Winter Walk Wildlife

We are fortunate to have roe deer in our neighbourhood, always lovely to see them grazing in woods and fields nearby.

Hares are a favourite of mine too. They have been hiding from me a bit lately, but I managed to find this one, tucked up in some grassy tussocks. It was keeping a very low profile, wise when there was a buzzard flying overhead.

Robins are not so shy and will flit about close to people. Here are some photos of ones I’ve seen on recent walks.

I think this one sitting in frosty branches may be a contender for next year’s calendar. It’s very puffed up, trying to keep warm in the sub zero temperatures.

Nuthatches are getting to be more common in Scotland. There were a few in the trees around Balmaha, Loch Lomond.

On the ground was this dunnock, blending in with the browns of the leaf litter. They are a plain looking little bird but have a very sweet song.

Today we spotted this kestrel sitting on this electrical substation post in the Campsie foothills. It was looking for a meal before dark.

It glided silently down onto a wire, here catching the last of the day’s light. I hope it caught a vole or a mouse before the long cold night ahead.