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Natural Connections

Modern life in Scotland is increasingly busy. The connections our ancestors had with nature and the land are being lost. As leisure time shrinks, or is filled with hi-tech experiences, opportunities to experience nature become fewer. And yet it is possible to connect with nature on a day to day basis. All around us, the great web of life continues to hold its shape, and nature continues its eternal cycles. Keep looking, listening, smelling, touching - and keep experiencing natural connections.

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Predictions of severe gales over the next two days meant an earlier-than-intended return to the mainland. The crossing was actually quite pleasant with Gannets and the occasional Kittiwake for company, and distant views of the Torridan hills. The drive down to Glasgow was notable for Grey Heron and Buzzard in Ullapool, a Red Kite over the road at Tore and 20 or more Rabbits grazing under street lamps in the middle of the Dunblane/Doune roundabout on the A9.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Most of today was spent doing the most ambitious walk of the week – 10 miles over rough country from the outskirts of Tolsta to Sgiogarstaigh. Thankfully the weather was good, because conditions underfoot were quite a challenge. Bird life was fairly scant (not surprisingly) but there were good views of Red Grouse (see first picture below) and Raven. The scenery was very rugged and eerily empty (not a sign of human life, apart from some deserted shielings, in over 6 hours walking).
Eventually Sgiogarstaigh came into view. It is the south eastern corner of Ness, which is the most densely populated rural area in Europe. Satellite views show a maze of crofts laid out across whole swathes of land. From the ground, it is a fascinating mix of habitats. In one roadside field, around 100 Lapwings and 100 Starlings were feeding with around 30 Golden Plovers (second picture below) and masses of Rabbits (including lots of black ones). Further north, at the Butt of Lewis, only Shags, Gannets and the ubiquitous Hooded Crows braved the elements.


Thursday, October 16, 2008

The early morning was spent exploring Traigh Ghioradall, the beautiful, sandy beach passed earlier in the week. The views along to Tolsta Head were particularly impressive (see below). Later, a tour of west coast sites turned up a juvenile Marsh Harrier near the Callanish stone circles (see second picture below), plenty of Greylag Geese and a family of Whooper Swans on roadside lochs (third picture), two Redwings and two Stonechats north of Arnol, and dramatic seascapes at every turn (fourth picture).

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

A sunny early morning meant a walk over the moors to Tolsta head. The view back to Traigh Ghioradall was stunning (see first picture) as was the view of the head itself (second picture). The walk turned up lots of good records including three Barnacle Geese overhead, patrolling Raven (picture 3), some interesting pondweed (4&5) and an unusual fungus species (picture 6). Later in the day, a walk in the Lews Castle grounds turned up 7 Grey Herons fishing together.







Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Today was spent driving from the glade to Ullapool. Hundreds of Pink footed Geese along Strathallen were the highlight of the trip, but Buzzard and Kestrel were also regularly seen.

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