Situated as we are sandwiched between the edge of a sea loch and some of Scotland's mightiest mountains, yet surrounded by farmland, large gardens and rivers we have an incredibly diverse range of bird life on our doorstep.
Regular visitors within the grounds of Bonawe House are buzzard, sparrow hawk, tawny owl, barn owl, heron, greater spotted woodpecker, tree creeper, thrushes, siskins and the whole range of garden birds easily watched on our frequently filled bird feeders.
At the loch shore you can see swans, eiderducks, oystercatchers, sandpiper, tern, cormorant, goldeneye, goosander, wagtail, tufted duck, teal, wigeon, red throated diver.
By the river watch the nesting sand martins, curlew, dipper, field fare, kestrel, lapwing, pied wagtail, pochard, redwing, ringed plover, wax wing winchat.
Within the local woodland (and indeed in the trees in the grounds of Bonawe House) there are blackbird, blackcap, blue tit, brambling, chaffinch, coal tit, collared dove, cuckoo, great spotted woodpecker, goldcrest, goldfinch, greenfinch, great tit, house martin, jay, kite, long tailed tit, pipit, mistle thrush, redwing, robin siskin, snipe, song thrush, , swallow, swift, tree creeper, warbler, wheatear, wren and yellow hammer.
A boat trip up Loch Etive rarely fails to deliver a view of soaring Golden Eagles, indeed I'm informed that upper Loch Etive has the greatest density of Golden Eagles anywhere in Scotland with numerous pairs overlapping and disputing their territory.
From April to July there are puffins on the Treshnish Isles, which are amazing to see. They are so tame and photogenic, great for the beginner and children. The boatrips by Turus Mara take you there (see island excursions). There are some on Staffa as well, but they are often on the sea during the day, and you are lucky to see them.
Loch Etive Boat trips - 01866 822 410
2 hour and 3 hour cruises up Loch Etive to see the seals and eagles. We advice that you book in advance.
2007: Adults £10, children £8. Take warm, waterproof clothing even when the weather looks nice, and binoculars. See seals as well as birds and red deer.
From our house, walk out of the gate, turn right down the track and right again when you meet the tarmac road. He now leaves from the first pier, called Kelly's pier.
Kerrera Sea Adventures - 01631 563664 or 07786 963 279
One hour sea adventures around Kerrera. Binoculars and a drink supplied. For booking information and times please ring.
Sea.Fari Adventures – 01852 300 003 – www.seafari.co.uk
Everyone raves about this. See the rugged coast and wildlife from Seil Island (where the ferry to Easdale goes from) by fast inflatable. Booking essential.
1 hour by car. From Taynuilt turn right to Oban. Drive through Oban to the south on the A816. Turn right to Easdale on the B844, over the ‘Bridge over the Atlantic’.
2 hr Corryvreckan tours, typically leaving at 10.30, 13.00, 15.30 and 17.30. Adult £26, child under 16 £19.50 (2005 prices, as new price list not available yet)
Also do 2 and 3 hour landing tours on unhabited islands, with religious past.
Wildlife and Birdwatch Safaris – 01680 300 441 – www.mullwildlife.co.uk
These safaris are run from Mull, by Land rover. They pick you up at Craignure at 10.45 (after crossing from Oban at 9.50), and you’re dropped back off at 16.30 for the 17.00 ferry.
2006: £32 per adult, inc. lunch & drinks. Not recommended for young children.
Wildlife Expeditions - 01688 500 121 - www.scotlandwildlife.com
Very much like above with the same time schedule, but a different company. Sightings of eagles, otters, seals, red deer, and dolphins and basking sharks at the right time of year. Poor weather often produces the best sightings. Includes a picnic lunch.
2006: Adults £33.50. Children under 12 £28.50
Discover Mull - 01688 500 256 www.discovermull.co.uk
A day trip in air-conditioned Land rover round Mull seeing wildlife, geology and historical sites. Lunch and binoculars included. Take the 7.45 from Oban and you will be met, leaving from Tobermory at 10.00
2006: Adult £30, under 14 £25