Nearly September, and still the Scottish summer goes on. Had a glorious, sunny, blue-skied Saturday here in the west of Scotland. Spent the afternoon beside Loch Chon in the Trossachs. Last time I was there (about 15 years ago) I was disappointed by the lack of any wildlife in the area. Not so today. Our first sighting was of 8 to 10 Red Deer in a roadside field. Then, at the loch itself, numerous damselflies, dragonflies and butterflies (including Large White, Small Tortoiseshell and a large, dark brown species which may have been Purple Hairstreak). Not much bird life about (well, it is the summer doldrums), except for a mewing Buzzard (invisible), a few hidden passerines and two eclipse Mallards.
Later, in Aberfoyle, noticed dozens of Swallows and House Martins feeding frantically above the rooftops. Its hard to avoid the conclusion that they are feeding up prior to disappearing off to their winter quarters.
Interesting news from Wales is that the 2,000 or so Dolphins seen off the west coast earlier this week have been followed by an unprecedented 6 Fin Whales. Experts suggest the reason is that the Irish Sea is "teeming with food", mainly Mackerel.
Local news is that there are huge numbers of Manx Shearwaters in the Clyde. Must have a look this week.