Red Squirrels, Kingfishers and Womble like Badgers

I am off to Scotland for another wildlife shoot which I will tell you about soon. In the meantime, allow me to reminisce on a previous captivating journey into the heart of the Scottish wilderness. From elusive kingfishers by the otter pool to the majestic Kites circling above, each click of the shutter captures a moment of raw splendour. This blog is not just about photography; it's an immersive exploration of Scotland's wildlife, inviting you to pause, appreciate, and connect with the wonders that unfold.

I can't help but love Scotland, with its vast skies and frequent rainbows. I spot a rainbow touching the ground, a perfect photo opportunity missed without a place to stop.

I meet fellow photographers at a prearranged spot. Getting to and setting up the camera feels like an obstacle course, and I dread the return journey in the dark, especially with my feet already feeling frozen.

Patience is required as we wait for wildlife to appear. A fleeting visit from a kingfisher is too quick to capture properly. Suddenly, an otter strolls up to the spot where fish and scallops are hidden. Despite being aware of our presence, she indulges in the fish, posing for an extended period, bringing immense joy to us all. Later, either the same otter returns or a second one appears – either way, it's an exciting and amazing spectacle to photograph and witness.

The following day we follow our guide for 30 mins to a spot in the middle of nowhere.  We are invited to walk down a muddy bank and cross a narrow walkway over rushing water.  To a hut in the middle of the river. We set up our cameras and he put some food out. He had barely moved away when the garden birds arrived.  Finches and Tits of every shape and colour. Closely followed by a pheasant and a red Squirrel.

The distinctive sounds of the red squirrel testing and delicately cracking hazelnuts captivate our attention. The squirrel stays for a while, we wonder if his stack has been washed away or is under water with the full river. 

We are dazzled by the birds as they flutter and fight, and then scatter. A Buzzard briefly, oh so very briefly finds the kill left for him. We are sure he returns a couple more times but we see only shadows and feet.

How can we be disappointed though when we are visited by Jays who stuff as many peanuts as possible into their beaks, shy woodpecker that is too frightened to stay long. A nuthatch and blackbirds.

A second Squirrel comes too. We hope for some Squirrel interaction but none happens, well you can't have everything. 

I have opted to come back to the same reflection pool for the evening.  I have everything crossed to see a badger. As soon as its dark, we are graced with a tawny owl. That swallows a mouse whole before disappearing again.  We can't be too scary, because he comes back several times. 

We wait now for the badgers.  We might wait another 2 hours. I have a small blanket that I bought earlier today. I can sit on it and wrap it around my legs. It just covers my knees.  Despite my attempts to keep warm, my feet remain freezing. The sock warmers that failed to warm my feet, actually warm my gloves now keeping fingers toasty. It is not wasted on me that this is Saturday night and rather than sitting in a cold damp hide, I could be warm and comfortable somewhere, but..... where would the fun be in that?

We have spent the last couple of hours being very quiet and still. It’s quite handy having kindle on your phone. My neighbour nudges me and I nudge my neighbour.  It has been almost exactly 2 hours but it is definitely worth the wait.  The badger is here. Shy yet curious, the badger focuses on the peanuts, giving us ample time to capture some shots.  

We wait another 30 mins, just in case but he doesn't return. We head back to the hotel. It's 30mins away and even with the seat warmer on and the heater on full blast but I can't feel my feet until after a shower. But, it was worth it. Oh it was definitely worth it.

On the last day, I am excited as we embark on our quest for kingfishers. Choosing a spot next to the otter pool, the wait is surprisingly short before one gracefully swoops in. Up close, they are truly stunning. Although I caught glimpses of one before, they were always too distant for a decent shot. The morning light reveals the intricate beauty of their feathers—absolutely breathtaking!

After a brief warm-up, we venture out for some extracurricular photography—capturing the majestic sight of Kites feeding. Hundreds of these magnificent birds circle above, creating a symphony of whistles reminiscent of a shepherd guiding his dog with sheep. Despite waiting for over an hour and the owners attempting various tricks, the Kites remain elusive, performing only a couple of test dives.

Unable to wait any longer, we head to the pine martin hide, a location miles away, driving alongside a picturesque lake. As we traverse the landscape, I can't help but appreciate the stunning scenery, grateful that I'm not alone, or I might have been tempted to stop for more photos. Eventually, we arrive at the hide, situated uphill in a boggy forest. My two newfound friends and I settle in, ready for another patient wait.

The first visit comes quickly, barely dark, as the pine martin discovers one of the two eggs left for him. His swift movements allow me to capture just a single shot. It takes 45 minutes for his return to claim the second egg, and once again, he's gone in a flash. On the third visit, he indulges in honey, visibly enjoying every drop. We manage to capture numerous photos before he bids farewell for the night, wrapping up the experience by 6 pm.

Throughout the journey, I encountered creatures in their natural habitat—a wild red squirrel, otters, a badger reminiscent of a womble, the spectacular pine martin, and the captivating tawny owl and kingfisher. These wild beings, enticed by treats like the birds in our gardens, don't visit every night, nor do they linger. Yet, aware of our presence, they grace us with their company nonetheless.

It's been truly awe-inspiring adventure. I highly recommend seizing the opportunity if it ever comes your way. Despite my passion for photography, I made a point to pause, look, and simply enjoy the moments.