Scotland in Spring

Ann2 · #1 (**permalink**) 16-03-2009, 10:59 PM

I'm planning yet another trip to Scotland and although I have some favourite places for viewing wildlife, I would welcome some new suggestions for good places to see otters and mountain hares.

At the moment I'm thinking of visiting Mull and the Cairngorms but was also wondering about the west coast mainland for otters.

Does anyone know of any campsites visited by pine martens or other wildlife?

Ann

ron1863 · #2 (**permalink**) 16-03-2009, 11:34 PM

You should have a great chance of viewing Otters on Mull as they hunt along the seashore during the day there and the Cairngorms should be fine for Mountain Hare. I don't know about camp sitesand Pine Martins though, but you could ask around when you get there.

wimog · #3 (**permalink**) 17-03-2009, 09:35 AM

Eastern side of the Cairngorms is probably best because Mountain Hare love the moorland management there. Excellent opportunities along the Ladder Hills on the Glenlivet Estate or for a quick look beside the road just drive over the Lecht pass along the A939. If you want to see them in white you'll have to hurry because they are starting to moult now.

Ann2 · #4 (**permalink**) 18-03-2009, 05:45 PM

Thank you for your replies. I was in the Cairngorms at Christmas, hoping to see some hares in their winter coats. I spent hours around the Lecht ski area where I'd seen them before but had absolutely no luck (except a couple of squashed ones on the road sadly).

To make up for it though, I did get an excellent view of a golden eagle near Glenshee.

I've been lucky with otter sightings on Mull before but not seen one on the mainland yet.

Ann

diggleken · #5 (**permalink**) 18-03-2009, 05:55 PM

Hi Ann, I have seen Pine Martens a few times near the RSPB osprey site near aviemore.
Before they got tough locally and I buggered up my shoulder (dont ask) I used to camp rough all round that area for a number of years and have watched them in deepest scots pine woodland, in rothiemurchus generally and at Craigellachie.
They are utterly glorius creatures.

Please do not tell the RSPB of any sightings - I'm convinced they will take action to eradicate because of rare birds egg theft by them, eg Capers,

(based on reaction by staff there to my discussion with them about this a few years ago) - I believe in this instance of letting nature take its course.
Good luck
Ken
Just to add - we see many mountain hares here, the northern peak district lot, if thats closer for you.
Now is the time, they are boxing and are white.
K.

Ruth Daniel · #6 (**permalink**) 18-03-2009, 06:02 PM

We saw Otters both on Mull at Salen and on Loch Eil nr Fort William Ann!

We were also lucky enough to see Golden Eagle on Mull too!

Enjoy,tis a wonderful place!

I didn't know you had Mountain Hares in the Peaks Ken??? You learn something every day don't you!

diggleken · #7 (**permalink**) 18-03-2009, 06:05 PM

yes, the peak district poulation has spread over the years - we are at the northern end in saddleworth, we get them lots and lots, they are great in winter white against dark gritstone, sunning themselves - not exactly camouflaged, but when it was snowy - well . . . . . . they disappeared!
Ken

Ruth Daniel · #8 (**permalink**) 18-03-2009, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diggleken

yes, the peak district poulation has spread over the years - we are at the northern end in saddleworth, we get them lots and lots, they are great in winter white against dark gritstone, sunning themselves - not exactly camouflaged, but when it was snowy - well . . . . . . they disappeared!
Ken

Sounds wonderful.....we must make the trip one of these Winters!

seamusagleann · #9 (**permalink**) 18-03-2009, 07:23 PM

here in glen coe/ballachulish have all three of the animals you want to see,there are pinemartens in the forests at the mouth of the glen,otters in loch leven, and mountain hares on rannoch moor, which is about twelve miles away!!....could possibley predict a sighting of a red squirrel too!!

Highland Damsel · #10 (**permalink**) 18-03-2009, 07:43 PM

No red squirrels but here in the north west, Kyle of Lochalsh, Torridon etc the coast has populations of otter in numerous places, sites like the Bealach Na Ba (pass of the cattle) to Applecross will get you close up to mountain hare and golden eagle territory and several people locally regularly feed Pine Martens, opportunities for badger watching too! Having said that Glen Coe is amazing and pretty awe inspiring.