Stormy Mull

I’ve burned a candle every night, drank multiple cups of tea, and snacked on chocolate bars bought in Tobermory.

I’ve wanted to sit down and write something to share with you all day, but now that I am here I can’t figure out what to write about, but I’m just going for it. If I want to write, then I shall see where the wind takes me. Ironic, as right now I am on the Isle of Mull in Scotland and gale-force winds and rain have been covering the island the past few days. My idyllic forest cabin has taken a beating as rain has lashed off the windows. All three of the boat trips I had booked have been cancelled because of stormy seas. And I have an overexcited partner running about the cabin opening the door and the windows to hear the sounds of the storm. 

Although my plans have changed somewhat from being unable to go out onto the water and photograph eagles and dolphins, I’ve had a truly wonderful time here. The low clouds have crawled over mountains for days, massive birds of prey have perched on top of pine trees, rain and wind have made drinking tea much sweeter, and I feel like autumn has finally taken over. I’ve burned a candle every night, drank multiple cups of tea, and snacked on chocolate bars bought in Tobermory. 

I am now sitting in my cabin, it’s late in the evening. My other half has just brought me a cup of tea and a mint Penguin biscuit. There’s always a joke on the wrapper. Let’s see what it is.

Why was the penguin popular? Coz he was an ice guy!

That was wonderfully awful.

I am editing my photos of all of the beautiful wildlife I have seen so far on this trip. This is my second trip to Mull this year. I was here for a week in June and had creativity-dampening hot sunshine the whole time. I still had an amazing break and saw lots of gorgeous wildlife, but the harsh light and sweaty conditions meant I never truly felt creatively fulfilled. Does that make sense? I’ve recently heard a lot about how summer and hot weather is like reverse winter-focused SAD (seasonal affective disorder) and that is me! To me, hot weather means sweat, being uncomfortable, easily overstimulated by loud and busy crowds, and giving myself a headache by squinting into the sun.

But now, with the rain and the gloom that has planted itself over this little island for the last few days, my creativity has been dancing, running, and jumping with joy. So I want to share a short photo diary with you on just some of the most beautiful wildlife that calls Mull home.

Okay, where to even begin with this photo? Have you ever had a ‘dream photo’ that you’ve thought about and tried to get for years and years? If yes, this is my dream photo. Common buzzards are my favourite bird of prey here in Scotland. I love that they’re shy, I love watching them from the car window perched on trees and fences, and I just think they’re neat. I wanted to capture a photo of one with rich pine trees, and I got that shot here on Mull this week, and bonus for the rain too! A gorgeous bird.

Have you ever seen a white-tailed eagle? Their wingspan alone can be between 200-240cm. That’s nearly 8 feet. They are dragons. I feel I have to bow every time one of these magnificent creatures flies over me. This time around on Mull I’ve been gifted with seeing the eagles every single day. I will never stop jumping about and dancing each time I see one.

This is a very young white-tailed eagle. It may even be one of the eaglets that hatched this year. I spent close to half an hour watching this beautiful beast soar around the sky over treelines, disappearing for a few moments only to come back again. I was so giddy when it decided to fly over where I was standing that I nearly fell backwards down a hill!

I love deer and mostly take photos of red deer back on the mainland. But I had a lovely moment on my first evening here when I spotted a herd of fallow deer. They were introduced into the UK in the 11th century by the Normans, and there is a herd here on Mull. I’ve never seen any until now! How beautiful are they? This one was hiding in the woods at the side of the road, so I quickly got a photo before heading along to not disturb them any further.

And lastly, for now, this cheeky pair. Otters are adorable, and you have the chance to see them in any part of Mull’s 300-mile coastline. However, they always seem to elude me, or I just catch a glimpse of a backside before it scoots away never to be seen again. I feel I was really lucky to capture this incredibly brief moment when an otter appeared next to a hooded crow to scratch its ear.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this post and I’m glad I sat down to write. I feel more creative and even more appreciative of the photos I’ve managed to capture here on Mull. I still have two days left, with one promising a boat tour so please keep all fingers and toes crossed that I will get out onto the water at some point!

Rebecca