SCOTLAND 2

2022

In September, I returned to Boat of Garten in the Scottish Highlands, to enjoy more of the amazing wildlife, but also some walks and beautiful scenery - this time exploring a little further afield. Once again, I broke the journey north with an overnight stay near WWT Caerlaverock.

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Goldcrest.

This one did what they do best, flit around quickly from branch to branch, weaving in and out of the leaves and moss, making it really difficult to get a clear view of it.

In-Coming Tree Sparrow!

They have a lovely rich brown cap. This one looks like a juvenile with a slightly yellow colouring at the base of the beak.

An Itch To Scratch.

A very relaxed Brown Hare by the footpath at WWT Caerlaverock, just before closing time.

Little and Large.

It was great to capture a frame with both the dimuitive Coal Tit and a Great Spotted Woodpecker to appreciate the difference in size.

A young looking Red Squirrel without any ear tufts, amidst the Ling Heather.

Pretty In Purple.

The purple haze of the Ling Heather was so picturesque, even if it was past its best. So, I was really pleased to get a nice atmospheric shot of the Red Grouse nestled in amongst it.

Red Grouse. Only the male has the striking red eye combs. This one was hiding in the heather and suddenly popped its head up when I accidentally got too close, before flying off.

A young buck Roe Deer seen from a quiet road.

Black Darters (Sympetrum danae) in a mating wheel.

The female is the contortionist holding on to her mate.

Crested Tit.

This one was part of a mixed flock that were working their way from tree to tree alongside the footpath near Loch Garten one afternoon. 

Pattack Falls

Loch Ness from Dores Beach

Falls of Foyers

RSPB Loch Ruthven

Urqhuart Castle by Loch Ness

Glen Affric.

A wonderful place to explore and my favourite day of the trip!

Beautiful reflections in the still waters of River Affric.

The River Affric just beyond Dog Falls.

Ptarmigan.

This is a female in summer plumage - in winter they have a white coat of feathers. It's another member of the Grouse family and the male has a line of red above the eye.

Three Red Deer near the top of a mountain in the Western Highlands.

A Red Deer stag near the bottom of the same mountain. It'll venture higher when it's time for the deer rut.

Highland Cows.

They're the most relaxed cows I've ever come across.

The Western Highlands

Loch An Eilein Castle

Forest path around Loch an Eilein.

One Of The Locals.

A Roe Deer buck ambling along the forest path one morning in Boat of Garten.

The Boathouse on Loch Vaa

Bathing Blue Tit

Getting Stuck In.

A Red Squirrel trying to retrieve a hazelnut from inside the log.

A Quick Drink