Back catolgue

As you may note I'm new and as I've not been too active,photographically speaking,I just thought you might like a tale or two.


So I'd looked in the bracken,round the heather,carefully(very)under rocks and down holes and this one was sunbathing on the grass next to the picnic seat where we had lunch.
Taken last August at the head of Glen Esk on the shores of Loch Lee,a very good(or bad)place to find Adders.Also a good place for many mountain specialists,Raven and Peregrines,Red Deer and Otter,Ptarmigan and Red Grouse.I must state however that I've not seen them all yet.I am due to climb a pair of local "Munroes" later this year so hope to get my Ptarmigan that keep eluding me.

Nice photo Tigerburnie - although i must confess i am not a snake person myself.

Look forward to hearing if you get to see a Ptarmigan - we never saw one when we visited the Cairngorns recently, although they were apparently around.

Lai

Ive only recently spotted an adder, but it moved so fast that by the time I got the camera ready it had gone and we couldnt find it again.

Bring your camera to the Munroes so we can see loads of critters and flora and fauna.

SM

I used to be a bit sqeamish about snakes but holidayed in North Africa alot and it cured me of my phobia, well almost, i'm sure some snakes would still make my knees wobble.
Found this link from the RSPB on the Ptarmigan. Hope you get to see yours Tigerburnie

http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/p/ptarmigan/index.aspx

littlewid-x-

Good link Littlewid - thanks.

I guess i will have to go back to the Cairngorns next spring to see if we can find one!

Lai

Thanks for the link,I do visit the rspb sites on a regular basis.The Scottish Wildlife Trust are a very good source of information for those looking at wildlife up here.
Ptarmigan are actually more widespread than these sites show and are seen regularily in my area,just not by me.They are easier to identify in the winter,as the Red Grouse doesn't change colour,but of course trickier to find in the snow.

On this trip it was showing minus 15 on the cars thermometer,plenty of Red Deer,Red Grouse,Raven,Golden Eagle and Blue Hares with their winter coats.We've seen Stoats in ermine and Snow Buntings,but can't positively id any Ptarmigan yet

What a beautiful scene in your photo

Lai

Wow, that photo is amazing!! Minus 15!! Chilly!!!

Lovely photo TB. The colours are beautiful. Must admit winter is my favourtie time of year. Just not to the point of being snowed in though.

SM

Poor picture quality,but it was over half a mile away on the top of a ridge at 3000 feet.Taken through my telescope with my other halfs little digital.


This ones a bit better,half the distance away and of course the subjects are a tad easier to identify.
I have after six years located a llikely rutting green,so hope to get some shots this coming autumn.

Brilliant TB. I would have probably driven past and not even noticed. We miss so much around us, we really need to open our eyes!

SM

What amazing photos Tigerburnie, the snow we had has been put to shame with your pictures, I thought we had alot but it doesnt compare at all. The wildlife that is around you is just wonderful, you are very lucky. Look forward to more of your back catalogue.

littlewid-x-

Great shots TB That would be wonderful if you've found a rutting green. It is one of my favourite parts on Autumn watch
WS

Quick question TB. What time of the day were they taken?

SM

Very nice pictures Tigerburnie. I follow Autumn Watch too and the Rutting is one of my favourites, although it can be dangerous for some of the Stags. I'm another one who is not a snake fan but appreciate your photo. sambuka

I don't remember the exact time,but it gets dark earlier up here,I guess about tree or four in the afternoon.
This was the same day on the way up,it's the river Dee along side Balmoral(I will be fishing for Salmon here next year)

This taken from the road,without the use of my telescope.

Truly beautiful scenes

Lai

Great shots again TB that really looks a spectacular view of the River, I bet its a scene that takes your breath away
WS

The river Dee photo looks like it should be on a christmas card!! Beautiful scenery!

With it being by Balmoral, do you need special permission to fish there?

SM

You've said exactly what I was going to say about the River Dee picture SM, stunning picture Tigerburnie .

Do you have any pictures of the hills covered in beautiful Heather Tigerburnie?

littlewid-x-

Safari Maiden wrote:
With it being by Balmoral, do you need special permission to fish there?

SM

No you don't,as long as the royals don't want to fish.It's not that expensive either really.

Taken for the Harebells rather than the heather,we go on this walk eating wild berries later in the year.I don't pick them for home,leave them for the Capercaillie,just eat a few as we walk.

Down in the dip,on this more typical moody mountain view,is the end of Loch Tay at Kenmore.

Doogs wrote:The good old River Dee - it runs through A-ber-deen !!! Hope you all get that I know what I trying to get you to say !! Pass part of the RD every day on my way to work although it's not as pictuesque as the one Tigerburnie posted - but it can be bonny in the winter !!!

Where about do you stay TB ? Just curious, thinking you may be up Braemar / Ballater way ?

Doogs

Bit furher south,Doogs in Angus.Used to work in East Tullos,now in Montrose.I have some family business over the next few weeks,bereavement unfortunately.Maybe hook up for a wander in the non too distant future.

Just part of the 30000 Pinkfooted Geese that turn up in the winter in these parts,taken on the outskirts of my village.


This little critter came walking by,not all wildlife has to be huge or even cuddly to be interesting.