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Well, today was cold, windy and rainy so I thought it might be worth seeing if the barn owl was sheltering in its tree hollow. It wasn’t, and I had a very wet, soggy tramp around the loch and back to the car. But just as I was about to turn my back on theContinue reading “Catch of the Day”

Last week I was up by the Moray Firth and took the chance to go dolphin spotting at Chanonry Point near Fortrose. The best chance of seeing them is when the tide is rising, about an hour after low tide. My brother kindly checked out the tide times for me and we arrived just inContinue reading “Dolphin Spotting”

I have been doubly blessed this week by seeing two different kinds of owl and getting photos of them in the one week – and when I was not even looking for owls. That’s what I love about wandering in nature, you just never can tell what surprises you’ll see. I have dreamt of lookingContinue reading “Two Kinds of Owl”

Yesterday I revelled in the freedom of coming out of lockdown and returning to visit a favourite place, the magical Isle of May in the Firth of Forth. Here the puffins are back on land after wintering out at sea. We got the “May Princess” out from Anstruther in Fife, although you can also takeContinue reading “Puffin Paradise”

They’re back! The ospreys have returned from Africa to breed in Scotland. Not just ospreys, but warblers, chiff chaffs and sand martins. Then today I saw my first swallows soaring and swooping. I’ve seen an osprey fishing at a local loch on several occasions now, sometimes making several splashdowns before making off with a sizeableContinue reading “Back from Africa”

It has been a long time since I have taken any kingfisher photographs, mostly because I haven’t seen any, or if I have I’ve not had my camera with me. I met another wildlife photographer at the weekend who tipped me off about where I might see a pair and this led to most ofContinue reading “River Royals”

Spring has arrived and for much wildlife the breeding season is beginning. The ducks and swans are pairing up on the ponds and rivers. Exotic looking crested grebes have an elaborate courtship display which you may be lucky enough to catch. I’ve been seeing a pair of goosanders always on the same stretch of river.Continue reading “Pairing Up”

By pure coincidence I discovered that today, March 20th is World Frog Day. The frogs seem to know it! On a walk today I was amazed at seeing scores of frogs and toads in the ponds and on the paths. The warmer weather must have brought them out of hibernation. There were about a hundredContinue reading “Froggies Went a Courtin’”

Where I live there are four main types of tit, the great tit, blue tit, coal tit and long tailed tit. The great tit is big and bolshy, belting out a loud two note call very early on in the new year. It can sound like a squeaky old fashioned pump. Some say it soundsContinue reading “All of a Titter”

This winter I have noticed many more redwings about. These are types of thrushes which overwinter here from Scandinavia with a particular penchant for hawthorn berries. Up close the red patch just below the wings becomes more noticeable. They also have bold white stripes above the eyes. As well as feeding on berries redwings areContinue reading “Redwinging It”