'Swan Loch' - the Scottish version of the famous ballet.

The last two weeks have been absolutely glorious with a clear blue sky day and night. The temperature has been pleasantly warm accompanied by a mild sea breeze drifting along Loch Ness. It has been so nice to be able to enjoy sitting outside again and just watch the world go by granting the occasional wave at walkers and boaters on Loch Ness. Walking down to Inverfarigaig Pier to go up to the post box we saw these five mute swans which seemed very comfortable with each others company so they are possibly from the same family as before. It was extremely reflective to stand on Farigaig Pier and look at the panoramic view down towards Inverness and see these swans enjoying the peaceful life on Loch Ness. The pier is only a short stroll down a grass track from Aspenwood Cottage.

Red squirrel at Aspenwood Cottage.

While we were up in Aspenwood Cottage on Saturday morning we were very pleased and excited to see this red squirrel emerge from nearby Farigaig Forest, sit for a while assessing the situation and then scamper along the new fence to the specially designed nut feeders. We were amazed at the size of its ear tufts and nails....but all the better to get the nuts out of the peanut feeders!

After the harsh winter we were beginning to get really worried about them as we had not seen as many squirrels as we have recorded in previous years. This cheeky chap was feeding very near the large lounge window for at least 20 minutes before it bounded off to have a drink at the water bath. It then scampered off and disappeared over the low fence where we surprisingly noticed it munching on some of the vegetation.

The squirrels are back .... so come and see them at close range from Aspenwood Cottage.