highland wildlife

The rivers abound with salmon whose migratory habits are one of the world's wonders. Eaten poached or smoked this must be one of the most popular and versatile fish to come out of Scotland, together with trout and the succulent scallop! The River Spey is of course famous for its salmon fishing. Fish naturally attract such animals as the otter and beaver. Mink are also very active on the river and will eat water voles (whose existence is now threatened), frogs, newts, beetles and earthworms. Dragonflies and damselflies love the riverside reed beds and Scotland has a large proportion of the 40 species to be found in the British Isles. Butterflies and moths also abound in their particular habitats and what better to enjoy watching on a hot summers day or night. Pairs of swans are always a beautiful sight - they mate for life! The heron also has great patience when fishing.

Moving away from the river one may espy a ponderously moving hedgehog or perhaps a fox. These now have both town and country abodes! The nocturnal badger is extremely active as you may see from the marks around the set. A very clean animal in its habits. Weasels and stoats are also very busy searching for their food.
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