On our Tours we’ve got an excellent record of spotting Otters, with a 95% success rate. Our current record is 8 different Otters in one day!
The rocky coasts of Skye are an ideal habitat for Otters, the seaweed beds holding a plentiful supply of fish. Otters can be found on Skye’s rivers and inland lochs as well, although they are a little harder to see in these locations.
As with all wildlife, patience is required to spot these beautiful mammals.
The tides, weather, and sadly an understanding of human disturbance, are all factors in trying to locate the shy Otter.
The Isle of Skye has Scotland’s biggest population of White-tailed Sea Eagles, with numbers still growing.
Although often assumed to be a “coastal” bird, their scavenging nature regularly takes them inland, and we see them all over the island. Their sociable nature means we can get multiple sightings at times: a group of 10 riding a thermal together, and 7 sat in a line on a hillside, being particular highlights.
With around 30 pairs of Golden Eagles, the Isle of Skye has one of the densest population of this magnificent bird in the whole of Scotland.
Golden Eagles can be found throughout Skye, from the high peaks of the Cuillins to the rolling moors of Sleat, from the Trotternish ridge to the high sea cliffs.
That said Golden Eagles are still elusive birds and many a birdwatcher has failed to track down this huge raptor. To be successful seeing a Golden Eagle requires knowledge of the bird’s habitat and habits, an ability to read the weather conditions, a lot of patience, and a little luck.
As I write this we’ve seen 36 Golden Eagles on the last 7 Tours, and the most Golden Eagles we’ve seen in a single day is 10. Our overall success rate is 98% with only a couple of days each year we fail to spot one.
So whether you are a keen birder on a dedicated birdwatching holiday, or a wildlife enthusiast who’d just love to see Scotland’s iconic bird of prey, then the Isle of Skye is without doubt the best place in Scotland to see a Golden Eagle.