Trossachs Bird of Prey Trail, The Trossachs Stirling, United KingdomWinterhttp://birdofpreytrail.com22:59 18-Nov-2009
Seasonal guide – winter
A time for quite reflection for some; a time to explore the outdoors for others. There’s so much to see at this time of the year, all you can do is wrap up warmly and go out and enjoy it. Just make sure you’ve got a warm fireplace and a cup of hot chocolate to go back to in the evening!
Highlights:
• This is the best time of the year to visit Argaty Red Kites to view their acrobatic guests in action! Kites are very sociable birds during the winter and can be found here in great numbers for the daily feed. They also roost communally. If you don’t see them, you should be able to hear them, as their high-pitched whistle is distinctive. • Hen harriers are another bird best seen in the winter, and also roost communally. Look out for them ‘quartering’ fields on the Carse. • Pink footed geese fly to the area in their thousands, and can often be seen feeding on the Carse, or lifting off the ground into huge dark flocks. At night they come in to roost on the Lake of Menteith as the light falls. Greylag geese also feed in the area. • Pine martens at the David Marshall Lodge can sometimes be seen coming out in daylight to feed at the squirrel station. Partial to nuts, these rare animals are a complete joy to watch! • Although there are few flowers to enjoy at this time of the year, there’s plenty of colour to be seen with the sphagnum mosses on Flanders Moss. • When you’re there, keep your ears open for the harsh deep cry of ravens. • Many ducks move into the area in the winter. Look out for teal and widgeon in particular on the rivers and lochs. Golden eye and tufted ducks are also regularly spotted. |