Monday, December 29, 2014

Jays in Farigaig Forest

Jays are often sighted in Farigaig Forest on South Loch Ness Side and will come to feed at bird tables in the cold winter weather. They usually go about in pairs and are always beautiful to see with their stunning blue flash of colour.
Watch the local Fairigaig Jays feeding in a garden.


Monday, December 15, 2014

Snow arrives in the Highlands.

Snow fell over the weekend making Loch Ness very picturesque.The birds need extra feeding. 





Tuesday, December 09, 2014

First snow of Winter

The first snow this Winter fell over the weekend and covered the higher ground. All the ski resorts in the Highlands have a good covering which is good for the sporty people who enjoy going out in cold temperatures. More snow is forecast and strong winds for Scotland. Photos to follow.

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Life in the leaves

Most of the leaves have now fallen off the trees in Farigaig Forest making a colourful carpet on the ground. The Jays are regularly spotted pecking at the leaves and chucking them about in their search for acorns, their favourite food. They also make a guest appearance on local bird tables and will eat any bird food put out. They are very colourful when they fly away usually accompanied by a shrill calling sound.

The red squirrels are often seen dashing about in the woods searching for any left over berries, hazel and beech nuts lying on the ground. They have now grown their winter ear tufts ready for the cold weather ahead.




Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Just William

Friends were recently taking the previous walk mentioned [Camerons Cottage to Whitebridge walk] and had not gone far when they were surprised to see a very large wild black goat in the middle of the path. As they got nearer the goat casually jumped over the low wall and in to the shrubbery beyond where it continued eating. They could get quite near the animal and were amazed at the size of his horns which were at least 2 feet long. A local came by with his dogs and told us the goat was a local too and was known by the affectionate name of William....much posher than Billy! He has often had to shoo it out of his and his neighbours gardens....a brave man. He has also seen William with his harem of lady goats and young kids. This is when it is extremely wise to avoid getting too close as William will charge at any dog while protecting his family.On the return trip to Camerons the goat was standing in the centre of the path munching away, it was lunch time. Being a bit wary of the beast and the size of the long sharp horns they waited patiently until it had moved along and round to the right hand path leading down to the River Foyers. Sadly they had no camera but will be going again ready for action to take photos and maybe a video of this wonderful wild animal.

Monday, November 03, 2014

Walk from Camerons Cottage to Whitebridge.

Another local walk with photos sent in by our guests......thanks.
Leave Camerons Cottage, turn left along the farm track and walk to the road. Turn right and walk up the hill for a very short distance and take then next left turn along a lane passing several small cottages.

Stand on the wee bridge and take a look at the River Foyers plunging into the Lower Foyers Waterfall.
Carry on walking along the farm track, looking back at Camerons Cottage in the distance.

Go through the forest until you reach a metal gate. Here you can either stop for a breather and walk back, or, for a longer walk, go round the gate and carry along the track. There is livestock in the fields so a dog must be kept on a lead. A perfect walk for all dog lovers.
After a pleasant easy stroll the path runs beside the River Foyers again and the views are quite magnificent.

The path takes you through the Dell Estate and eventually to the small hamlet of Whitebridge where there is a welcome Hotel/Pub for refreshments.

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Day out at Loch Ruthven

Guests recently enjoyed a wonderful sunny Autumn day out at RSPB Loch Ruthven, a short pleasant drive from Camerons Cottage. They kindly sent in their photos to encourage other guests to visit.
This loch is the most important Spring breeding site in the UK for the rare Slavonian Grebe. Walk by the side of the loch and sit in the bird hide for closer observation and photos.In Spring and Summer keep an eye out for other bird species and the amazing diving ospreys.





For more information on Loch Ruthven.

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Walk to the 'wee pond' from Camerons Cottage

Guests staying at Camerons Cottage recently enjoyed a walk through Farigaig Forest to the 'wee pond' and kindly sent in their photos. This is one of the many walks you can enjoy from the cottage.

From Camerons Cottage turn right along the farm track and then left along the marked path up into Farigaig Forest. Pass Easter Boleskine wetlands pond and admire the panoramic view overlooking Loch Ness. Walk through the forest to the small peaceful tree circled loch 'Lochan Torr an Tuill',also known as the 'wee pond' by locals,and rest on the picnic bench to soak up the view. On a clear day the reflections are wonderful. Lately the forestry have been clearing trees, making the area seem brighter and the water lilies are now reappearing. 


Continue walking up to the high view point overlooking the white cottages of Inverfarigaig village.Then stroll down along the forest track and turn right down to Farigaig Pier jutting out on to Loch Ness. Carry on the forest track to access Loch Ness beach and rest on the chairs provided. 
Keep going along the forest track to Foyers and home to Camerons.

The end of their day was completed with a stunning sunset disappearing on the hazy fields.


Friday, October 17, 2014

Loch Ness Lifeboat rescue

The Loch Ness RNLI operates a very important rescue boat on the unpredictable deep waters of Loch Ness which rarely gets above 5C at any time during the year. We get emails of their rescues as in the following report received today.  

'Injured dog and owner rescued after holiday plunge.
Dog falls 30 feet onto rocky beach which prompts Loch Ness Lifeboat rescue.

Badly injured dog rescued after rock plunge on Loch Ness.
English Bull Terrier “Stan” fell 30ft down onto a rocky shoreline whilst out on a walk with his owner, Ricky Simpson.
Ricky was able to clamber down to be with Stan as Ricky’s partner called the Coastguard.
Volunteers Howie Whyte, Joy Cameron and Garry MacLeod from the Drumnadrochit based RNLI took the Atlantic 75 class lifeboat, Colin James Daniel to the scene and were able to extract both dog and owner and take them to Foyers pier.
The holiday makers were then cared for by Dave (aka Swampy), skipper of the Ros Crana Barge.
Stan was then taken to vets in Inverness who were planning to operate on the dog who had a broken rear leg and suspected internal injuries.
The three RNLI volunteers who were operational on this “Shout” have all been trained in Flood Rescue techniques, some of which were utilised during this rescue.
A video of the "shout" can be viewed below.
The incident happened on at approximately 10am on Wednesday 15th October.
We have been in touch with the dog's owner and it appears, after some detailed surgery and the fitting of a plate to Stan's leg, that the situation is looking more positive for the much loved family pet.'

Martin Douglas
Crew Member/Lifeboat Press Officer
Loch Ness Lifeboat
Contact 07788 414 254


For more information on the Loch Ness RNLI.

Sunday, October 12, 2014

Squirrel leaping for lunch.

An abundance of hazel nuts on the forest trees this year has allowed quite a good acrobatic display from the native red squirrels around Loch Ness.



Friday, September 26, 2014

Sparrowhawk looking for lunch

  
This sparrowhawk flew on a neighbour's garden fence and looked around for a long time before he spotted something and flew down......did he catch lunch ?

Friday, September 05, 2014

Lower Foyers Waterfall

Had a very enjoyable walk from Camerons Cottage to the road and then turned right up the hill for a very short while. Take the first left at Intake House. Carry on along the track and stop at the wee bridge to look over the parapet at the amazing waterfall. Carry on along the path for an easy stroll. The path does eventually go all the way to Whitebridge for serious walkers. Look out for the buzzards and the wild goats.


Enjoy the video at its best with the sound on.

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Night prowlers.

There is an abundance of wildlife to be seen during the day time in the area around Loch Ness. However, there are more elusive creatures who venture out in the dusk and dark. A large Badger sett is in Farigaig Forest at Inverfarigaig  and the youngsters often appear near to cottages in the area scooping up any left over bird food on the ground. Although they look quite fearsome creatures their favourite meal is earthworms which they dig up with their long, sharp claws. More interesting facts about badgers.


The Pine Marten can also be seen in gardens at night and they often set the outside security lights off in this cottage in the next village. This youngster had the cheek to climb up the steps to the front door of the cottage, have a good look in the glass panel of the door but then frightened itself and ran off to join an adult nearby in the forest.  Pine Martens can be quite vicious if cornered and are one of the few mammals who are able to chase and catch red squirrels in the tree canopy of the forest.
Amazing how the spotlights are reflected in their eyes.
For more facts about Pine Martens. See more action in our video gallery clips.

Friday, August 22, 2014

Highland cattle keep an eye on Camerons Tea Room

Experience the welcoming home cooked food in Camerons Tea Room located in the village of Foyers in the beautiful Scottish Highlands. Browse in the Farm Shop for produce and locally made gifts. Sit and relax by the wood burning fire as you enjoy your refreshments. Walk up to the Falls of Foyers and see the impressive waterfall cascading down into Loch Ness. However,the main attraction is usually the Highland Cattle on the farm who often amble over to check out the visitors sitting outside the Tea Room.

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Panda in Edinburgh Zoo expecting ?

The female panda in Edinburgh zoo named Tian Tian is believed to be pregnant and could have a cub by the end of this month. Artificial Insemination was carried out on April 13th after she failed to mate with her potential partner Yang Guang and scientists have been monitoring the female panda ever since and gave a strong indication that the procedure was successful. Two Chinese experts will fly in next week to help monitor the female animal and the birth date is likely to be at the end of August [28th or 29th]. Viewing for the panda enclosure has now been restricted due to this good news and enabling privacy and a stress free time. Edinburgh Zoo is a very good visit and about 3 hours away from Camerons Cottage.....a good visit before or after your stay at the cottage.

Saturday, August 02, 2014

Camerons Tea Room is buzzing

The Camerons Tea Room and Farm Shop has been very busy with business increasing as the word spreads. There had been an article and advert in the local magazine 'The Boleskine Bulletin' with the headline 'New shop opens in Foyers' - first for over 100 years. There is also an article due in a couple of newspapers soon with photographs. There have been good visitor numbers this year to the area with many people taking a drive around Loch Ness and stopping at Camerons Tea Room for a relaxing,welcoming break.It is also proving very popular with guests staying in nearby Camerons Cottage as who wants to cook on holiday !
The last few weeks have been particularly beautiful with clear blue skies and warm,balmy weather, just perfect for people to sit out on the decking or at the picnic benches around the building.It has encouraged cyclists to stop, rest and refresh themselves and also it is very welcoming for dog owners as there is always a fresh bowl of cold water for the dogs.
Morag Cameron with daughters Verity & Ishy

Morag Cameron works very hard to ensure every visitor is well catered for and that the produce offered is always freshly baked and well cooked. The food is always of a high standard and attractively presented.
Sometimes the stars of the show seem to be the Camerons herd of pedigree Highland Cattle which come to drink and bathe in the large natural pond by the decking. They are a real attraction and after stopping for a photo shoot refreshments are very much appreciated.

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Tollie Red Kites




About one hours relaxing drive from Camerons Cottage on the way to Dingwall and just off the main A835 Ullapool road is the RSPB Tollie Red Kite Centre. It is well signposted. Here you can watch the red kites -with their stunning forked tail - being fed daily and perform in the skies above. Great for photo shoots but a steady hand is needed as they do not stop and pose. 


Friday, July 11, 2014

Osprey over Loch Ness

 An osprey was spotted flying over Loch Ness in the early evening possibly heading back to its nest. It dived into the water but came up with no fish this time. Amazing to watch as it hovers gracefully in the sky waiting for the right moment to dive and impossible to miss with its 5ft wing span silhouetted against the sky.






Wednesday, July 02, 2014

New life in the woods.

After a quiet period in the woods and garden feeders all the youngsters seemed to have fledged at once, making a lot of noise and mess. They do enjoy the bird bath and splash about like young children at the seaside.
It seems no coincidence that they choose the longest day - with longest daylight hours - to suddenly appear and feed non stop.
                                                     Juvenile male bullfinch with dad                                      

                                                                young thrush 

                                                           roe deer with fawn

                                                   young red squirrel with parent 

                                                          ducklings near Dores beach

young blue tit being fed

 juvenile Great Spotted Woodpecker