Hebridean wildlife guide.
If you are interested in seeing more of the wildlife
of this area, have a look at our special
interest weeks.
At sea
Whales
 ........
 .........
There are several whales present around the Hebrides, including Sperm,
Killer, Northern Bottlenose and Sei whales. However, the commonest is
certainly the Minke whale, which grows to about 10 metres and has a
distinct white patch on its flippers. They will often approach a boat
closely. They are still being commercially hunted by Norway and Japan.
If you have seen a whale and wonder what it was, try this whale
identification site.
The summer of 2004 gave us some superb whale watching opportunities
including an unusual visit from a Humpback whale.
Dolphins
 ........
The Hebrides has many dolphins, some like the porpoise, which are resident
all year round. Some like the Common Dolphin which show themselves in
June and again in Oct/Nov, in groups of from twenty to several hundred.
Other species which are often seen, are Risso's, Bottlenose, White-sided,
and White-beaked dolphins.
Basking Sharks
 .........
The second biggest fish in the world, growing up to 12 metres in length.
But don't worry, they feed only on plankton. Sightings tend to vary
a lot from year to year, but in the Small Isles, late summer is best.
Now protected from fishing in UK waters. For more information, contact the Marine
Conservation Society.
Turtles
 A
very rare sighting, though there are several seen in UK waters each
year - the Leatherback Turtle. The only turtle species that can be considered
to belong here and not a stray. They live off jellyfish and so are highly
prone to choking by plastic bags. For more information, see the Marine
Conservation Society website where a record of all sightings is
being co-ordinated.
Around the islands
Puffins ..............Gannets
........ ..Razorbills......Great
Skua
 .... ....
...
There isn't anywhere better in the country for seeing marine birds.
From the huge Gannet cities of St Kilda, to the busy puffins of Canna,
Mingulay and the Shiants. From the tiny Storm Petrel to the mighty White
tailed Sea Eagle. Or the unforgettable experience of a night with the
Shearwaters of Rum.
On the shoreline
Otters
 -
are seen at Doune and around the islands, close to the shore and more
rarely inland (even up to the tops of the hills). Best time to see them
is around low water, when they find the hunting easiest. Although common,
there is concern about their continued success, with the gradual increase
of mink all over the Hebrides. Otters are very territorial, especially
the females and usually live for 4 -5 years. They often rear 1 or 2
pups which can be born at almost anytime of year. If you would like to learn more about otters
or help in their protection worldwide, please visit the International Otter Survival Fund, based on Skye.
Seals
- both Common and Grey Seals are seen regularly in the area, there being
several large colonies in the Small Isles. In 1999 there was a rare
visit to Loch Scavaig, by a Bearded Seal down
from the Arctic. Grey seal pups are born on remote beaches in Oct/Nov,
are white and cannot swim immediately. Unlike Common seal pups which
are born mostly in late spring, are dark in colour and can swim as soon
as they are born.
On the hill
Red Deer
 -
often seen on the hills of Knoydart, but
difficult to get near to (except the ones that come down to the houses
at Doune each evening). These days, seen as a bit of a 'baddie' with
respect to the regeneration of native woodlands, but very much an important
part of the way of life in the Highlands. Calves are born in May (leave
young calves well alone if you come across one). Stag culling is in
Sept/Oct and you may be asked to help local estates by using certain
routes to the hills. The Isle of Rum is actively
involved in deer research.
Golden Eagle
 A
must see for many visitors to this area. There are several pairs in
and around Knoydart and the Small Islands. Usual sightings are high
up in the hills. It is rare for them to be seen low down and never perched
in a tree.
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