PTARMIGAN

 

A pair of Ptarmigan on the lookout

Looking like Summer has finally arrived in the Cairngorms and elsewhere. Warm temperatures and the remaining snow high up on the plateau melting fast. I have been observing and photographing a pair of Ptarmigan on the plateau since last Winter. It's very nice to be able to go to a precise location and see them 90% of the time. Unlike the Mountain hare the Ptarmigan move around and it's not always the case that they will be in the same place every time. With late Spring/early Summer now here then the Female will have been busy sitting on her eggs. It's a wonderful time of year as the chicks will soon be out and about, or indeed are out and about. As I have not seen the Female of this pair for some weeks then it was good to see her walking/flying about again! 

Male in Summer plumage

Female more colourful this time of year

Together again

On Tuesday I took a wander up to my usual spot where I have been heading to for some weeks. It was a fine day to be out. Not too warm and some brighter spells. The ground dry and views clear. Like all Wildlife photography the fieldcraft is vital. A slow approach around the rocky ground is needed. They are there, just hiding around the back of the boulders. I didn't see any of their fledglings or egg shells in the area.

Good Bokeh with the new camera

Lovely croaking

Blue skies backdrop

After spending an hour or so with this pair I took a wander to other areas in search of Dotterel. None seen this season, too much snow recently and I've also been to busy guiding on the hill! They'll be around until end of July so there is still time.

Trailing Azelia looking good this year

Cairngorm 

Snow disappearing 

Some sunshine 

A few shots from around Loch Vaa, a lovely spot to go for a stroll in the evening.

Tufted Duck in the Loch Vaa reflections

Lovely evening

Slow Worm asleep