Tails from Scotland

Just back from a week away in Dumfries and Galloway, and I must say, what a stunning place to visit. The landscape is beautiful, with a view around every corner, the coastline rugged and filled with nature, and birds and wildlife abound.

Whilst I did attempt to have a relaxing time as I really did need a break, I couldn’t resist trying to get my camera in front of some wildlife. One species I was really hoping to see was the Red squirrel, our native squirrel whose decline is well documented. This little russet rodent is still hanging on in there, and I’m really hoping the ongoing conservation efforts can save them. They really are gorgeous and it was a delight to watch their antics.

We visited Threave Garden near Castle Douglas on a very wet day, but the weather didn’t put these cuties off, who were very active and a real challenge to photograph.

Most of my photos ended up like this…

Maybe you could call it artistic? Squirrel in motion perhaps?

But I did manage to grab a couple of sharp shots.

I waited for a long time for the light to improve, but sadly it didn’t. We were treated to great views of a couple of Great spotted woodpeckers too, very handsome woodland specialists, who cut me a few nice poses!

I really hope I can go back again some day. A week wasn’t really long enough to explore this wonderful area!

Similar Posts

  • Swallowtails and a surprise

    Phew, what a day! Headed out to the Broads to try and find some Swallowtail butterflies, we found several on the wing, but they didn’t settle, and I was surprised to find a lack of flowers. We decided to go back to Strumpshaw for the afternoon. The place was alive with Swallowtails! We must have…

  • Bunnies

    Well, not had very much time for photography of late due to work, but I’ve been trying to fit it in where I can. The last few evenings I’ve spent some time at the local rabbit warren, not too far from home. It’s a great location to take advantage of the evening light, but I’m…

  • Red Mason Bees

    I’ve been trying to photograph the Red mason bees again, these wild bees have been using my solitary bee boxes over the last few weeks and they are fascinating to watch. I’ve had the odd bee using the bee boxes in the past, but this year they seem to be doing really well, and on…

  • Sunshine

    A beautiful morning on the Fen, what a relief to have some calm sunny weather! The first bird of the day was a Spotted Flycatcher near the visitors centre – a lovely little bird. A pair of Treecreepers were also hanging around. Walking out onto the fen, I saw the Little Grebe in his regular…

  • When is a weed…

    …Not a weed? First you have to define what a weed is – my mother always told me a weed was just a plant in the wrong place. So here’s a pretty little plant, with interesting pink flowers and delicate grey green foliage, considered by many a weed, but well worth a place in my…