Islay’s Wildlife

Everywhere you go on Islay no matter the time of the year you will see birds and mammals unique to this part of the world. There is a variety of habitats so many different species of bird breed as well as migrate to and from the island. The island is home to two RSPB reserves Loch Gruinart and Upper Killeyan on the Mull of Oa.

The former is world famous for the 40 000+ Barnacle and White fronted geese which arrive from Greenland to winter on the island. These vast numbers equate to over half the world’s population for the species. From October to May the geese can be seen all over the island grazing in the fields and offer a spectacular sight and sound in the winter months. Rare breeding birds such as the chough, golden eagle and hen harrier can be seen throughout the year and the elusive corncrake is present in good numbers in the summer months although more often heard than seen.

Islay is a stronghold for the rare otter and there is always the possibility of seeing one almost anywhere on the island. Red, Roe and Fallow deer can also be seen and seals can be seen around the coastline although good spots include off the rocks at Portnahaven or lounging on the sand banks at the head of Loch Gruinart. If you are lucky you may even catch a glimpse of porpoises and dolphins which often spend the summer months in Loch Indaal. Keep a watchful eye from the windows of Saddlers Brae overlooking the loch. Information on what can be seen around the island is available at the Wildlife Information Centre in Port Charlotte where recent sightings are recorded. You may also wish to go on a guided birdwatching tour with Islay Birding (Tel.01496 850010) which is based on the island. Whether with the experts or on your own remember the binoculars!