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Wildlife
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Links to pages in the Place Guide
Jura |
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Wildlife of Jura On Jura, there are many types of animals. From frogs to golden eagles to slow worms and adders. The wealth of birds alone is astonishing, including the rare puffin and the majestic golden eagle. The puffin is occasionally seen in the northern regions of the island. It is possible to see the puffins in the summer or very early autumn. The sea eagle is the largest bird of prey on the island and it and golden eagles can be seen all year round, especially in the summer. There are even more endangered birds on the island such as the peregrine falcon and the chough. There are many types of birds of prey, such as the barn and tawny owls and the buzzard. The barn owl is very cautious in that it is rarely seen near a road. It is possible to imitate the barn owl’s call by cupping your hands as in half a clap and blowing through your thumbs. This takes practice, but is very rewarding when you consider the fact that you are actually taking part in a conversation of sorts. |
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The deer on Jura outnumber the of people, in fact the name Jura is probably from the Norse ’dyr-ey’, meaning deer island. Otters and seals are common around the coast. This is a view of some deer in front of the Paps of Jura. The deer can come close to the road in some places and often do so in winter. |
Adders abound on Jura, ranging in colour from yellow through to an almost pure, melanic black. In sunny weather they will be found basking on rocks and dozing amongst the bracken. The truth is that, unless you step or sit on one it will be more interested in getting away from you than biting you. Their bight is not usually dangerous, apart from to very small children or people with medical problems. This picture was donated by David Muir of Edinburgh who says “I went fishing to loch Lesgamaill, with my brother in law on a warm spring day, and came across this adder on a rock. I’m not sure whether it was dead or alive but we left well alone after taking this picture.” Click on the picture to see the adder at 640×480 |
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Seals are common around Jura, I was returning from a visit to the gardens when I spotted this fellow basking on a rock. He, or possibly she, seemed quite unaffected by me coming close to the water to get a photograph. Click on the picture to see the seal at 640×480 |
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