Snow flurries and more windstorms have made February quieter in terms of guiding. The winter wildlife has been enjoying some of the wintry showers, at the time of year when we should have a lot more snow to higher levels to keep them safe, like the Ptarmigan and Mountain Hare.
Even though walking into the Cairngorm corries hasn’t been possible, we have seen Snow Bunting to lower levels at the car park, parachuting down the hillside in hope of some food from visitors. Mountain Hare have been keeping huddled but brief views have been nice. Lower down on the moors, Black Grouse have begun their displaying ritual, lekking on snow capped mounds. On the calm mornings, the sound of their haunting bubbling calls as they fight for territory echoed.
The snow lay on the surface of tree branches and heather, creating a blanket on the Caledonian forest. The smaller birds like Coal Tit and Crested Tit have been sticking close-by to the bird feeders and walking through the forest have given us some great views. A favourite with many visitors, hand feeding the small birds have helped them to keep fuelled on the colder days.
We have welcomed new guides to the team, and they have been getting out as much as possible to explore the area. At our wildlife hide, Harris has been getting to know the Badger clan and Pine Marten visitors. You can keep up to date with his sightings at the hide by following our blog. Wayne and Olly have been out in the field with Sally, looking for raptors, Crested Tit, Crossbill and Grouse. We look forward to meeting you all this year and getting out guiding in the National Park and beyond.
As well as our local guiding days, we have a selection of wildlife holidays to meet everyone’s desires. From the Scottish Highlands and islands, England’s national parks and international short and long-haul holidays. You can take a look at our website for more details where we look forward to travelling with you all again, discovering new places and wildlife.