week in 3rd week of june near Dunvegan I am interested in wildlife , Pine martens, whales, dolphins, can anyone help me please ?

[Paul Webster]

Hi John and welcome to Walkhighlands

You won't see any pine martens around Dunvegan but there are good places to go watch for whales; I've seen them already this year off Rubha Hunish. Nearer to Dunvegan you could try Neist Point or Waternish Point - you've a great chance of seeing Minke whales from either. Dolphins are more hit and miss, a bit unpredictable, though you might see them from the coast. They are often from boat trips, either locally or from Calmac ferries such as Uig - Harris/Uist, Mallaig - Armadale etc. From the shore the best place to see dolphins is actually on the east coast at Chanonry Point.

[Caberfeidh]

There are boat trips available from Dunvegan which visit the seal colonies on the small islands around there. You may get lucky and see a whale; I found the bones of a whale lying on an island shore near Dunvegan.Look out also for porpoise,otters, eagles, buzzards, etc.I hope you enjoy your trip.Remember to bring anti-midgie stuff - they're out already.

[johnpeter]

Hello again , and thanks guys for being very helpful. Can i ask paul why there arnt any Pine Martens at Dunvagen ?.

[Paul Webster]

I don't think there are any on Skye, Johnpeter, though I have heard that some have crossed the Skye bridge in recent years (don't know whether this is true) - even if they have, they won't have got as far as Dunvegan.

[Myth]

I'm reasonably sure that Paul is right about the Pinemartins - but there are plenty on the mainland, although seeing them is tough...

There are boat trips out to the Dunvegan Islands (from right next to the castle) which get really close. Don't forget to watch some otters while you're on Skye - lots of them about!

And the midges are well out - got bitten badly at Inchnadamph this weekend (yeah, a report will follow).

[kinley]

There are pine Martens on Skye - saw one as roadkill between Loch Ainort and Loch Sligachan last year (presumably before Caberfeidh found it and cooked it )

They crossed the bridge and are spreading out from Broadford apparently.

The BBC had the story a few years back:

Pine Martens on Skye

But they won't have got to Dunvegan yet.

Was up towards Dunvegan for a week last year - did see Sea Eagle, Peregrines, Merlins. Hen Harrier, Golden Eagles, Buzzards - all from the cottage.