Highland Wildlife

From the seabed of the waters around Scotland's coast to the tips of her mountains, abounds countless wildlife in one shape or form. All these ' life' forms interact with 'humans' as we all affect each others' survival. It therefore behoves us all to take care whilst out enjoying these gifts of nature.

The kelps and other seaweeds that adhere to the rocks in shallow water off the coast provide cover, protection and food for some less hardy plants and a wide variety of shellfish such as crabs, lobsters, and mussels (which can also be found in freshwater), seawater animals, sea snails and worms.. Jelly fish, sea anemones, sea urchins and sponges are also to be found. Many types of fish also inhabit these areas, depending on the depth of water, terrain and available food. Scotland also has its fair share of regular marine visitors including whales, seals and dolphins (not forgetting the colony that inhabit the Moray Firth). If you are fortunate you may see the more rare sea turtles.

Some unusual plant life can be seen on the shores, such as sea kale, sea sandwort and pink marine thrift which creates a pleasing sight. The flora throughout Scotland is, in fact, abundant and there are many species to be seen and enjoyed especially the beautiful heathers for which Scotland is famous - not forgetting the importance of the thistle!!

The rivers abound with salmon whose migratory habits are one of the world's wonders. Eaten poached or smoked this must be one of the most popular and versatile fish to come out of Scotland, together with trout and the succulent scallop! The River Spey is of course famous for its salmon fishing. Fish naturally attract such animals as the otter and beaver. Mink are also very active on the river and will eat water voles (whose existence is now threatened), frogs, newts, beetles and earthworms. Dragonflies and damselflies love the riverside reed beds and Scotland has a large proportion of the 40 species to be found in the British Isles. Butterflies and moths also abound in their particular habitats and what better to enjoy watching on a hot summers day or night. Pairs of swans are always a beautiful sight - they mate for life! The heron also has great patience when fishing.

Moving away from the river one may espy a ponderously moving hedgehog or perhaps a fox. These now have both town and country abodes! The nocturnal badger is extremely active as you may see from the marks around the set. A very clean animal in its habits. Weasels and stoats are also very busy searching for their food. Rabbits are never in short supply but the hare is a more elusive sight, not to be missed during the mating season. The wonderful woodlands and highlands give cover to the red and grey squirrel, the red deer and roe deer, owls, woodpeckers and a myriad of other small animals, insects and birds. Buzzards and hawks love to nest in the uppermost branches of the trees and can be seen soaring on the thermals searching for food. The golden eagle makes a wondrous sight soaring in the mountains - but like the osprey - not often seen. Not shy - just rare!

There are so many different birds within Scotland, both game birds (some hunted for the table) and wild birds of sea and land, that it is a subject in itself. However, the most well known of the game birds are grouse, partridge, pheasant, capercaillie, ducks and in the more artic type regions the ptarmigan. Gulls, pigeons, snipe and woodcock and geese together with others too numerous to mention make up the rest of the bird population.