Peregrine Watch

[camo]

Hi

During the week I needed to make a flying visit to Scotland on Business, on a couple of occasions I have dropped into the Pergrine Watch on the A96 just North of Huntleyin Grampian just as it was closing. So with a spare couple of hours i was able to stop and spend some time there.

The centre is run by the Forestry Commission with 4 fulltime staff and back up from a team of volunteers. The main focus is a quarry where each year Peregrines nest, however in addition the centre is set in some really good woodland with a nice pond and a couple of feeding stations. There is no entry fee however they do accept contributions.

I was very impressed particularly with the staff who were knowledgable very helpful and a pleasure to meet. Whilst I was there they were showing elderly people around and in the evening had a group of cubs visiting.

The Peregrines were fab with CCTV set up for close views and a hide about 80 metres from a rocky nest. May be a litle far to get good shots of the nest the hide is well placed to watch the fascinating life of a natural Peregrine. Whilst I was there the male caught and passed onto the female 2 birds for their 3 chicks. The female gave the male a really hard time and was pushing him to hunt. Other wildlife I watched included lots of Red Squirrels, some superb Siskens, a number of Warblers, and lots of other common stuff. The pond has common and palamte newts and I also noticed some Orchids in the wood.

For anyone passing through the area I would thoroughly recommend a visit you will not be disappointed.

Red Squirrels





Siskens





Chiff Chaff



Roy

[ron1863]

Sounds like an interesting place Roy. You should add it to the Wild Places on Wab