Wildlife On The Hill
The Morvern peninsula is one of the most sparsely populated areas in the British Isles amounting to great landmasses that have hardly been touched by modern living. Often described as “the best kept secret in Scotland”, the peninsula is a wonderful place for people to discover the rich wildlife found on our doorstep. Kingairloch is home to a wide range of animals, birds and flora throughout the year, with the Winter months often having the most wildlife sightings.
We are extremely fortunate with the range of creatures at Kingairloch, this is only a small sample of what you may see, a good guide is essential when out spotting. You may also need a lot of patience and a pair of binoculars in some cases!
Mammals
Red deer
Perhaps the most celebrated of all Scottish mammals, the red deer is also the largest and one of the most populous. In recent count figures, there was a population of approximately 800 on Kingairloch alone. As there are no fences on the peninsula separating estates, this figure fluctuates all year round. Stags and hinds live in separate herds for much of the year but come together rather vocally each Autumn in the breeding season, or rut. The glens come alive this time of year with the stags bellowing across at each other, a sound like no other! A stag may mate with up to twenty hinds in a given year. Calves are born in June.
When to see this species : Winter, Spring, Autumn
Roe Deer
The Roe is a shy species, living mostly in wooded areas and at Kingairloch we have a relatively small population compared to Red Deer. They usually live in solitude or small groups and are a small deer, with their height at shoulder level being approx 75cm. Both Does (females) and Bucks (males) are a reddish colour and have slightly greyish faces. During the Summer months they are a rich golden colour and through the colder months their coats turn a darker brown, they also have a white rump and their tales are very short. Bucks have antlers and grow no more than 25cm. Roe deer breed between mid-July to mid-August and young are born from May to June.
When to see this species: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
Wild Goats
The feral goats that are frequently found between Kingairloch and Kilmalieu, often on the cliff edges or eating seaweed on the shore. No two animals look the same, given the tremendous variety in coat colours and lengths. In some instances you may smell them before setting eyes on them! Mating takes place in late Autumn and kids are generally born into the chilly climes of January. Wild goats live together in herds, often in relatively large numbers.
When to see this species : Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn
Otters
Spotting these shy creatures usually requires luck or patience, and definitely stillness and silence. Look out for signs (such as droppings, known as spraint, or webbed footprints in the sand) and keep a close eye on still water in the early morning or evening.
When to see this species : Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn
Pine Marten
One of the hardest Scottish mammals to spot in the wild (primarily due to its nocturnal habits), this sleek woodland predator pops up around Kingairloch quite regularly. Due to their nocturnal activities, it may help to lay a little bit of jam to coax them out.
When to see this species : Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn
Birds of Prey
White Tailed Eagle
The white-tailed eagle is the largest UK bird of prey. It has a brown body plumage with a conspicuously pale head and neck which can be almost white in older birds. Adult tail feathers are white and in flight their wingspan can be over 4m with the tips of the wings looking like fingers. Mainly a coastal species, this bird is often seen hunting along the coastline and the high tops of our mountains.
When to see this species : Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn
Golden Eagle
The golden eagle is a huge bird of prey, with only the white-tailed eagle larger in the UK. With its long broad wings and longish tail, it has a different outline to the smaller buzzard. It likes to soar and glide on air currents, holding its wings in a shallow ‘V’. Eagles have traditional territories and nesting places, they are often seen in Glengalmadale and Ghardail as there are plenty open areas for them to hunt for feed.
When to see this species : Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn
Buzzard
This broad winged raptor is seen all over Kingairloch. Often seen perching on telegraph poles, fence post and branches sometimes they are seen hunting for their prey in pairs. The plumage can vary, from almost pure white to black, but is usually shades of brown, with a pale ‘necklace’ of feathers.
When to see this species: Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn
Inland Birds
Ptarmigan
The ptarmigan is a plump gamebird, slightly larger than a grey partridge. In summer, it is a mixture of grey, brown and black above with a white belly and wings. In winter, it becomes totally white except for its tail and eye-patch, which remain black. Ptarmigans feed on shoots, leaves, leaf buds, berries and insects. To spot ptarmigan, is a very rare occurrence, however if you are out walking on our highest mountains you may well be lucky enough as they tend to reside in our Arctic-like landscapes.
When to see this species : Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
The Great Spotted Woodpecker
The great spotted woodpecker is about blackbird-sized and striking black-and-white. It has a very distinctive bouncing flight and spends most of its time clinging to tree trunks and branches, often trying to hide on the side away from the observer. Its presence is often announced by its loud call or by its distinctive spring ‘drumming’ display. Males have a distinctive red crown patch. These woodpeckers may breed anywhere with large mature trees that contain holes suitable for nesting in. They feed on insects, seeds and nuts.
When to see this species : Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
