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Wildlife on Mull

Updated: 20 hours ago

Exploring Mull Wildlife: Unforgettable Encounters in the Heart of the Inner Hebrides

From the moment I set foot on Mull, something told me this island would be special. Not just for those epic Highland landscapes I'd come to capture, but for the incredible wildlife that calls this rugged corner of Scotland home. What followed was one of the most memorable wildlife photography experiences of my life.

This post celebrates the remarkable creatures I had the privilege of photographing during my time on the island. Whether I was patiently tracking otters along rocky shores, being given the stink-eye by a magnificent Highland cow, or sitting in complete wonder among thousands of puffins on Lunga, these encounters have stayed with me long after I packed away my camera gear.

These images capture more than just animals; they reflect the profound experience of being truly immersed in wild nature. Mull has an untamed soul, and if you're willing to sit quietly and watch, it reveals its secrets generously.


Highland Coo: Scotland's Shaggy Ambassadors


Nothing quite prepares you for your first encounter with a Highland cow in its natural habitat. These magnificent beasts are living, breathing embodiments of Scottish character: stoic, weather-beaten, and absolutely brimming with personality. I was fortunate to photograph both black and rust-coloured individuals, each sporting their own unique expression and commanding presence.

There's something almost mythical about these creatures as they graze against the dramatic Highland backdrop. Their long, shaggy coats and impressive horns make them look like they've wandered straight out of an ancient Celtic legend. Patient subjects too, thankfully for this photographer who may have spent an embarrassing amount of time trying to get the perfect angle.


Razorbills: Elegant Cliff Dwellers


Among the seabird colonies on Lunga, the razorbills stood out with their sophisticated black-and-white formal wear and distinctively sharp beaks. Watching these elegant birds navigate the cliff edges with such confidence was mesmerising. They'd perch on the most precarious ledges, completely unbothered by the crashing waves below, before executing perfect dives into the Atlantic.

Their striking appearance against the blue sea backdrop made for some beautiful compositions, and their calm, dignified presence provided a lovely contrast to their more boisterous puffin neighbours.



Lunga Puffins: A Cliffside Colony in Bloom


Puffins were high on my list, and Lunga delivered in spectacular fashion. It's impossible not to smile watching these charismatic little birds waddle about their clifftop kingdom. Their comical expressions and vibrant orange beaks create perfect pops of colour against Lunga's rugged landscape backdrop.



Lunga Puffins: Portraits and Wing-Flaps


From portraits framed by wildflowers to wing-flapping nuzzles, these puffin moments were some of my favourite to edit. Each bird seemed to have its own distinct personality - some serious sentries keeping watch, others clumsy comedians tumbling about in the grass. The variety of behaviours and expressions made every frame different and delightful.



Puffin Love


A personal favourite from this trip: a tender shot of a pair of puffins bonding, nestled among the grass during nest-building season. Moments like these are what wildlife photography is all about - capturing those fleeting scenes of intimacy and connection that remind you why you fell in love with photographing nature in the first place.


Shags: Punk Rock Seabirds


The shags on Lunga were wonderfully obliging subjects, completely unfazed by the steady stream of visitors to their island home. This relaxed attitude allowed for some incredible close-up opportunities that would be impossible with more skittish wildlife.

These birds are absolutely striking: sharp-eyed and alert, sporting punk-like crests and iridescent emerald plumage that shimmers in the changing light. I managed to capture a series of portraits that showcase their sleek lines and intense, almost hypnotic gaze. There's something both elegant and slightly menacing about these seabirds that makes them irresistible photographic subjects.



Oystercatcher: Drama in Simplicity


Sometimes the most powerful wildlife images come from the simplest moments. I found this lone oystercatcher dramatically illuminated against the rugged rocks, its bright orange bill catching the light like a beacon in an otherwise muted scene. It's a perfect example of how nature can create its own spotlight, turning an everyday bird into something almost theatrical.

The contrast between the bird's bold colouring and the subtle tones of the rocky coastline created exactly the kind of composition that makes you grateful to be in the right place at precisely the right moment.

Oyster Catcher on Rock on Isle of Mull in orange light


Otter: A Brief but Magical Encounter


Wildlife photography often involves a lot of waiting, a bit of luck, and occasionally, pure chaos. My otter encounter fell firmly into the latter category. I'd barely had time to set up properly when I spotted this beauty emerging from its den. In a mad scramble, I grabbed my camera and managed just this one shot before it slipped into the loch for what turned out to be a 40-minute hunting expedition from which it never returned.

Watching this wild otter navigate its kelp-bed habitat with such fluid grace was an absolute privilege. Even though I only captured a single image, the memory of witnessing this master of the shoreline in its element will stay with me forever. Sometimes it's the briefest encounters that remind you why you fell in love with wildlife photography in the first place.


Ginger Otter leaving den looking for food


Deer: A Woodland Whisper

Deep in Mull's gentle woodlands, this shy deer appeared briefly in the dappled light, creating one of those intimate, almost ethereal moments that make your heart skip a beat. The soft lighting and the deer's cautious grace combined to create something that felt more like a fairy tale illustration than a wildlife photograph.

These quieter encounters are just as precious as the dramatic ones. They remind you to slow down, breathe deeply, and appreciate the subtler magic that unfolds when you take time to truly observe the natural world.


Deer staring right at the camera lens through the woods


Seals: Coastal Comedians

The seals around Mull's coastline provided endless entertainment, whether they were bobbing curiously between the rocks or sprawled out sunbathing at low tide like tourists who'd had a few too many. One particular black-and-white shot of a group lounging contentedly with the distant hills as backdrop perfectly captures the relaxed pace of coastal life on the island.

These playful marine mammals seem to embody Mull's laid-back attitude. They're genuinely curious about visitors but never quite curious enough to let you get as close as you'd like for that perfect shot. The eternal wildlife photography challenge!


Seals on rocks with Landscape, on Lunga, Isle of Mull, Black and white

Eagles: Kings of the Highland Sky

While my eagle photographs might be heavily cropped and blurry with all the heat-haze (telephoto lens limitations, the eternal wildlife photographer's lament), the memory of watching these magnificent raptors soar overhead remains crystal clear. There's something absolutely electric about spotting a golden or white-tailed eagle gliding effortlessly above the Highland landscape.

Even without frame-filling close-ups, their presence is unforgettable. These are wildness personified - ancient, powerful, and utterly free. Sometimes the most important thing isn't getting the perfect shot, but simply witnessing these incredible creatures in their natural domain.


Mull's Living Legacy


Photographing Mull's wildlife felt like being granted access to something timeless and sacred. This isn't just an island with pretty scenery and some animals wandering about; it's a living, breathing ecosystem where every creature plays its part in an ancient story that continues to unfold.

I walked away from Mull with more than just a memory card full of images. I gained a renewed appreciation for the patience, respect, and sheer presence that wildlife photography demands. It's taught me that the best shots often come not from chasing the perfect moment, but from sitting quietly and allowing those moments to find you.

If you've ever dreamed of losing yourself in raw, untamed nature where every turn might reveal something magical, Mull absolutely deserves a place at the top of your list. Just remember to pack extra memory cards - you're going to need them.

Keep watching the wild spaces, and they'll reward you with wonders beyond imagination.


The Gear List (For My Fellow Camera Nerds)

For those of you who get excited about camera gear (no judgment, we're all friends here), I was lugging around quite the collection. My trusty Canon R5 Mark II was doing the heavy lifting, along with enough lenses to make my chiropractor wince. The full list is rather impressive - or concerning, depending on whether you're asking me or my bank manager.


Wide angle lens -  Canon EF 11-24mm f/4 L USM


Fancy a Print? - Print This Moment 🖼️

If any of these shots have caught your eye and you fancy having a bit of Mulls Wildlife's magic on your wall, just give me a shout. My online store has plenty of options, but I'm always happy to sort out special requests. After all, these moments are meant to be shared!

Remember to catch the behind-the-scenes fun over on TikTok (@spooner.photography)

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