Cottage Diary - Aspenwood self catering luxury Holiday Cottage overlooking Loch Ness in the Highlands of Scotland.

Friday, May 16, 2008

Wildlife around Aspenwood Cottage.

Red squirrels have been spotted in the woods surrounding Aspenwood Cottage and appear to have great fun chasing each other up and down the trees and playing amongst the bluebells in the undergrowth. They are very quick and do not stop to pose for a photo!

The resident deer have been frequent visitors around the cottage and most guests have seen them during their stay.
The mum and her offspring enjoyed being the stars of their own movie.....hope you enjoy it too.

posted by Lyn @ 1:12 PM 0 comments

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Fort Augustus










Loch Ness was shrouded in early morning haar mist but as we drove over the mountains and down to Fort Augustus the mist slowly cleared and the sun emerged through the clouds. Several boating craft were in the lock gates including two yachts crewed by the sea scouts who were having a fine old time judging by the noise and laughter.
Drove a little further along and up to the River Oich Forest Walk Trail. Enjoyed a leisurely stroll through the forest of very tall trees listening to the birdsong and then took the trail down to the River Oich where the bluebells and gorse were growing in profusion along its banks.
On the return journey we spotted several stags and hinds on the open moorland on higher ground.

posted by Lyn @ 3:36 PM 0 comments

Friday, May 09, 2008

Spring Wildlife Update.

We have recently seen a large brown hare running at full speed along the front path and often going down to the water but the other day it actually stopped on the path and seemed to enjoy the warmth of the sun on its back. Neighbours have seen it whizz past their windows too.
Red squirrels have been seen quite near Farigaig Pier and several have run across the road as we travel into Inverness and Foyers.
The birds are busy nesting and are not such frequent visitors to the feeders. Amazing birdsong is heard throughout the day and it is wonderful to sit out in the evening,watching the sun setting over the mountain opposite and listen to the birds singing their last song before bedtime.
A pair of male pheasants were noisily fighting over a female and this is the one that lost - both the girl and his tail feathers. The lucky pair are now breeding in the forest very nearby and are very verbal.
The smaller birds have been collecting the cats fur that I throw out after brushing them and creating fur lined nests.
Had a flock of very agile swallows doing acrobatics before disappearing to nest in a local barn.
The mother deer and year old offspring are frequent visitors and are still very close.
Deer can be heard calling to each other and it is amazing how the sound travels from the other side of Loch Ness. We wait to see if mother produces another offspring this year.

posted by Lyn @ 1:01 PM 0 comments

Wednesday, May 07, 2008

Walk to Easter Boleskine.

The weather has been really wonderful this week so went for a lovely long leisurely walk.

Strolled along the forest track in front of our house admiring the carpets of wild primroses, the tiny white wood anenomes nestling in the shade and yellow gorse bushes covering the verges everywhere.



Walked throught the forest, up to the single track road for a short while and then through the gate signed to Easter Boleskine. Slowly climbed the uphill path but it was worth it as we had a marvellous view of Loch Ness from the top facing down to Fort Augustus and snow topped mountains just visible in the distance.
Strolled through Farigaig Forest enjoying the peace and quiet .......................











.......and finally down to Farigaig Pier.

posted by Lyn @ 4:28 PM 0 comments

Friday, May 02, 2008

New born highland calf.

Went to visit a friend at her farm just on the outskirts of Foyers to see some of the new born calves. The one above with its mother was only 48 hours old. The rest of the herd were very protective and gathered round it as we approached although the size of their magnificent large horns was enough for me to keep my distance. They are grand beasts with a quiet graceful air of superiority although this one did let me stroke his huge velvet nose.

posted by Lyn @ 1:53 PM 0 comments

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