Grey Heron in flight.

Driving back home along the main road from Inverness to Fort Augustus [B862] we did a double take at a grey heron standing stock still in the middle of a field of sheep looking like a statue. It soon noticed us and flew off and landed further down the field. It must have been feeding at the loch opposite and flew in for a rest in the long grass.

They feed and breed close to wetland and reedbeds and wade into the shallow water to catch fish,frogs and insects,occasionally small mammals and even birds. They are very patient and will wait like a statue until they plunge at their prey catching it in their long yellow bill.They can be found all over Britain and many stay here all year round while other 'softies' fly away in September to warmer climates. Grey heron facts.
We have a model heron in our garden along with other creatures but the local squirrels will not be outdone!

Seeing Double.

While having lunch yesterday we were pleased to see a red squirrel scamper down the  tree trunk near the window and launch itself onto the 'sunflower roundabout' feeder. The round tin lid attached to the feeder stops any debris falling down and also enables more birds, and squirrels, to enjoy feeding. As we watched another cheeky squirrel suddenly appeared and leapt from the tree trunk to join its sibling and they spun round together.They seemed very comfortable side by side so they must have been from the same family as they can be quite nasty with strangers. It made us laugh to see one squirrel leap off only to quickly reappear for another go at the tasty sunflower hearts.

Wildlife seen yesterday...

There is an amazing variety of wildlife in the local vicinity and yesterday we made a mental note of all we saw just in one day.
Of course the birds are constant callers to all the various feeders in the open garden area but the young plump siskins do not know of any dangers so sit quite innocently on the ground. The red squirrels are now regular visitors under the bird feeders where we leave them a special stash of peanuts and sunflower hearts placed near the bushes. The great spotted woodpecker arrived on the bird table and flew off with the remains of our breakfast croissant which was quite unusual as he normally would be attached to a nut feeder or suet ball so he must have been sent to find any food for the nest. We heard the cuckoo across the loch and saw a few early swallows skimming over the water for the first time this year. On the journey to Daviot we spotted a red kite overhead with its trademark forked tail and saw a buzzard sitting on a fence post beside the road watching intently for the next possible tasty morsel. In the evening we saw something we have never seen before - a weasel carrying its young in its mouth similar to a cat carrying a kitten. We saw it fleetingly dash across the path and disappear into the thick undergrowth of the blueberry bushes which buzz with the sound of bees during the daytime.
Most of these smaller creatures are quite vulnerable especially when they are young as the predatory sparrowhawk is also always on the prowl - but life goes on so to speak.

Red squirrel at Lower Birchwood.

While we were sitting outside during a welcome sunny moment we were thrilled to see this cheeky chap suddenly appear from the undergrowth and hoover up the remains of the sunflower hearts under the feeders nearby. We have not seen many in our own garden since the harsh winter and were worried they might be have been fatally affected by the cold weather. There are now more leaves on the trees which provide a suitable cover for the squirrels from the predatory pine martens which inhabit the vicinity and can easily chase a squirrel up a tree. The suet balls hanging from the new fence at Aspenwood for the birds have been violently ripped apart lately which is evidence of the hungry pine marten so we now provide the smaller suet balls inside a stout wire cage. Hopefully the new breed of red squirrels will survive all that is thrown at them but at least they can be guaranteed a generous supply of food. 

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.

Red squirrels dining at Aspenwood Cottage.

Natalie and Ben stayed at Aspenwood in April to celebrate Natalie's 21st Birthday and the red squirrels duly came out to wish her well and join in the party....a good time was had by all as you can see.

Many thanks to Natalie and Ben for sendng us these photos and allowing us to put them on the Cottage Diary for all to enjoy.