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Mingulay

Outer Hebrides  >  United Kingdom

A remote uninhabited island featuring high cliffs and treeless slopes, seabird colonies and diverse habitats for a rich birding experience.

Added* by Swann Felin
Most recent update 20 března 2023

Description

Mingulay is located at the Southern tip of the Outer Hebrides (close to Barra Head, in the Bishop's Isles) and is a mix of high cliffs (the highest point of the island is over 270 m) and gentler slopes covered in heathland and protruding rocks. Wide beaches can be found on the Eastern side, where introduced rabbits graze and dig burrows among the ruins of an old village now deserted. Small reed beds around streams will surprise you in their diversity.

The island of Mingulay is small but highly diverse in landscapes and birds. alka malá, alkoun úzkozobý and other seabirds, notably kormorán chocholatý and racek tříprstý, nest in the thousands on 900-foot cliffs (while papuchalk severní prefer the island's vegetated hilltops). chaluha velká and orel mořský fly overhead in search of prey. Many more species can be observed in passing. Small patches of moorland and wetland host many familiar species. Boat trips take you below and above the cliffs, allowing you to observe a diverse array of beautiful species. Sea mammals are also common sights (dolphins, seals, whales). Explore with care and respect for the island's true inhabitants.

Details

Access

There are regular boat tours and trips (see links to some providers below). Available mainly from Castlebay if the weather is good enough, with parking available, which allow for a whole day of birdwatching in ideal conditions. There are many (albeit narrow and unpaved) footpaths on the island.

Terrain and Habitat

Beach , Sea , Moors/heathland , Canyon/cliff , Wetland

Conditions

Hilly , Open landscape , High water possible

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

Summer

Best time to visit

Summer

Route

Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Average walk

Accessible by

Boat

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

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