February snow scenes.

The month of February started with constant snow showers and very cold temperatures. The snow is still laying here in Upper Foyers although it has disappeared in villages nearer Loch Ness .. maybe being nearer the water is warmer. Temperatures are due to rise this coming week so hopefully the worst is all behind us and we can look forward to Spring.

Winter Wonderland

Winter arrived this week with a good layer of snow at lower levels around houses and completely covering the mountains around Loch Ness. The temperature dropped and everything became a challenge. In all this the birds needed to be catered for, often in great numbers. The red squirrels uncovered their secret supply of beech and hazel nuts they had hidden during autumn and sat and ate in the snow.
Watch the video from South Loch Ness.

Pine martens in the area

Pine Martens are in the South Loch Ness area. They can be quite bold and enter gardens looking for food and refreshments, even during the daytime.     

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.

Snow arrives in the Highlands.

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

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.

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.

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.