Scotland 2025

Just back from a week’s (it’s never long enough) holiday in Scotland. We were staying once again in a cottage called Lettoch Beag not far from Killecrankie. Although I have loads of images to go through from last month, I thought I would do my first Blog from Scotland and then try and do a local one. It might take a while I’ll see how it goes. 

Emerald Damselfly from the pond in the garden of the cottage.

Common Green Capsid Bug.

Wasp.

Great-spotted Woodpecker.

There were a couple of Red Squirrel in the grounds of the cottage.

A Mole running around in the middle of the day. It did eventually make its way back underground.

One of the House Martins flying around the cottage.

Greenfinch.

A very distant Black-throated Diver.

This Dark Giant Horsefly landed on the car. 

Derwent Reservoir

 06.01.24 and a drive around the Derwent Reservoir in the search of Crossbill. A small flock were seen briefly in one of their normal spots but they were high in the trees and didn’t come down to drink which is what I was hoping for. Luckily, I did see a Red Squirrel so it’s nice to see they are still hanging on. I haven’t seen the reservoir so full in a long time, it’s right up to the hide, which meant there were lots of birds but unfortunately, they were all too far off for any decent images.

Red Squirrel.

Crossbill.

Chaffinch having a bath.

Robin which took time out from chasing everything to pose near to us.

A mixed flock of Gulls.

Teal.

Greylag Goose.

Mallards.

Male Goosander.

Female Goosander.

Tufted Ducks.

Pheasant.

Pow Hill

 My wife and I had a quick visit to Pow Hill the other day after lunch in the Derwent Arms at Edmundbyers (very nice it was too). We were going to have a drive around the area but the weather wasn’t great so we gave up on the idea and went home (I know, I know I’ll never make a wildlife photographer if I don’t go out in all weathers 😊).

Red Squirrel. The only one we saw and the only image I got

Coal Tit. To say that there were loads would be an understatement.

I have never seen a Coal Tits tongue before.

Blue Tit copying the Coal Tit.

Goldcrest. It was right down in amongst the twigs and it was dark there and they never keep still so I didn’t manage to get a very good shot.

Robin.

 Fungi in some pine needles.

Fungi in some Rabbit droppings.