Despite recent news stories, the red deer in Glengarry and Loch Arkaig seem to have come through the worst of the winter realatively unscathed and any time i've been up the glens they look pretty healthy. I've seen a lot more golden eagle activity this winter too, probably due to a shortage of prey forcing them to hunt longer. The usual winter migrants have been very active with Whooper swans, golden eye and tufted ducks turning up at various locations.
I had an interesting experience at Murlaggan on Loch Arkaig when some stags started jousting as i watched. Presumably practising for the rut!
Whilst photogprahing a scene on Loch Arkaig with a long lens, a sea eagle flew through the scene but by the time i'd got the binoculars out he was gone. The photograph shows a blurry blob with a spot of white but won't be getting any prizes in widlife photogrpaher of the year!
One species that has been conspicuous by it's abscence locally is the kestrel. I dont recall ever having seen one in Glengarry - until about 4 weeks ago, since when i've seen one on 3 separate occasions. I've been told it was probably due to competiton for food, with the kestrel losing out to the buzzard population. In 2009 I wasn't seeing so many buzzards and wonder if there is a decline in their numbers allowing kestrel to move in. I'll be keeping an eye on this. Think that's enough for a first blog. More coming soon
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