Skye Wildlife
Skye has an abundance of wildlife to tempt the visitor, whatever the season.
The pollution free, warm Gulf Stream fed waters of Skye are an ideal place to see a wide range of sea life. Late spring and summer see the finest conditions for whale and dolphin watching. These elegant and intelligent mammals pass close inshore as they migrate North in May and then South again in September. Pilot whales, Minkies and even the odd humpback whale can be seen. The best way to see them is to join one of the many organised whale watching boat trip who will take you to the best places for seeing whales. However, on calmer days you can often see them from the cliff tops as they come to the surface as they pass by the coastline. Dolphins are also frequent visitors to Skye and can often be seen cruising along the coast.
With its convoluted coastline Skye provides many sheltered coves and inlets. Seals can be found in many quieter areas and on smaller islands close to Skye. With their huge brown eyes and natural playfulness they can be a delight to watch.
Closer to shore you can often find otters (indeed we have seen them in the River Eynort adjacent to the cottage) going about their daily business. Although very shy a little patience can reward you with a memorable view of otters at play.
Further inland can be found herds of Red Deer. These magnificent creatures roam the hills and are at their most magnificent in Summer with their full antlers. In October the rut commences where male deer battle with each other for the dominant role in the herd. The bellowing roar of the males during the rut is quite unforgettable once heard! If you are very lucky you may even catch two males going head to head in their antler wrenching battle for the top spot.
Aloft, Skye offers unrivalled opportunities to view Golden Eagles and the even rarer White tailed Sea Eagle. On warm days these huge birds can often be spotted soaring on the thermals around the coast and across the Cuillin hills. Migrating birds regularly stop off on Skye (either at the end of their journey of for a rest before continuing on elsewhere). Ring Ouzels and Golden Plover arrive for the summer whilst in the autumn, Red and Black Throated Divers arrive for their winter sojourn and Brent Geese stop off on their migratory journey.
Whatever the time of year, Skye is a nature watchers dream!
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