Wildlife on Arran

The wildlife on Arran is very exciting. with red deer, otters, seals, red squirrels and great bird watching. Bring along your binoculars and camera and enjoy the spectacle

Otter at Lochranza Ferry Terminal

Bird Watching

The Isle of Arran is a wonderful place for bird watching with over 250 bird species recorded. At any time of the year you can expect to see something interesting.

Whooper Swans at Whiting Bay

On the coast curlew, oystercatcher and redshank can usually be seen along the shoreline whilst out on the water red breasted merganser, eider, goldeneye, black guillemot and little grebe can be seen at various times of the year.

Overhead watch out for hen harrier, ravens, gannets and various gulls as well as golden eagles which can often be seen, as 2 pairs nest on the island

Arran is a nationally important area for red breasted merganser, hen harrier and black throated diver.

 

Otters

Some of the most exciting wildlife on Arran are the otters. As can be seen from the photo at the top of the page they are not too hard to find. I was fortunate enough to see this family of otters (there were 3 of them) mid morning right next to the ferry slipway in Lochranza.

We have seen them a number of times arund the local area, but rarely in the same place twice. Look out for a V shaped wake in the water.

As they are a shy and solitary creature it is often just a matter of luck seeing one. Like all wildlife watching being quiet and unobtrusive increases your chances. They are more likely to see you before you see them.

 

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Seals

Arran has both grey and common seals.

Who is watching who ?

At low tide, head round to Newton Point at Lochranza on the North sde of the loch and common seals can often be seen basking on the rocks. When the tide is in, you can often see a head coming out of the water as they check you out.

Other good places to see seals are between Corrie and Sannox or near Brodick Castle. Whilst on the south of the island, Kildonan is another excellent place.

Most peoples first sighting is one on the rocks at Corrie, then they realise it is a sculpture. It still catches me out sometimes.

Which is which? Not always easy but a grey has a more horse shape head (longer and straighter) whilst the common seal has a more dog shaped face.

Red Deer

Some of the most spectacular wildlife on Arran are the red deer, and around Lochranza they are very common. They can often be seen strolling around the village. This is why everyone in Arran has high fences, the deer eat all the plants.

Red Deer at the hostel

There is a population of around 2000 in the North of the island, kept here by a deer fence.

During the Summer evenings the golf course often has 20 -30 red deer on the fairways. If they are not around scan the hills and you can usually see some.

Autumn is a fantastic time to visit Lochranza as this is when the deer are rutting. Be warned though, you may not get much sleep as the stags can be bellowing all night.

Please do take great care if you are driving at night, deer are often on the road and a nasty accident can easily happen. There are a lot of cars on Arran with deer damage to evidence this.

Red Squirrel

Arran is a stronghold of the red squirrel and we are fortunate not to have any greys. Like much of the wildlife, seeing one is often a matter of luck.

Early in the day is the best time to see them and we often get them in the garden. Try a walk around the villages and look in the gardens, especially if they have bird feeders, you just might be lucky

Other Wildlife on Arran

Amongst the wildlife on Arran we are fortunate to not have any foxes, stoats or weasels and this has helped to keep a good range of other creatures.

There are badgers on the island but you would be very lucky to see one. There are also hares, rabbits, bats, lizards, toads and adders around the island.

Out at sea there is also wildlife to be seen by the lucky few. August and September can be good for basking sharks.

The ferry to Brodick is probably the most likely place to see porpoise and bottle nosed dolphins. Occasional minke whales have also been reported.

Wildlife Sites

Endangered Wildlife - Most-endangered-animals.com
Welcome to most endangered animals. An online resource for anyone interested in the endangered animal species of the world. Find out how to help the species currently under threat of extinction.

Binoculars - Buyers-Guide-to-Binoculars.com
The best binocular reviews and ratings of the top brands, guides and binoculars comparison to help you find the right ones for you.