A winter's walk

A recent walk at Forvie National Nature Reserve, on the Ythan Estuary.

The walk started off following the river down towards the sea.

There were lots of birds about, including a huge number of eider duck.

Looking across to Newburgh.

Eventually you reach the huge expanse of beach.

Looking south towards Aberdeen.

The walk leads you back across peaty moorland to the car park.

Near the end was this old dwelling, which I found rather intriguing. It looks like an old railway carriage which has been converted into a house. I wonder when it was last lived in? It looks in need of a little TLC.

Glencoe reflections

We had a great sea kayaking trip on Loch Leven with Paddle Lochaber back in September. A great introduction to sea kayaking for Simon.

I really liked the location of this house...

We really couldn't have asked for more perfect conditions. All good.

Late summer at Troup Head

Usually I go to Troup for the gannets, but on this trip the insects were equally fascinating.

 

I've never seen so many burnet moths in one place before!

A lot of the gannets had left, and the chicks that were left were mostly close to fledging.

 

There was still the odd smaller chick. I wonder when the last ones fledged? As I sprained my ankle right after this visit, I haven't been back to Troup since, so I don't know when the last birds left the cliffs to overwinter out at sea.

Troup again

A look back at some photos from the last summer, all taken at Troup Head.

 

Fowlsheugh

Back in the summer holidays (which feels like a loooong time ago now) we visited Fowlsheugh, hoping to see puffins. There were some puffins, though you don't get nearly as close to them as you do some other places I've been. There was plenty to see though - other birds and wildlife and great scenery too.

A lovely bird hide.

Kittiwakes.

Razorbill.

More kittiwakes.

Catterline lighthouse.

Well worth another visit.