Sandra (Taylor)
Sunday 31st October 2004, 20:41
Just back from a week staying one mile from the Osprey centre near Loch Garten. Can thoroughly recommend the chalet/caravan site we stayed on if anyone wants more details.
Highspot of the week was a male capercaillie, with waxwings at RAF Kinloss coming a close second. Crested tit amongst the numerous coal tits on the nut feeder outside the kitchen window. Two sightings of a red squirrel there too; a g/s woodpecker and a treecreeper resplendent with a pure white underside. Golden eagle seen down the Findhorn Valley, bullfinch, fieldfare, peregrine. Big flock of golden plover from the hide overlooking Findhorn Bay. One pinkfoot goose on a big floating log in the middle of the bay was strange to see. Buzzards numerous all week.
Greylag geese roosted on Loch Garten but we never got our timing right for seeing them fly in. Saw them flying out quite often in the mornings. Goldeneye & goosanders were there too, along with a hundred or so gulls (sorry, don't do gulls!)
Fleeting view of a black grouse on the way back from Balater. A few red grouse were seen as we dropped down to the Balmoral area after driving over the Lecht.
I always think there should be something on Loch Pityoulish, but there never is. Likewise we've never been lucky with Lochindorb although this week it held a small group of tufted duck.
Went to look for badgers at a site we were told about but the light gave out before they appeared. The man in the area who takes groups to a hide to view badgers was fully booked for the two days at the end of the week so we must book in advance next time we go. Been with him before and it was a lovely experience.
Mammals seen in addition to the squirrel were, of course, red deer on the hills and both common & grey seals.
Sandra
Highspot of the week was a male capercaillie, with waxwings at RAF Kinloss coming a close second. Crested tit amongst the numerous coal tits on the nut feeder outside the kitchen window. Two sightings of a red squirrel there too; a g/s woodpecker and a treecreeper resplendent with a pure white underside. Golden eagle seen down the Findhorn Valley, bullfinch, fieldfare, peregrine. Big flock of golden plover from the hide overlooking Findhorn Bay. One pinkfoot goose on a big floating log in the middle of the bay was strange to see. Buzzards numerous all week.
Greylag geese roosted on Loch Garten but we never got our timing right for seeing them fly in. Saw them flying out quite often in the mornings. Goldeneye & goosanders were there too, along with a hundred or so gulls (sorry, don't do gulls!)
Fleeting view of a black grouse on the way back from Balater. A few red grouse were seen as we dropped down to the Balmoral area after driving over the Lecht.
I always think there should be something on Loch Pityoulish, but there never is. Likewise we've never been lucky with Lochindorb although this week it held a small group of tufted duck.
Went to look for badgers at a site we were told about but the light gave out before they appeared. The man in the area who takes groups to a hide to view badgers was fully booked for the two days at the end of the week so we must book in advance next time we go. Been with him before and it was a lovely experience.
Mammals seen in addition to the squirrel were, of course, red deer on the hills and both common & grey seals.
Sandra