In early summer it’s hard to miss the rasping call of the secretive corncrake, although catching a glimpse presents more of a challenge! The island’s crofting landscape hosts an important population of these birds, its small hayfields and patches of nettles and iris providing vital cover when they arrive back from Africa early in the year. Numbers are carefully monitored as Iona provides a haven for this globally rare species.
The unique Hebridean machair features carpets of wild flowers in summer, including the delicate harebell and dove’s-foot cranesbill.
By the water, a wide range of waders and seabirds call at Iona. There are frequent sightings of oystercatchers, ringed plovers and shags – and on occasion, a sea eagle from nearby Mull soars overhead. You might also spot whales, dolphins, seals or otters around our shores.
