Trotternish Wildlife
Amid the spectacular landscape, from high ridges and cliffs to the coast and seashore, Trotternish has a wealth of flora & fauna to be discovered during your visit.Skye is a paradise for nature lovers. Birdwatchers visit this part of Scotland from all over the world to see many rare birds. Over the grassland moors, Golden Plover, Curlews and melodious Skylarks can be seen. By dashing burns and rivers, bobbing Dippers and Wagtails dart among the boulders. Buzzards and Kestrels are almost a common site and we are fortunate enough to have Golden Eagles nesting in the high cliffs of the Trotternish ridge. The Sea Eagle has now also become well established on the Trotternish peninsula and there are also sightings of Ospreys.
White tailed Sea Eagle (left) and Golden Eagle (right)
© Steven Round ~ www.stevenround-birdphotography.com
The elusive Corncrake locates a number of crofting meadows nearby and a sighting of the rare Merlin is possible. Along the seashore and lochs, shy Otters swim and watchful Seals patrol the sheltered bays. Seabirds abound; diving Gannets, Cormorants, Shags, Guillemots, Puffins, noisy Oystercatchers and stealthy Herons. In spring, the sea cliffs are alive with Kittiwakes, Fulmars and Gulls.
Fulmar (left), Red Grouse (centre) and Corncrake (right)
© Steven Round ~ www.stevenround-birdphotography.com
One of the most spectacular sites however, and usually seen from the Rubha Hunish headland walk, are Dolphin, Minke Whales and Basking Sharks making an occasional visit, patrolling just yards out from the sea shore.
Rare sighting of Humpback Whale off the Skye Coast (left), Otter (centre)
© Steven Round ~ www.stevenround-birdphotography.com
Minke Whale at Ruhba Hunish (right) © Michael Day
From Spring through to Autumn, Scottish wildflowers come and go in all their colourful glory. Spring primroses, new green bracken, broom and gorses, yellow flag irises and soft perfumed heather blanketing the hills for late August.
