Well, spring is now swinging along nicely, with the verges and woodlands carpeted with wood anemones and primroses, plus bluebells starting to put in an appearance. The osprey at Loch Lochy is sitting on eggs and the sea eagles are active on Loch Arkaig. A healthy population of scoter are resident on Loch Garry. I was told by the local warden there are 24 birds on the loch, approximately 25 per cent of the Scottish nesting population.
I'm regularly seeing black and red throated diver on the trips, and butterfly are on the wing. Saw my first chequered skipper of the season yesterday, at Allt Mhuic on Loch Arkaig. The Forestry commission are having an open day, next Saturday (22nd of May) at the Allt Mhuic reserve, so come along and see this enigmatic butterfly and many other species. Meet at Allt Mhuic butterfly reserve car park. Booking essential, Tel: 01397 702184.
An early start last week found black grouse still lekking just outside Fort William and half an hour spent sitting at the mouth of the river Lochy in front of the underwater centre, not far from the town centre proved very fruitful with an otter swimming and feeding happily in front of me. You don't need to go to wild, remote places to see these charismatic creatures.
Should soon be getting orchids and dragonflies to add to the mix and no doubt the midges will be biting again very soon! More coming soon,
Ian
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