Bird Watching

From corncrake rasps and gannet plunges to eagle awe and robins pinching your lunch.
Where to see birds in Mid-Argyll and learn more about them.

You may be lucky to see one of our rare black grouse.  You are more likely to spot an osprey.

Bat Hunts

Brought your sonar detection apparatus?  Never mind - Forest Enterprise can help.

The Forestry Commission run periodic evening bat watching walks.  Check their website or phone 01546 602518.

Moth Trapping

Scottish Natural Heritage have moth trapping events at Taynish National Nature Reserve.

A huge range of moths are found here.

Dragonflies

Eleven species of dragonfly have been recorded at Moine Mhor including the beautiful demoiselle.  It is also worth exploring the lochs around Barnluasgan and the reserve at Taynish.

Botany

Argyll has the richest biodiversity in the UK.  Look up for liverworts and tree ferns and down for orchids and globe flowers.

Beavers

Yes that’s right. It wasn’t a brown Labrador.  The beavers are back.  Read the latest news here.

Black Grouse

Rare here but the Dalriada Project is helping them maintain a foothold.

Red Squirrels

They’re under threat but the red squirrel is still abundant in Mid Argyll.

Whales and Dolphins

If you are at sea they may come and find you.  Otherwise you can go looking. From the shore Ardnoe point is good for spotting porpoises.  Dolphins and whales are less predictable but much more spectacular when they do pop up. 

The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust has lots of information on these wonderful creatures.

Otters

There's always a chance of seeing these fascinating semi-aquatic mammals around the inlets and coves of the Argyll coastline or inland amongst the many lochs and burns.  Inquisitive, intelligent and playful and powerful swimmers.  They are opportunistic feeders with fish, crustaceans, birds, insects, frogs and small mammals all featuring in their diet.  The most obvious sign that otters are in the area is their spraint, often left on prominent rocks or landmarks in their territory.
(Image courtesy of Karl Pipes)