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Wintry Days
"When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free."
~ The Peace of Wild Things, Wendell Berry, 1968
Designed to reflect the vibrant colors of winter near the Tay, this scene captures the reds and yellows of fiery sunsets and winter fires, complemented by the festive hues of holly berries, ivy, and pine needles. The icy blue waters of the Tay mirror crisp winter skies in a landscape naturally adorned seasonal beauty. Snowdrops may bloom along the frosty banks, while evergreens and rowan trees, adorned with red berries, attract birds like curlews and dippers. Amidst the stillness, red squirrels, roe deer, or foxes may appear, showcasing the resilient life and wild things of a Scotlish winter. ❤️ 💜 💚 🧡 💙 🔥 ❄️ 🦊🌲
Scotland's wild and rugged landscapes transform into a winter wonderland, offering unique opportunities for animal watching. From the snow-draped mountains to the frost-kissed coastal shores, here are some of the best places and experiences for spotting Scotland's incredible winter wildlife.
1. Red Deer in the Cairngorms National Park
What to See: Red deer, the UK's largest land mammals, are more visible in winter as they descend from the higher slopes to seek shelter in glens.
Best Spots: Glen Muick, Rothiemurchus Estate, and around Aviemore.
Tip: Join a guided safari to observe these majestic animals in their natural habitat and learn about their behavior during the harsh winter months.
2. Ptarmigans and Mountain Hares in the Highlands
What to See: Ptarmigans in their snowy plumage and mountain hares camouflaged in white are iconic winter sights in Scotland.
Best Spots: Cairngorm Plateau and Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve.
Tip: A pair of binoculars and a warm jacket are essential for braving the chill to spot these elusive creatures against the snowy backdrop.
3. Seals on the Moray Firth Coast
What to See: Both grey and common seals haul out onto the beaches during winter. Pups born in autumn can often be seen lounging alongside adults.
Best Spots: Findhorn Bay, Loch Fleet, and the Dornoch Firth.
Tip: Visit at low tide when seals are basking on the shore, but always keep a respectful distance to avoid disturbance.
4. Golden Eagles and Other Raptors
What to See: Golden eagles soaring over the snow-clad glens and occasional sightings of sea eagles along the coasts.
Best Spots: The Isle of Mull (dubbed Eagle Island), Glen Coe, and Galloway Forest Park.
Tip: Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to spot these magnificent birds of prey as they hunt.
5. Coastal Birds and Otters
What to See: Eiders, wigeons, and long-tailed ducks gather in estuaries, while otters forage along the icy shoreline.
Best Spots: The shores of the Isle of Skye, Shetland, and Orkney.
Tip: Keep an eye on the kelp-strewn beaches where otters are often seen hunting for fish and crabs.
6. Dolphins and Whales
What to See: Bottlenose dolphins remain active year-round, and winter is a quieter time to spot them.
Best Spots: Chanonry Point on the Moray Firth and the waters around the Hebrides.
Tip: Dress warmly for a boat trip or stake out popular viewing points along the shore.
7. Whooper Swans and Migratory Birds
What to See: Whooper swans and thousands of geese, such as barnacle and pink-footed geese, migrate to Scotland for the winter.
Best Spots: Loch Leven National Nature Reserve and Montrose Basin Wildlife Centre.
Tip: Sunrise and sunset offer the best chance to witness flocks in flight, creating stunning silhouettes against the winter sky.
For more ideas, click the red fox!