places to see (and photograph) pine martens

[eeyore]

I'm contemplating a trip to scotland this winter and wondered if anyone has recomendations for good places to see pine martens (preferably established feeding sites where they can be photographed with a reasonable chance of success)

i'm aware of the aigas field centre in invernessshire and the speyside wildlife hide at rothiemurcus but wondered if anyone knows of other locations.

(feel free to pm me if you dont want to put locations on the boards)

I'd also be interested in places to see mountain hare , which i am hoping to find in their winter coats.

[rlchew]

I have been lucky seeing Pine Martens at the following location for the last 3 Christmas holidays but you have to stay .... and it isn't cheap!

Birchbrae



Don't forget the raspberry jam, honey and peanut butter .

Richard

[Rob Chace]

Originally Posted by eeyore

I'm contemplating a trip to scotland this winter and wondered if anyone has recomendations for good places to see pine martens (preferably established feeding sites where they can be photographed with a reasonable chance of success)

i'm aware of the aigas field centre in invernessshire and the speyside wildlife hide at rothiemurcus but wondered if anyone knows of other locations.

(feel free to pm me if you dont want to put locations on the boards)

I'd also be interested in places to see mountain hare , which i am hoping to find in their winter coats.

Hi Eeyore,
In Mike Lanes book, this is supposed to be a dead-cert place (as much as it can be), but again you have to stay. It does say though that they may be seen in winter, but not so frequently as in the summer when they are fed plenty of sweet sticky foods by the holiday makers & the owners.
Have a look here Highland Lodges Self Catering Holiday Accommodation in the Highlands of Scotland
Regards Rob.

[Speyside]

Hi,

I don't know of any locations myself apart from the one at Rothiemurcus you mentioned. It might be a good idea to consult Glenlivet Wildlife or Speyside Wildlife who specialise on wildlife in Speyside. Information on them you can find on the Greater Speyside, Speyside and Moray, accommodation, events, whisky, festivals and visitor attractions in Speyside, Moray and Greater Speyside web site. I'll email them myself and will let you know.

Keep in touch!

Rene

[seamusagleann]

i was lying in a sleeping bag in the bothy after an overnight stay ,when i heard what i thought was the dogs paradeing about on the wodden floor . i checked on them but they were still curled up in bed with my other half .the noise went on then above me on the skylight i saw this pine marten looking down at me . i'd heard reports that there was one living in the attic but that's the first time i'd seen it. as usual i couldn't find my camera.
a girl i know told me that one regularly steals the fat balls she puts out . i also see them from time to time,at work, so chances are you'll see some.

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by seamusagleann

i was lying in a sleeping bag in the bothy after an overnight stay ,when i heard what i thought was the dogs paradeing about on the wodden floor . i checked on them but they were still curled up in bed with my other half .the noise went on then above me on the skylight i saw this pine marten looking down at me . i'd heard reports that there was one living in the attic but that's the first time i'd seen it. as usual i couldn't find my camera.
a girl i know told me that one regularly steals the fat balls she puts out . i also see them from time to time,at work, so chances are you'll see some.

nice we may have to pay your bothy a visit - is it open all year and are dogs welcome ? I am defintely leaning towards the fortwilliam / rannoch moor area - though the plus point of remote and majestic scenery is also the minus point ie mountain roads and snow

[Hobjob]

I saw several hares in half winter coats on the Glenshee road just to the
North of the skiing area where the raod winds up the gully; at least there
one is looking down on the moorland and gullies.

Early April, couple of years back, still some snow on the North
facing slopes.


I also had a chance encounter with a pine marten,
_on the road_, beside lake Garten whilst cycling.
Neither I or my missus knew what it was at the time.
Bit of a fluke I think, so don't stake out that road

[seamusagleann]

Originally Posted by eeyore

nice we may have to pay your bothy a visit - is it open all year and are dogs welcome ? I am defintely leaning towards the fortwilliam / rannoch moor area - though the plus point of remote and majestic scenery is also the minus point ie mountain roads and snow

no problem about dogs bring them along and i have a four wheel drive so getting your stuff in for a day or two will be a breeze . the roads up on the moor DO sometimes get blocked but it's generally clear here , besides we get most of our snow february - early march . one year the road was blocked only once , the week before st patrick's day ,the 10th of march.