Wildlife

Machrihanish seabird and wildlife observatory allows sea watchers to spot and identify many rare birds such as Balearic Shearwater and Grey Phalarope. The observatory is sited such that migratory birds pass very close to the building affording superb views in autumn. The Golden Eagle, Hen Harrier and Peregrine Falcon are regulars over the adjacent hills and farmland.

As well as over 200 bird species being recorded here other wildlife too can be seen. Otters, Grey and Common Seals and sometimes Basking Sharks, Minke Whales and Bottlenose Dolphins are all visitors at times.

On the land deer and feral goats are to be seen regularly, especially in winter when the deer look for food closer to domestic habitation. Feral goats were introduced by farmers to keep sheep from straying too close to the cliff edge, they are now well established inhabitants on the coast south of Machrihanish. Buzzards and other birds of prey nest close to the cottage and their distinctive cries mark their regular hunting times.

The Oak Wood and Mealdarroch National Nature Reserve on the east coast supports natural woodland, once common in Kinyre, and provides ideal conditions for the mosses, liverworts and ferns growing there. Orchids and wildflowers are abundant June to September with water lilies and bog bean growing on the higher lochans. The coastline south of Machrihanish to Largiebaan is now a Scottish Wildlife Trust Reserve and supports many nationally important plants on the cliff and heathland.

In spring and summer the rocks on nearby Gauldrons beach are heavily sprinkled with sea thrift and other maritime plants thriving in the mild conditions created by the warmth of the Gulf Stream.