Tuesday 2 May 2017

Ptarmigan in the pass of the cattle

Monday:

We travelled across to the pass of the cattle road leading to Applecross today. The road snakes across the mountain taking you over 2000 feet high and leaving you a relatively short walk to the top where the Ptarmigan hang out. We walked up in glorious sunshine and managed to find a single pair of Ptarmigan right at the very top. We sat and watched as they went about their business which included some courtship display and even mating. These birds are great to watch as they have very little concern for people and as long as you don't make any sudden movement and approach from a lower level they are quite happy with you being around them.

Pair of Ptarmigan at Applecross "The pass of the cattle"
We headed back down the mountain and crossed onto Skye where we took a boat trip to feed the Sea Eagles. Good bit was that we saw three seperate Sea Eagles bad bit was they weren't hungry and didn't come down for the fish. We picked up Black Guillemot here along with Guillemot and Razorbill. Back on land I got my first Hooded Crow of the trip and a Rock Pipit. On the drive out we found a fresh Whinchat at Kishorn which ticked over the trip/year list.

Sea Eagle at Portree
On the drive out we spotted an Osprey on the loch side and grabbed a quick record shot.

Osprey
Finished a glorious day with a curry in Aviemore.


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