Loch Ness Blog

Sparrowhawk

2009-11-27T17:41:00.003Z

While we were doing the changeover at the cottage yesterday we noticed this magnificent sparrowhawk sitting in the aspen tree outside the lounge window. He was watching the bird feeders along the fence with anticipation but all the birds had seen him coming and were well away. He stayed for a while and dried himself off by fluffing out his tail feathers. The male sparrowhawk is quite smaller than the female of the species which is rather unusual in animal life.
While we were at the cottage we had arranged for two new bathroom blinds and a new vertical blind to be fitted in the main bedroom. As we were taking down the old fittings in the master bedroom a red squirrel ran along the fence during an interval in the showers and munched away at the peanut feeders. Unfortunately the fitter drew up in his van and this noise was enough to scare away Cyril the squirrel...but at least they are still about.

Spot the Buzzard.

2009-11-19T19:19:00.000Z

Yesterday dawned clear and bright so we went into Inverness to collect a few items. As we were driving back home along the shoreline of Loch Ness a buzzard swooped low in front of the car and quickly disappeared into the woodland. They are unmistakable as they have a wingspan of between 3 to 5 feet depending on their age. A bit further on we passed another one sitting absolutely still in a tree, only spotting him as we drove past. By now I had the camera actually ready and sure enough another buzzard flew across the road and rested on a nearby branch in the forest. He remained absolutely motionless and blended magnificently into the woodland scene with perfect camouflage.

Kincraig Wildlife Park

2009-11-12T17:08:00.003Z

Enjoyed a very good day out at Kincraig Wildlife Park, about 7 miles beyond Aviemore passing the Loch Insh Watersports Centre. Even though it was cold [the temperature was -6C at Aviemore earlier in the morning] with a sharp frost on the ground the park was very busy for the time of year. The new arrivals must have encouraged visitors. These 3 Amur tiger cubs were born earlier in May this year.Also a baby Japanese snow monkey arrived and of course Mercedes the polar bear...who had just been fed and was fast asleep when we saw her. After a drive round the animal reserves we then explored the rest of the Park on foot seeing other animals at close quarters. We enjoyed some much needed hot soup in the restaurant.
For more information visit the Kincraig Wildlife Park website.

Some Pheasant !!

2009-11-10T17:48:00.001Z

Luckily ths type of pheasant does not frequent our garden as it is extremely large and brightly coloured and very likely to scare the local wildlife - as well as us!....and it sits in trees!
We saw this species of pheasant - the Himalayan Pheasant [Satyr Tragopan] - or Crimson Horned Pheasant on our visit to the Kincraig Wildlife Park this week. It lives in the upper cooler reaches of the Himalayan Mountain of India and China at about 10,000 feet making the Highlands seem quite warm ..... more about our visit to follow.....watch this space!!

Berry nice

2009-11-08T13:36:00.001Z

The flock of mistle thrushes have now migrated south after swarming around and gorging on anything tasty for the past week. The last few remaining rowan berries have finally dropped to the ground where they are being devoured mainly by the blackbirds and the odd passing pheasant.

Migrating Mistle Thrushes.

2009-11-04T15:50:00.004Z

Over the last few days we could not fail to notice abnormally large flocks of birds flying about. Some would eventually settle down on the trees around the house,especially on the rowan trees, and on the path loch-side. Anybody walking casually along the front path would trigger this swarm of birds to take off en masse, enough to frighten most folk on a quiet stroll. The birds have been eating the remaining rowan berries left on the trees and generally filling themselves up with any food available, sometimes looking and listening very intently to underground sounds on the grassy front bank.
We did wonder if they were waxwings which would be a sign of a cold winter but on closer inspection we discovered they were mistle thrushes. Apparently some of the Scottish species swarm about in large flocks in late Autumn to gorge themselves and then migrate south, across to Ireland or even to France for the winter. They are also known for their loud song, which we can verify as we could not believe the constant birdsong noise this morning, even though it was raining. Their loud song can be heard during stormy weather hence their alternative name of 'Stormcock'. They came quite near the house in their search for grubs on the front bank and driveway and a few stopped for a splash about in the rain puddles

Scottish Highlander barge.

2009-10-28T10:59:00.003Z

Whatever the weather certain passenger cruise craft have to carry out their business and entertain their guests. During an interval in the recent misty weather we saw the Scottish Highlander barge go up to Urquhart Castle in the afternoon on one of its 7 day cruises.The 117ft long craft travels from Inverness to Fort Augustus on the first day of its cruise where it docks for the night and the entertainment begins. The following day it journeys back up Loch Ness to Urquhart Castle allowing passengers to view the ancient structure at close hand from the loch whilst enjoying drinkies and lunch prepared and cooked by a master chef . By the time the barge returned to Fort Augustus, passing our house en route, the night was beginning to close in and it looked quite magnificent lit up in the darkness. The Scottish Highlander barge caters luxuriously for 8 passengers and cruises along the Great Glen from Inverness to Fort William stopping for day trips to various sites of scenic or historic relevance along the way.

Loch Oich

2009-10-18T13:02:00.002+01:00

On our journey down to Fort William recently we drove alongside Loch Ness for a while and over the mountain passing Loch Tarff. Skirted the village of Fort Augustus at the end of Loch Ness and enjoyed a leisurely journey to Loch Oich noticing all the time that the cloud base was getting lower. We had to stop at the swing bridge which was shut to allow the 'Lord of the Glens' cruise liner to pass through the Caledonian Canal from Loch Ness and onto a very mysterious misty Loch Oich.

2009 Loch Ness Marathon

2009-10-05T15:46:00.004+01:00

We woke up to a clear blue sky this morning which was a welcome change from the rather blustery weather we have been experiencing lately. Very pleased about that as the 2009 Loch Ness Marathon starts at 10 a.m. this morning. Walked up the grass track passing the holiday cottage to the top road to wait for the runners entering the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon this year and to look out for local celebrities...Graeme Ambrose is still up and running and doing well.The race starts at Whitebridge and they run the 26 miles - initially along the south side of Loch Ness, up the punishing undulating uplands beyond Dores and eventually finish in Inverness by the River Ness. One of our guests was entering the Marathon for the first time so we watched and waited with Michelle and their dog Nikita. It was very chilly but great fun and we had some good laughs with the competitors as we tried to keep their spirits up. This year there were 3521 entrants for the Marathon and it was won by Simon Tonui from Birchfield Harriers in Birmingham in 2.20 + 13 secs.

Some chick !

2009-09-25T18:27:00.003+01:00

The windy weather we have been experiencing this week has now begun to subside. Although it has been very breezy with alot of white water on the surface of Loch Ness it has been a warm westerly wind. No doubt the birds are pleased as they were really whirling around on the circular sunflower feeders as well as contending with the predatory sparrowhawk who was doing overtime for his family nearby. This young greenfinch chick was often seen enjoying a drink at the bird bath.

Loch Ness Lifeboat drama.

2009-09-23T11:42:00.003+01:00

This report was forwarded this morning by the RNLI Press Officer for the Loch Ness lifeboat.
"22 September 2009
Gale force winds create Loch drama.
Winds at gale force 8 created atrocious conditions on Loch Ness today, swamping a canoe with six people on board.
Loch Ness RNLI volunteer crew launched just after 1pm on Tuesday 22nd September, to locate a group of holidaymakers from Yorkshire whose nine metre canoe had been flooded by waves during terrible weather conditions,
The canoeists had been able to make for the land but were isolated on a very rough shoreline at the bottom of a steep slope about a mile from the nearest road.
Two of the party set off to to reach an area where either their mobile phones would work or they could use a landline. It was about an hour before they were able to make contact with the Coastguard in Aberdeen via a 999 call.
The RNLI Atlantic 75 rescue boat, led by Helm Stuart Latham, with Drew Taylor and Joy Cameron as crew, headed for a location described as being opposite Invermoriston on the southern shore of the loch.
They came across a group of ten canoeists who had also been forced ashore but had decided to set up camp and ride out the sever weather. This group were tired but willing to fend for themselves for the night.
The missing four canoeists were found approximately 200 metres south of this location and were brought onto the lifeboat after crew member Joy Cameron swam in to the shore to asses the condition of the group.
The lifeboat was forced to stand-off the shoreline as the conditions were so severe. The four people were taken to Foyers and met up with the remaining two. They planned to stay the night in the Foyers area and re-asses the situation in the morning.
Loch Ness RNLI Helm, Stuart Latham, says :'The conditions were awful and required the crew to work very hard and as a team.' 'we often practice in similar conditions to prepare ourselves for events like this.'
The canoe, a bellboat twin hulled craft similar to a catamaran, was left on the shoreline for recovery at a later date.
The whole operation took about two hours and after which the lifeboat was returned to station and prepared for service."

Mountain rescue.

2009-09-22T16:55:00.003+01:00

Whenever we hear the sound of a low helicopter approaching we wonder who the RAF,usually from Lossiemouth, have now been sent to rescue. As big as a helicopter is it can be virtually impossible to tell which direction the aircraft is coming from. This one passed overhead recently and stood out against the blue sky. Reading the papers today it could possibly have been to rescue a family of 4 who were attempting to descend Ben Eighe in Wester Ross. The Torridon mountain rescue team were alerted by one of the family and the helicopter was alerted to take them off the mountain. The weather has been bad the last few days with a low cloud base,very poor visibility and high winds. The RNLI lifeboat was out on Loch Ness today in a 40 mph wind. You have to wonder if some people on a day out just realise the other people involved in their rescue.

Walk to the 'wee pond'.

2009-09-15T16:23:00.002+01:00

As the weather looked very promising this morning we took a leisurely stroll up to the 'wee pond' in Farigaig Forest. The reflection of the trees in the water was amazing. Sat on the picnic bench kindly placed there by the forestry folk and got chatting to a couple touring the Highlands on holiday. Carried on walking up to the viewpoint bench which has great views looking down onto Loch Ness with the small white cottages of Inverfarigaig in the foreground and Urquhart Castle jutting out on the opposite shore. A wonderful warm walk and the weather for the rest of the week looks good.

Farigaig Forest from the air

2009-09-03T13:24:00.001+01:00

One of our guests took this terrific aerial shot of our house and the surrounding area whilst enjoying a helicopter ride over Loch Ness. You can clearly see a blue Loch Ness and several houses nestling in Farigaig Forest. Fortunately the weather was quite fair.

Wildlife update

2009-09-01T09:45:00.000+01:00

The robins have been conspicuous by their absence but now the juvenile robins are bouncing about in the garden again. After two months out of the nest the young birds start to grow some reddish feathers on their light spotted brown coat and can look rather scruffy. During the next few weeks the red patch will gradually extend to complete the sleek adult appearance. Both male and female are similar in appearance. They now start to assert their territory and will be heard singing loudly throughout the autumn and winter.
The pheasant chicks are now as big as their mother and the one male pheasant is now showing a few red feathers in his plumage. Last Saturday they were boldly sitting on the wooden fence in front of the cottage. The osprey and most of the swallows are now on their long journey back to Africa with their young.
We have not seen many red squirrels lately as they are having their second litter. If there is a good food source they will have two litters a year, one in April and another in August. The success of the breeding season depends on the seed crop of the trees where they live [acorns,hazel nuts,pine cones]as well as people like us putting out a never ending supply of free peanuts. While we were up checking the holiday cottage on Saturday I saw a mother squirrel run across the driveway carrying a baby in her mouth, similar to a cat carrying her kittens. We are looking forward to seeing the youngsters in the next few weeks chasing each other round the trees trunks, exploring the garden and clinging to the peanut feeders.

Boleskine Wetlands Project

2009-08-25T17:25:00.002+01:00

Monday was a warm blue sky sort of day so after a good breakfast we set off on the Easter Boleskine walk. Bit wet underfoot along the forest track and we were glad to get up to the road leading to Foyers and along to the gate of Easter Boleskine. The next bit we find the most strenuous part of the round trip - a rather steep climb up the path to the house - but well worth it as there there are stunning panoramic views looking down onto Loch Ness. In front of the house there is an established forest trail and a very ambitious project is now taking place nearby on a piece of land owned by the Forestry Commission for Scotland. The project has been mainly engineered by the owners of Easter Boleskine House, Frank and Katie.
This project was started back in 2007 and after much hard work and fund raising the wetlands is finally beginning to take shape. The view from inside the new hide is breath taking with the backdrop of the mountains and Loch Ness. The variety of wildlife using the wetlands is already better then expected for the area.While we were there we saw several large dragonflies, different species of butterflies, a tiny brown toad and the acrobatic swallows were performing with delight. Find out more about this very interesting Boleskine Wetland Project.

'Ness Express' success..

2009-08-19T17:26:00.001+01:00

The Ness Express boat service which started in April 2009 has been a great success with the general public as well as our own guests. It can seat 12 people and travels at the exhilarating speed of 30 knots. It leaves Fort Augustus four times during the day and goes up to Urquhart Castle jutting out on Loch Ness and back, a trip of about 90 minutes. We do enjoy waving to the passengers as they zoom past the house often accompanied by loud shrieks of excitement.

Thirsty work

2009-08-14T11:12:00.000+01:00

The greenfinch is a regular visitor to the sunflower and peanut feeders after which he has a good old drink at the bird bath. Cleaned out the bird bath yesterday but all the rain expected today will keep it well topped up with fresh water.

Summer sunsets

2009-08-12T13:12:00.001+01:00

A warm windy week with the occasional shower. Took another bench down to the Loch Ness beach nearby and enjoyed many an evening watching the sun setting over the mountains opposite. Often joined by passing walkers and had many interesting conversations and put the world to rights.

Life on Loch Ness

2009-07-24T14:11:00.003+01:00

A real mixture of weather patterns this week with something for everyone and no two days alike. In all weathers the working boats and trawlers travel along the loch. The pleasure boating craft are about on Loch Ness although there are not so many boats as previous years. Quite a few large private yachts from abroad and we enjoy researching their flags.
Had large private yachts sail past bearing the flags of Germany and Denmark.

A yacht from Norway was moored at Farigaig Pier and the owners walked up our driveway looking for a route through to the shop at Foyers and the Falls of Foyers. We had a very interesting chat and then sent them safely on the right path.
The new boat service Ness Express has been very popular and looks great fun.

NEW for 2009......'Ness Express'

2009-07-17T13:15:00.002+01:00

The Ness Express is a RIB ..Rigid Inflatable Boat.. and is a new boat service operating on Loch Ness. It departs from Fort Augustus at 10am, 12 noon, 2pm and 4pm weather permitting of course and takes you on a 90 minute journey to Urquhart Castle and back. It holds 12 pasengers and operates from April to September and looks a very exciting service. Guests staying at our holiday cottage have been on it and really enjoyed the thrill. It is 10m long and powered by a 315hp Yannmar diesel engine and can cruise at 30knots. Find out more.

See it in action.

Lifeboat Rescues.

2009-07-13T10:49:00.003+01:00

Latest press release from RNLI lifeboat stationed on Loch Ness.

News Release
11th July 2009 Loch Ness 015 2009
Family rescued and marathon canoeist pulled to safety on Loch Ness.

A terrified family with five year old daughter were rescued after being driven onto rocks on Loch Ness following and engine failure on their cruiser this evening.
Loch Ness RNLI were busy completing the rescue of a long distance canoeist who had capsized near Urquhart Castle when they were tasked by Aberdeen Coastguard to search for a cruiser that had run onto rocks following a suspected gearbox failure.Volunteer crew members Neil Hillyard, Sandra Delday and Howie Whyte were recovering the kayak and belongings of Stuart Walker, who was in the middle of a mammoth trip from the Scilly Isles to Shetland, after he had been plucked to safety by Gordon Menzies in the tourist cruiser “Morag no Chridhe. “ The RNLI team were directed by the MRCC (Maritime Rescue Control Centre) in Aberdeen to locate and assist the hire cruiser Eriskay with family members Dad David, Mum Janice, Grandmother Margaret and five year old daughter Rachel on board. The family's boat had suffered a power failure and had been driven onto a rocky shoreline one mile north of Drumnadrochit.In what has been described as “very challenging conditions”, the RNLI lifeboat Beatrice Dorothy transferred crewman Howie Whyte onto the stricken cruiser. After a check to see that the boat wasn't holed, it was taken under tow to Urquhart Harbour. Family member Janice Hill says My mother-in law, daughter and myself were hysterical with fear. We thought that was it. Then we saw the RNLI lifeboat and realised help was coming. The lifeboatman, Howie, was so calming and friendly and made us feel really safe. Mother-in-law Margaret says “I was ready to jump off the boat into the water I was so terrified.” The family hope to continue their holiday tomorrow when they are given a replacement hire boat. They will be visiting the lifeboat station tomorrow and hope to meet the crew and see the facilities that enabled their rescue.Canoeist Stuart Walker did not need medical treatment but is considering whether to continue his epic journey.

Wildlife Update

2009-07-09T17:07:00.003+01:00

The weather this last week has fortunately cooled down and we have been experiencing wet but warm days with one terrific thunderstorm thrown in. In spite of all this the wildlife still has to go in search of food.Seen a few red deer nibbling on the wet grassy bank at the front near lochside and not surprisingly they always hear any movement with their lovely huge ears. The pheasant family- mother plus 7 chicks - are often under the bird table pecking at any remains hurled from above. The birds, especially finches, are always hungry and cling to the sunflower feeders daily but disperse at breakneck speed when the lethal, but extremely agile, sparrowhawk zooms round looking for a meal. The new bird bath is a big hit with birds and squirrels especially in the recent hot weather. The great spotted woodpecker is a colourful visitor to the peanut feeders. The red squirrels and youngsters with their much thinner tails are always fascinating to watch as they scurry down the tree trunks in search of the nuts and sunflower hearts - in fact they will eat anything put out on or under the bird table. This adult squirrel took shelter from a rain shower in the nearby trees just outside our window where we now have honeysuckle growing for the first time.

Cromarty

2009-07-05T13:07:00.001+01:00

The weather has been glorious all week with a refreshing breeze off the water of Loch Ness and temperatures hovering in the mid 20C. Took a trip over to the Black Isle and drove right to the eastern end to the main town of Cromarty, something we have been meaning to do since we moved here.Had a stroll around the town which is rather quaint with a mixture of small Victorian cottages and more substantial houses designed to house both the workers and the management at the peak of its prosperity.The town originally grew around its deep port and all the industry was connected with the sea and sea faring.
Cromarty gives its name to one of the British Sea Areas used to provide important weather forecasts for shipping. Bought a tea towel in one of the gift shops, which was well equipped especially with local pottery and jewellery, and framed it for the cottage. Always been intrigued by the various names of the shipping areas when we hear them on the radio and now we know exactly where they are.We enjoyed a picnic on a red bench kindly positioned on the sea front looking towards the mouth of the Cromarty Firth and the North and South Sutors [hills] that guard the entrance to the Firth.We watched the smallest car ferry in Scotland 'The Cromarty Rose' which operates between Cromarty and Nigg on the opposite bank. It can carry 2 cars and passengers and operates regularly throughout the day between June and October.

Pheasant chicks.

2009-06-30T13:20:00.002+01:00

Mother pheasant has been a regular visitor proudly showing off her chicks as they eat under the bird table and run around the ornaments. There were originally 11 of them but at the last count this morning there were still 8 left alive and very frisky. Mother is very watchful of them and clucks quietly to round them all up while they give off high pitched squeaks. Needless to say father is nowhere in sight and one of two of them are real independent little souls and she has to patiently go after them.