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Nature
of the Mull
SPRING:
Undoubtedly the Mull at its finest. the cliffs are a noisy
scramble of Guillemot, Razorbill, Fulmar and Kittiwake. Overhead
Raven tumble and black-backed Gulls soar while on the sea
black Guillemot and Puffin bob on the tidal race. The birds
of this colony build precarious 'nests' or lay directly on
the cliff or on boulders, along with a small number of Puffins
which, vulnerable to rats and foxes, avoid the burrows where
they would ordinarily produce their eggs.
SUMMER:
Skeins of Gannet rumble past in bombing formation, leaving
the Scares Rock- seen towards the east of the Mull - where
they breed, to fish off the point. Pied Wagtail, Wheatear,
Meadow Pipit and White-Throat bustle and flit through the
rough grass.
 By
August, the salt cropped heather is in full bloom. Growing
low and compact due to the winter winds, its profusion of
flowers give a purple hue to the air. Amongst the ling and
bell heather grows lady's bedstraw, yarrow, sneezewort and
tufted vetch, providing a rich nectar source for the butterflies:
Red Admiral, Common Blue, Wall Brown, Grayling, Peacock, Painted
Lady, Large and Small White.
AUTUMN:
The Mull provides an important resting place for southbound
birds: Tern, Skua, Shearwater and Common Scoter are seen over
the water. Swallows, House and Sand Martins gather on the
lighthouse buildings in preparation for the long haul south
The migrants attract the attendtion of Peregrine Falcons,
which patrol the skies and stoop in high-speed pursuit of
any stragglers
The burdock
and creeping thistle have gone to seed and create a valuable
seed bank for Linnet, Goldfinch and the increasingly rare
Twite, now flocking together to guard against the patrolling
Peregrine. Harebell linger on, fragile blooms buffeted by
autumn gales
 WINTER:
Wind whipped waves crashing over rocks and flavouring the
rain with salt, this is the Scottish coast at its most dramatic.
Crisp, cold mornings, clear blue skies and a clean atmosphere
allow for excellent views of the Isle of Man, the Lake District
and Ireland, even to Anglesey and the Mull of Kintyre. Eider
duck shelter in the lee of the point and Shag brave the storms
on the rocks.
ON
THE SEA: Manx Shearwater regularly pass by from June to
September and are joined by Skua and the occasional Sooty
Shearwater during the autumn migration. Offshore sightings
of Grey Seals and Porpoises are regular; Dolphins, Basking
Sharks and Otters are scarce, and Whales are a rare treat.
 WILD
FLOWERS: A variety of wild flowers can be seen throughout
the year. Spring squill - looking like small bluebells - appear
in May, and rock sea lavender and golden samphire flower on
the cliffs in July and August, along with many more, some
rare and peculiar to this area.
RSPB
Nature Reserve
Lighthouse
Visitor
Centre
Gallie
Craig Coffee House
Nature
of the Mull of Galloway
Geology
of the Mull of Galloway
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back to Mull of Galloway Experience
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