highland wildlife

Rabbits are never in short supply but the hare is a more elusive sight, not to be missed during the mating season. The wonderful woodlands and highlands give cover to the red and grey squirrel, the red deer and roe deer, owls, woodpeckers and a myriad of other small animals, insects and birds. Buzzards and hawks love to nest in the uppermost branches of the trees and can be seen soaring on the thermals searching for food. The golden eagle makes a wondrous sight soaring in the mountains - but like the osprey - not often seen. Not shy - just rare!

There are so many different birds within Scotland, both game birds (some hunted for the table) and wild birds of sea and land, that it is a subject in itself. However, the most well known of the game birds are grouse, partridge, pheasant, capercaillie, ducks and in the more artic type regions the ptarmigan. Gulls, pigeons, snipe and woodcock and geese together with others too numerous to mention make up the rest of the bird population.

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