Hills, Hides and Hidden Gems
The above is one of my favourite images of Glenshee but things can change rapidly on the hills, from the above to this
to this in the space of 10 minutes
Scary stuff and for those that want images of hares, ptarmigan etc its always best to check the forecast (although that isn't always accurate), essential you wear the appropriate kit, let people know where you are going and in reality have someone that knows the hills with you. To get images like the ones below isn't always easy. A bit of knowledge and a fair bit of luck regarding the animals and weather is essential to get so close without upsetting them.
There are a few slideshows in the following images, I hope you enjoy them.
I've often been lucky getting these guys as well as the Ptarmigan up close but equally I've not always hit gold but that's nature and wildlife for you.
So, this last 10 days or so have thrown up a few surprises, disappointments and joyous results as far as tours, weather and "Bobby time" was concerned.
The following is a wee collation of some of the sightings.
Last Tuesday (13th February) was a bit special in all respects. The previous day I had popped up to the hide and baited up for the birds and beasties. It was relatively mild and the hills looked good.
The forecast was snow overnight and sure enough arriving at the hide the following day we had a wee dusting. We entered the hide, popped on the heater and enjoyed the various birds and beasties popping in to feed. It wasn't until a few hours later we realised the Nordic landscape that had befallen in that brief period of time.
Roughly 3-4 inches of snow had accumulated in the time we had spent in the hide but we were blessed with some lovely pics of a variety of creatures at the hide. The Red Squirrels were showing really well......
as were
There were other visitors over and above including Dunnock, Tree Creepers etc but I'm getting a wee bit cocky not taking images of what pitches up and tend to miss a lot.
So off to the hills after that with some decent results and I'm quite chuffed with the stag pics.
Unfortunately we were not blessed with a marten visit that evening which was unusual.
The following evening I went up to the hide just to make sure the martens were still visiting and I was graced with the big boy making an appearance, later than the norm but still very much welcomed, note to self though, charge the camera batteries!!!! So here are some previous pics
The usual feeding regime continued as is the norm, with the animal generally appearing around 2000hrs though nothing is guaranteed regarding anything wild. The weeks viewings maintained that rough timing but on the Monday evening it was a no show.
So onwards a few days and into Monday. A wee visit to see the beaver workings
Then up the glen passing a Black Grouse Lek on the way. Disappointing to see only a couple of birds on the Lek but still great all the same.
The following images are what I'm used to but continued interference has most certainly resulted in the male numbers dropping. One lovely but brief sighting was a female Harrier, lovely bird.
Off to the hill with some nice images but not my best tbh
The hide was great with multiple birds on display along with the squirrels
Unfortunately yet another no show by marty this evening.
Tuesday was a "Bobby day" and I did a wee run around to pick up a few beasties
I was very fortunate to pick up this glorious Buzzard
Off to a local loch to see these guys next
A late visit to the hide just to make sure the martens were still appearing produced a nice viewing.
Wednesday was a trip to the hills again with some good sightings
The hares were showing well...
A Red Grouse...
Snow Buntings
A kestrel was spotted on the way down the glen
And also a Buzzard
Up another glen and this wee Roe Doe was spotted
At a local loch a sinensis Cormorant was spotted along with an usual one
I love Corvids and seeing this crow on the ice brought a smile
Back at the hide and on the subject of Corvids, the Jays popped in....
And yet another Buzzard overhead
So all in all a very pleasant few days out with the camera.
If you would like the opportunity to see some of these these creatures on an organised tour or a hide hire, just get in touch using either one of the following.
Via website: rsmith50.wix,com/naturenuts
Phone: 07468 020305
email: r.smith50@sky.com
N.B The Capercaillie is not a tour option.
