Beaver, River Ericht, Blairgowrie

Just look at what we saw! Definitely a first for us. The evening started off slowly and after a while we thought it wasn't going to happen. So a move further up river was needed and after a few minutes Simon saw movement further up river. What he saw was a massive willow branch being dragged down river by a beaver, soon to come into sight from behind the greenery we were laid behind. Oh wow, it was brilliant. The beaver was being followed by a family of gooseanders which it gave chase to, dropping its willow snack. We eventually relocated it amongst the roots in the opposite bank. Well chuffed with our views, more than happy and knowing we had a further bendy, hilly road to navigate and 80 miles to drive in failing light, we called it a night. A big thank you to Bob and Rhona for the help and to Mike for the contact. Thank you !

Red Squirrels

So cute !

Arctic Hares on Lecht Ski Slope

Plenty of common gull chicks on the top.  

A UK first for us !  After a two hour drive on death defying roads we eventually arrived at the Lecht Ski Slope. So we scanned and scanned the mountain side - nothing only masses of red grouse everywhere that is until we moved to the next car park then BINGO an arctic hare !  Simon had one in the scope so after we grabbed hats, gloves and more layers, up we went. Well, to say that we are totally unfit was an understatement when a man significantly older than us, ran past us. Fell running at its very best, he trotted past with a cheerful 'good morning' and we could barely breath, having to stop every ten yards to catch our breath. He did us a massive favour though as he ran up towards the top, he put another hare up out of the fence side. Excellent. So, scanned again at the top and there was another, then another and another hare. 7 in all, but very distant and totally alert. We were well chuffed and the view wasn't too bad either !  As we were slithering down the slope, the running man ran back down having done the whole range, not even panting!  Another fabulous day in Scotland. 

Scotland bits

Grey seal with plenty of satnav attached ! 

Stonechats 

Kintulloch, Inveruglas, Insh

Our home for the week - just perfect !

A last minute week in Scotland. We have stayed in this house before. It really is fabulous, so relaxing. Plenty of birds visit the garden and the view is to die for. Lots of deer stroll past the bottom of the garden and this year we were lucky and heard a capercaillie calling early morning, but failed to see it. We both heard it call at 6am on two mornings. The locals say that capercaillie are in the wood at the bottom of the lane. The only disappointment was that we failed yet again here to see pine martin. We are not even sure that they are about to be honest. Plenty of jam and peanut butter sandwiches were put out every night. These were all eaten at 4am by the roving flock of jackdaws. Karen wouldn't go to bed until dark and then checked on the food many times during the night where it always remained until the jackdaws came for early breakfast. 

Red Squirrels

Red Squirrels were a daily visitor in the garden. Aren't they just gorgeous ?