SCOTLAND TOUR

2023

In October, Bob and I went on our first holiday together, heading up to Scotland - a place that both of us love. Whilst Red Deer, Mountain Hares and Ptarmigan were our main target species, it was also a chance to enjoy some lovely walks, appreciate the stunning scenery and have some down time. Despite Storm Babet and some challenging weather for wildlife watching, we had an unforgettable trip. On this occasion, we broke up the journey to/from Scotland at WWT Martin Mere.

Scotland Tour Blog...

Marsh Harrier flying over the reeds in the early evening light at WWT Martin Mere.

Snipe at WWT Martin Mere.

Lone tree and burn above Inversnaid Nature Reserve.

Wee White House Glencoe and a moody sky.

Eilean Donan Castle

Red Deer stag in a field close to the village of Ardarroch.

Red Deer hind on top of the mountain overlooking Loch Kishorn.

Young Red Deer stag above the Applecross Pass road. It was so close to the side of the road. We were lucky to be driving down at just the right time.

Red Deer stag up close near Beinn Eighe. It was actually seen in a remote car park. The young stag had obviously sussed out it would be fed if it lingered there.

First snow fall of the winter on the peaks of the Cairngorm Mountains.

A Wood Mouse, also known as a Long-Tailed Field Mouse. It scurried around, occasionally nibbling on the grasses poking through the snow. It was spotted on our walk back down Cairn Gorm Mountain.

Tiny Paws.

Without fur on its paws, they must feel the cold. I love the way it's standing up on its tiny hind paws and delicately touching the grass with its front paw.

Paws.

Sensing our presence, the Red Squirrel paused briefly, whilst holding a nut in its paws. It has such a gorgeous bushy tail that it curls up over the back.

Balancing Act.

Coal Tit's are so light, the weight of the bird barely made the stem of the heather bend.

Great Spotted Woodpecker.

I love the bokeh effect in this photo, where the sunlight is penetrating the small gaps in the trees.

Trees reflecting in Loch Mallachie at dusk.

Falls of Dochart

Gold and Grey.

You hardly notice the Grey Heron standing on the rocks at the Falls of Dochart, because the beautiful gold coloured water - reflecting the autumnal trees - steals the attention first.

Blending In.

At first, I only spotted the two adult Red Grouse, as they worked their way through the grass and heather at Findhorn Valley. Then suddenly, three more heads popped up.

A Watchful Eye.

A Mountain Hare hiding in a form, on the hillside at Findhorn Valley. It was only just starting to change into its white winter pelage.

Bounding Away.

Another Mountain Hare at a more advanced stage of its winter moult, at Glenshee, on the hop. It was a very dreary, wet and windy day with poor visibility. Despite walking slowly and carefully, constantly on the lookout, we often didn't see the Mountain Hares hiding amongst the rocks until they made a run for it.

Dozy.

A wonderful brief moment in Glenshee, when the rain had stopped and the sun made an appearance.

Female Ptarmigan blending in with the rocks at Glenshee. They also moult as winter approaches.

This male Ptarmigan has more of its winter plumage showing, ready for the snow to arrive to keep it camouflaged. Only the males have the small red patch above the eye. Check out the furry feet!