Scottish Highlands Final Part

Friday came around far to quickly for my liking and we woke up early to head back to the coast. Another lovely day for photography and we made the most of it. Some lovely showing Long-tailed Ducks again and a nice mix of birds throughout the day including; Eider, Red Throated Diver, Purple Sandpiper, Shag, Snow Bunting. We headed inland to Loch Spynie a very nice reserve indeed. Red head Smew, Male Red-breasted Merganser and Marsh Harrier.

Male Long-tailed Duck

Immature Male Long-tailed Duck

Female Long-tailed Duck

Male Long-tailed Duck

Diving Male Long-tailed Duck

Immature Male Long-tailed Duck

Diving, showing it's long tail

Displaying males

Juv Great Black-backed Gull

On our last day we had only the morning before we had to set off on the long drive home. We decided to try on the mountains for Ptarmigan and Snow bunting. A long drive through rural areas was very scenic and beautiful we saw plenty of Red grouse and Ravens. Sadly no Golden Eagles but you can't have everything. We spent a fair bit of the time with the Snow Buntings and didn't bother with the Ptarmigan. The light wasn't great but I was happy to see these birds at close range.

Male Snow Bunting

Arguing Snow Buntings

I had a fantastic week in the Highlands with 5 lifers and more to the year list. Experiences I will never ever forget and birds that will stay with me forever. I huge Thank you to Dean Eades www.birdmad.com and his family whom without none of this wouldn't have been possible. His guidence and knowledge of the area is second to none. Great company and a great week with great birds.