Mick McCarrick,s Natural World

Field of Poppy's, Chicksands Wood, Bedfordshire 27th June 2011

2011-07-07T09:44:00.000-07:00

Came across this large field of poppies approaching Chicksands Wood. Although there was not much seen in the wood on a very hot and clammy day this splendid sight made up for it. Have never seen so many poppies over a large area.

Ardnarmurchan May 2011

2011-05-29T01:48:00.000-07:00

One of the highlights after a long journey from Bedfordshire made by Diana and myself once again was passing through the magnificent Glencoe with its awe inspiring mountain's which really get you in the mood for the delights that lay ahead. A very popular walking and climbing area with easy access along A82. There is also a visitors centre where you can find out much more about the area.

The final approach to Ardnarmurchan takes you across Loch Linnhe on the Corran Ferry a short journey of around ten minutes and brings you into Ardgour where you then head westward along Loch Linnhe on the A861. Make sure you stop at the view point a short distance on which overlooks two small rocky islands which at low tide you will see a good many Common Seals basking. Finally as you approach Strontian and the tip of Loch Sunart the two lane road is replaced by a single track road with its many passing places so meeting other vehicles is not a problem. You will find the traffic far less here and perhaps after the initial nervousness of using single track roads you soon begin to enjoy the splendours and slow pace of life. This is all part of the way of life on your visits to Ardnarmurchan.

Our Destination was Stag Cottage, a former gamekeepers cottage now owned by Liz & Richard Hallam who have renovated the cottage to its present splendour furnished with antiquity which adds so much to its character and a homely feeling. Its is in a isolated situation at Kinlochan in Glenhurich and is reached by a steep climb on a narrow winding road from Strontian which then descends just as steeply into Polloch. The drive along this road is adventurous if you are not used to it but well worth it. There is good walking in the area and Loch Shiel is easily reached along a forest track from Polloch.

The Cottage is located not far from the bottom left hand edge of Loch Doilet in the picture, this is a freshwater loch. Red Throated Divers are seen here on occasion and Mergansers are a regular visitor. Sea Eagles make the occasional foray here from the much larger Loch Sheil too. At the iron bridge as you approach Polloch there is always evidence of otters under the bridge in the form of spraints. There has been reports of Wildcat being seen in the area with the most recent a few weeks before our stay near Strontian but have never had the fortune of even a glimpse of this shy endangered cat during our visits to Ardnarmuchan.

Stag Cottage is well noted for having regular visits made in the evening and occasional early mornings by Pine Martens. Thought described as nocturnal in mammal books this is not strictly true and they can be seen in daylight hours too. The female pine marten in the picture would arrive anytime between 7pm and 9pm while it was still daylight and gave us much opportunity for photo shots. A larger male also visited every evening but always after 9pm when we were losing the light and did not make for a decent picture. We were observing the Pine Martens through the living room window from the comfort of chairs so never attempted to use a flash. Both Soprano and Common Pipperstrelle Bats were seen each evening and identified with the aid of a bat detector.

The Pine Martens were very partial to fruit cake and would often take mouthfuls away to the edge of the garden and cache it under brash or in grass tussocks for later consumption. Occasionally we put out a chickens egg which was obviously a prize to them. On spotting it they would immediately leave the rest of the food and take the egg away only returning sometime later. Pine Martens have a very sweet tooth and love jam but on finding out this could cause problems to their teeth stopped using it later in the week.

Pine Martens are Omnivorous and in Johnny Birks booklet published by The Mammal Society in 2002 of food. they take a wide range of food such as large mammal carrion, lagomorphs, small mammals,birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, birds eggs, crustaceans,beetles, hymenopterans, earthworms, caterpillars, mollusc's, hazelnuts, many types of fruit and berry, fungi and edible contents of litter bins. Often shown chasing squirrels these rodents only represent 1% of their diet.

This brave little bank vole we noticed one morning feeding on crumbs below the window sill, left overs from the pine martens including a few peanuts. We started to put out a few bits of food afterwards to catch a glimpse of the small mammal. Normally it would scurry from the heather in the border and scurry back again but finally it paused long enough for me to get a quick picture through the window.

On Loch Sunart between Strontian and Resipole the Forestry Commission have erected a hide which overlooks two small islands Called Garbh Eileen the larger of the two and Eileen a' Chuilinn. As well as some very beautiful views changing with the light and conditions you can observe lots of wildlife and all the wonderful sounds made by birds such oyster catchers and sand pipers. Otters are seen regularly here along with common seals and the occasional grey seals. The latter you will see basking at low tide on the rocks around Garbh Eileen. Eileen a' chuilinn is home to an Herony and their is much activity in the breeding season.

Garbh Eilleen

I have been trying for a while to get a half decent picture of a grey heron but is would seem the minute I pointed my camera in their direction they would notice and fly off. Finally achieved it with this particular heron being to busy waiting for a crab or a fish to appear so it could make its strike. Not to be on this occasion but when it moved nearer the water noticed how well its refection showed up and was able to take a number of pictures with this image being the less distorted.

Common Seal as mentioned are easily seen swimming around the two islands and basking on the rocks mostly around Garbh Eileen. They can also be good fun when they are in their playful mood chasing each over, splashing and making lots of noise.

Our views of an otter this year consisted of two brief encounters and a much better close up of an otter swimming directly below the hide on arrival at 6am. Watched it dive and surface again on a few occasions but not catching any fish or crabs. Suspect they were half hearted attempts and the otter already had it fill as it soon disappeared out of site and possibly some where onto the shoreline to rest. My camera although with me was in my rucksack and having no time to get it out and risk disturbing the otter being so close missed a perfect picture opportunity. The two Pictures above I took in 2008 on the not too distant Isle of Carna situated across from Laga Bay and opposite Morvern where Loch Teacuis joins Loch Sunart.

On decent down to Strontain in the early mornings we would often see red deer close to and sometimes on the road. Two of the deer a female and a stag kindly posed long enough for me to take a few pictures from the car. Had we tried to get out of the car with the deer in close proximity they would have quickly run away. Red deer are a common site all other Ardnamurchan so photo opportunities abound.

A herd of female red deer sky lining across from Ben Hiant

Red deer stags between Ben Hiant and Kilchoan

Sanna Bay is well worth a visit and on route to Ardnarmurchan Point. A lovely white beach greets you, one of many in Scotland.Ardnarmurchan Point is the most westerly point of mainland Britian. Its lighthouse is open to visitors and it is possible to see cetaceans such as dolphins and if your lucky a Minke Whale. Numerous sea birds can be seen here best observed through a telescope

Smissary is a an old crofting community with a few cottages retained as holiday homes which can be reached by following the A61 along side Loch Moidart to Glenuig Bay where you take a narrow single track road just past the Public House sign posted to Smissary and follow it through what seems to be a farm yard and onto a car parking area. From here you can do the White Sand walk (walking boots highly recommended) which takes you through the Crofting area. and ends up at a superb white beach with fantastic views. There is a small booklet with walks around Mallaig & Ardnarmurchan including the mentioned you can purchase from the tourist information at Strontian.

On route to Castle Tioram the road takes you past the very steep rocky outcrop of Ben Gheur where peregrines have nested. On this occasion we saw no peregrines but watched a pair of common buzzards circling and calling and a small group of red deer that some how manage to move around this cliff like rocky outcrop with out too much difficulty. We then spotted this very colourful pheasant watching us. It had a metallic green colouration in the bright sunshine, and very photogenic.

At the small community of Ardmolich the A861 still a single track road before Loch Miodart crosses a metal bridge which has replaced the old stone bridge still standing along side. It is well worth stopping here and viewing from the old bridge being a good location to spot Dippers.

From the old bridge a quiet narrow road takes you along side the River Moidart past another small community of Brunery and on to a small a parking area just before the private access to Glenmoidart House. Just a short clamber up a footpath to the a farm track (once a Drovers track) which takes you on a magnificent walk along Glen Moidart to the waterfall and further if you wish. You can climb up past the waterfall to the lochon above. Seldom see many people here and a walk not to be missed and for the most part to the waterfall, easy going.

Loch Shiel is a large freshwater loch that stretches from Acharacle to Glenfinnan and the best way to take in the wonders and history is on the boat trip which can be taken in the afternoon on Wednesday from Acharacle to Glenfinnan or visa versa in the morning or the return if you wish. The single trips meet up with the Loch Shiel bus service to bring you back. On this occasion we not only had very good weather but also superb wildlife seeing two sea eagles together one a juvenile with a radio tag fitted to its back. Further on we saw distant views of three golden eagles being mobbed by Ravens and nearer Glenfinnan a further two golden eagles, being mobbed this time by a single Raven and a common buzzard. The buzzard itself a good sized bird of prey looked small compared to the golden eagle it was attacking. The eagles ability to turn in the air to present its talons to the tormentors was really something to see.

The day before our boat trip we had been talking to a local man near the jetty on Loch Sheil who mentioned there had been an Osprey around the loch over the past few days thought to be passing through as not a common visitor here. Fortunes were definitely on our side this visit as no more than five minutes later the osprey appeared flying over our heads heading across the loch and continuing along the opposite shoreline and out of sight.

Finally a mention for this male Black Throated Diver who is regularly seen hanging around the Jetty area at Acharacle and has been affectionately named Dopey George by locals who use Loch Shiel due to his habit of coming close to their boats and often crossing directly in front of them.

I remember my very first visit to Ardnamurchan and have been hooked ever since.

Seahouses, North East Coast & Farne Islands

2010-07-27T08:01:00.000-07:00

Seahouses is described as the gateway to the Farnes and makes the ideal base for the North East Coast and has some striking geology along the cliff edges, note the layered rock and colours in the pictures above, better to be seen by the eye than through a camera lens.

Black Headed Gull in Flight

Inner Farne in background

John Howell and myself arrived at Seahouses on the Saturday 19th June due to return home on Tuesday 22nd June with a trip to the Farne Islands being top of the agenda but for the first two days the wind was blowing a gale and the sea was far too rough for the boats to leave the safety of the gated docks so the Farne visit was beginning to look unlikely.

Eider ducks breed on the Farne Islands but bring their chicks into the safety of the mainland where they find sheltered areas during rough sea's

Just to the south of Seahouses the coastal path takes you along the cliffs that run along side a golf course. Here you can see the Kittiwake colony during the breeding season.

The Holy Island is well worth a visit not just the opportunity of visitor attractions such as the Priory, Castle and the village but the wildlife around it. During low tide looking out onto the sand banks from the old coast guard building you are very likely to see a 1000+ grey seals basking in the sunshine and also more swimming close by in the sea below. Take the telescope.

Wildflowers against a rough sea on the coastal path just the the north of Lower Newton

Oyster Catchers

Along the coastal path from Lower Newton we came across a good many Six spot Burnet Moth caterpillars. Note the nearby cocoon in picture above, prior to hatching into an adult.

Orchid

The area around Newton Point is owned by the National trust and just north of the point on a small stretch of moorland we came across this juvenile Great Skua, still unable to fly but no doubt still being looked after by its parents who nest in such areas. They are indeed a large bird and prey on other smaller gulls.

Thankfully after two day the wind died down and the sea was much calmer, which meant our trip to the Farnes would go ahead.

The Farne islands are home to a four thousand strong breeding colony of grey seal where they have their pups during the Autumn. The tide was high so the seals were all in the water but was able to get a few picture's. The boats going out this time of year especially after the gales were packed with folk visiting the island so unless you were situated around the edge of the boats and not in the middle like we were then pictures of the grey seals were not to easy to take.

Guillemot's

Longstone Island, we where greeted by large colonies of nesting seabirds. The Wardens quarters were basic indeed. Four of them shared this cottage. Drinking water was supplied by the visiting boats and the luxury of a shower was rare.

Kittiwake

Lesser Black Backed Gull

Shag

Razorbills were fairly common on the islands another delightful bird

Puffin in flight

The staple diet for many of the Seabirds on the islands were sand eels, especially the Puffin who were very busy bringing in food for there chicks underground.

The two pictures above I got the wrong way round but one Puffin emerging from its borrow. They were certainly a delight and a great favourite. They had a pretty tough time bringing in the food to their chicks particularly on Inner Farne where black headed gulls waited for them by the burrows. If the Puffins did not land close enough the gulls were on them like a shot stealing their food. One Puffin was set on by three black headed gulls and really got well beaten up and another managed to gain the safety of a thick bush but two gulls guarded the bush and would not let the Puffin out. There is always a temptation to interfere but these puffins are made of tough stuff and their determination was admiral.

The Artic Terns nested close to the walkways and even inside the yard of the Wardens quarters and the church because they found there chicks were less likely to be preyed upon. One of these chicks was struggling to swallow the above sand eel so its sibling took advantage and pinched it out of its mouth and swallowed very quickly. Big meal for a chick.

Artic Tern eggs

The Artic Terns were very fiesty indeed and had sharp beaks so it was very wise to visit Inner Farne wearing a hat as they attacked and knew the tender spot was the top of the head. This indiviual must have decided it need a rest and just stayed perched on top of this guys head for about five minutes being well photographed by many including myself.

Swallows

The two pictures above were taken on the final day of our stay. We decided on a walk to from Dunstan Steads to Dunstan Castle and had this pair of Swallows posing for us on fence wire below the castle ruins. The second picture is near Emberton Bay.

Well worth the visit to this lovely coastline, could not have hoped for better and enjoyed some fine ales from the Hadrian Border Brewery in the Ship at Seahouses and on the Holy Island.

On our door step 2010

2010-06-27T09:46:00.000-07:00

House Sparrow Passer domesticus

This species has been in decline nationally but still common locally and pleased to say have seen them in flocks up to around 50 birds in my garden. Five years ago I put up a sparrow box designed for this species but it seems not often used and our particular box was no exception with occasional use by Blue Tits. 2010 has been the first time it as actually been used by one pair of House Sparrows which succesfully raised a brood of chicks.

Cuckoo Flower or Lady's Smock Cardamine pratensis

A member of the cabbage family, often seen on wetland areas this has self seeded around my pond and also appears in other drier areas in the garden. One of my favourites and a delight to have in the garden.

Cowslips Primula veris

Some years ago I decided to add a wildflower meadow to my garden, small but certainly adds to the garden and would not be with out it now. Oxeye Daisy used to dominate particularly during the summer months but has become more balanced and in the spring we get a very good showing of cowslips which have spread into the borders.

Adder at Maulden Woods 16th March 2010

2010-03-19T04:35:00.000-07:00

Adder Vipera berus 16th March 2010.
Single Adder seen basking on a warm pleasant spring morning on Maulden Heath. Have seen them in this general area in the past few years and always get a buzz when seeing them. They are very shy and will disappear at the slightest quick movement, heavy footfall or casting your shadow over them so need to be approached slowly and with care or your chance of seeing thses lovely creatures is gone.

Badger Summer 2009

2010-03-14T12:49:00.000-07:00

Some footage of a badger seen during one of my evenings at a Bedfordshire Badger Sett in the Summer of 2009.

Female Reed Bunting

2010-02-06T14:29:00.000-08:00

Female Reed Bunting

Seen over the past few weeks on three occasions in our garden, still hoping for the clearer picture

Male Reed Bunting

2010-01-12T08:18:00.000-08:00

This male Reed Bunting appeared in my back garden in Luton during the cold snowy period in January. First time we have had this species in the garden and a female has been seen on a number of occassions since. They are reported to be resident in nearby Cowslip Meadow all year round. No doubt the snow brought them into my garden but hope they will become regular visitors now they know a good food source.

Median Wasp

2009-09-07T01:06:00.000-07:00

Median Wasp Dolichovespula media

This species is highly variable, especially the amount of yellow differs from specimen to specimen often looking very dark as in the picture. New species to Britian in the mid 1980's and now found over most of Southern England.

Grass Snake on River Ouzel, Old Linslade

2009-07-10T07:12:00.001-07:00

The Grass Snake was seen from the bridge over the River Ouzel, at Rushmere, Old Linslade for a period of a few minutes.

Water Vole, River Lea, New Bedford Road, Luton

2009-05-25T11:56:00.000-07:00

Water Vole

Water Voles are present on the River Lea, the Houghton Brook, and Cowslip Meadow in Luton. Some of the best sites to visit for seeing the water vole are, Leagrave Common, Fallowfield, and the stretch of the Lea between Kingsdown Ave and Stockingstone Road by the A6.

Grey Seal, Castle Mill Lock, Bedford

2008-07-19T09:24:00.000-07:00

Grey Seal
The Grey Seal was first observed at Kempston Weir on Friday 11th 2008, by fishermen. Observations continued through the week in the Bedford area, including my observation on the Saturday 19th July.The seal was thought to have followed boats through the locks, which were making there way to the Bedford Riverside Festival, held on the weekend of the 12th and 13th July 2008.

About Me
Beds Mammals View my complete profile