Blog
Wildlife watching
Wildlife watching requires patience, adequate gear and also a sense of respect – whether you’re focussed on wildflowers, warblers or whales! Check out my guided wildlife tours in Scotland for inspiration.
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Isle of Mull wildlife watching is amongst the best in Britain
The wonderful inner Hebridean island of Mull has to be one of my favourite Scottish islands – an almost purpose-made location for enjoying birds of prey, otters and wildlife walks.
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Scotland’s leaping salmon
October and November are good months to see Atlantic salmon leaping in Scotland, concluding one of nature’s most impressive migrations.
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Great walks near Aviemore
Aviemore has a variety of great walks nearby, offering family-friendly and circular hiking trails in some of the country’s most impressive scenery.
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Snow bunting: standout songbird
The snow bunting is a small bird which thrives in polar regions and displays a striking colour change from winter to summer.
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Scotland’s golden eagles: remarkable raptors
Golden eagles are one of Scotland’s most spectacular birds of prey – learn about their biology and the best places to see them.
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Red squirrel in Scotland: a resilient rodent
Red squirrels are instantly recognisable and occupy habitat in several parts of Scotland, including the Cairngorms.
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Basking shark: Scotland’s full-sized fish
The basking shark’s huge size makes it one of Scotland’s most famous wild fish.
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Wildlife in Scotland: A Beginner’s Guide
Scotland is one of the best places in Britain for wildlife.
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Birdwatching kit list
Use this kit list to help pack for your birding and wildlife watching activities
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Hiking Essentials
Appropriate outdoor skills (as well as the right gear and clothes) are essential for enjoyable hiking and hill walking.
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Bird Identification Basics
Correct identification of bird species depends on a variety of personal skills, equipment and environmental factors.
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Birdwatching near Aviemore (Cairngorms)
Birdwatching hotspots near Aviemore and the northern Cairngorms, plus recent sightings from Malcolm O’Reilly.
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Preventing tick bites, and what to do if you get one
Tick season in Scotland means preventing bites, prompt removal and careful treatment to reduce risk of Lyme disease.
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UV Sun Protection
Enjoy the sun but avoid UV damage, by wearing sunglasses with both UVA and UVB protection and following these sunburn prevention tips.
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Stay hydrated outdoors: 6 tips for healthy adventures
Stay hydrated to stay healthy. Proper hydration becomes even more important (but difficult) when exercising in remote outdoor locations.
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What birds can you find in Scotland?
Learn more about Scotland’s wide variety of fascinating birds, including a Scottish Birds species list.
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Scotland’s mammals: what species live there?
Scotland’s mammals are varied, with a complicated history – learn more about the main groups through this detailed guide and species list.
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How to adjust binoculars
Adjust your binoculars correctly by setting up their eye relief, width and diopter adjustment.
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Mountain hare: fleet-footed and fantastically furry
The Mountain hare (Lepus timidus) is one of the fastest mammals in Scotland and is well known for its dramatic seasonal colour changes.
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Capercaillie: Scotland’s rare ‘horse of the forest’
Learn about Scotland’s spectacular Capercaillie and why you shouldn’t try to spot one in the Cairngorms.
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Ptarmigan: the mountain murmurer
Learn about the hardy ptarmigan and get tips on how to spot them in the Cairngorms in Scotland.
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What is the Layering Principle?
The layering principle will help you design an outdoor clothes system for hiking and other adventure activities.
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Raptors, wildflowers, otter and more on the Ardgour peninsula
Trip report of a bespoke autumn wildlife trip in Ardgour, on the west coast of Scotland.
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Moonwort: the fern folklore megastar
Moonwort (Botrychium lunaria) is a tiny fern which was reputed to have astonishing magical properties.
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Waxwing: the silky-tailed chatterer
Waxwings are winter visitors from Scandinavia, occassionally arriving in their thousands, in search of berry trees.
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Dog Vomit slime mould
Although sometimes referred to as Dog Vomit ‘fungus’, these slime moulds have more in common with animals than you might think…
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Crossbills in Scotland: enigmatic endemic?
Crossbills are fascinating birds – especially when you’re looking for common, parrot, or legendary ‘Scotbills’ in the Highlands of Scotland!
