Ardnamurchan trip

larachmor · #1 (**permalink**) 26-09-2009, 08:03 PM

Just back from another trip to Ardnamurchan - Britain’s most westerly area, and a wonderful place for wildlife. We were at a different cottage from our previous trips, so were a bit unsure as to what we would see in the immediate area.
First of all we became aware of a visiting buzzard, who unlike your average buzzard, did not seem a bit jumpy.

We had brought a road-killed white hare, with the intention of staking it out for an eagle - but nowhere was suitable within visible range of the cottage, so we decided to give it to the buzzard. I placed it within view, but in a position where I could sneak into my hide unseen. It didn’t take him long to find it, and he came down to feed.

http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/ar...edium/A211.jpg

He had to contend with some competition from the local flies, but it didn’t put him off too much and before too long his crop was bulging before flying - unsurprisingly - the short distance to a nearby tree.

http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/ar...edium/A311.jpg

Our primary aim however, once again, was for pine marten. We were fairly confident that we could attract one or two, but first of all we had to create a more natural feel. We dragged a length of driftwood from the nearby beach and set it out, with nuts, raisins and generous lashings of peanut butter. On the first night we had to wait - but at 11.30 pm we had our first marten, scurrying across the gravel at first.

http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/ar...medium/A47.jpg

Within a short time its nose was sniffing the air and before too long was investigating the log.

http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/ar...medium/A57.jpg

http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/ar...medium/A63.jpg

We had been leaving some Tesco’s best value eggs as we retired to bed and they went every time. On our last evening we placed an extra-large egg from one of our local farms just to see how it would cope. We find it quite amazing how they can take an egg in its jaws and sprint off to eat it in safety. But this extra-large egg was somewhat of a challenge. The marten came down, and seemed to sniff its way to the concealed egg. A bit of delicate manoeuvring was required, but it eventually secured it, safely within its jaws and off he went. The egg must have been two thirds the size of its skull, but off it went. Amazing little creatures.

http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/ar...medium/A76.jpg

During the week we had an over flight of a golden eagle - obviously in moult - just a shame about the white sky.

http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/ar...medium/A84.jpg

We had only one sighting of an otter, feeding in the bay. We watched him for about 20 minutes - but too far I’m afraid for a photo.
We rounded off the week with a loch cruise, taking us to “Wildernesse” the former residence of wildlife writer Mike Tomkies. There are no permanent residents here now, just a Welsh couple who have leased it for holidays.

http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/ar...medium/A93.jpg

A great place to visit.

earthdragon64 · #2 (**permalink**) 26-09-2009, 08:13 PM

Nice shots Bill, looks like you had a good time. I've not been to Ardnamurchan myself, it's one of a few places in Scotland on my "To visit" list.

Funnily enough, I'm just back from the Butterfly Conservation Scotland member's day at Birnam where I was talking to a friend who did some wild camping around Ardnamurchan as part of her honeymoon earlier this summer.