Mull of Galloway and Scare Rocks RSPB Reserves
The Mull of Galloway is the most southerly point in Scotland and it is a marvellous place to visit at any time of the year. From the orange and grey lichen covered rock, you are able to take in the breathtaking views (on a clear day) to Ireland and the Isle of Man, emphasised by thousands of nesting seabirds during the spring and summer.
The cliffs of over 150ft high hold up to 2,000 pairs of guillemots, plus fulmars, kittiwakes, shags, razorbills and a few black guillemots. Various species of gull nest and if your lucky you may even see one of the few nesting puffins. On the cliff top around the lighthouse there are rock pipits, wheatears, linnets, stonechats and a few twites. Butterflies of various species are a common sight as they feed on the many species of plants. Sea pink, spring squill, purple milk vetch and sea campion are to name but a few.
Harbour porpoise, dolphin and even minke whale can sometimes be seen.
Lying offshore to the south-east in Luce Bay is the Scare Rocks. Leased to the RSPB these rocky outcrops hold more than 1,000 breeding gannets, hundreds of guillemots, a few shags and kittiwakes. Grey seals are also numerous around the rocks. This site is not accessible to the public, but you can watch the endless flight of gannets past the Mull.
Opening times: the reserve is open at all times. The seasonal visitor centre is open and staffed from 10am till 5pm, Easter to October.
Admission charges: free, but donations are always welcome.
Location:/B> 5miles (8km) south of Drummore.
Contact summer: 01776 840539
Or visit www.mull-of-galloway.co.uk; or www.rspb.org.uk
These webs pages have been put together by Keith Kirk. Keith is a semi pro natural history photographer and writer. He is the wildlife feature writer for D&G Life magazine and also writes a monthly Nature Notes column for the Galloway News. His day job is a countryside ranger with Dumfries and Galloway Council, something he has been doing for over 24 years. Keith also has another web site which promotes him as a photographer, whilst this site is more about Dumfries and Galloway, an unknown part of Scotland. www.dumfriesandgallowaywildlife.co.uk
Also check out www.flickr.com/photos/keithkirk8 which he updates on almost a daily basis with his latest images.
Keith is also a photographer who has tested many types of photography kit for manufacturers . At the moment he is testing Bushnell and Spypoint wildlife/trail/stealth cameras. Checkout the link at the top of the page or go to www.scottcountry.co.uk for more info. Also coming soon will be a report on a new outdoor clothing manufacturer (Ridgeline) that is producing good kit for Wildlife Photographers and Birdwatchers.........so watch this space. Here's a quick preview.
A clothing brand in New Zealand has now hit the shores of the UK. Featuring technical fabrics, and membranes that are ideal for photographers and birdwatchers in the changeable UK Climate. Life is about experience and choices, those between you and your environment, you and the gear you wear. Ridgeline's products are affordable, rugged, durable and comfortable, and allow you to get on with the task at hand whenever you need to and wherever you are.
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