Hazel nut heaven.

Seen numerous native red squirrels dashing across the road as we drive into Inverness and seen a few even closer to home. Several have run across our driveway with their bushy tails flying behind them and then up into Farigaig forest beyond. One came very near to the house and sat on the old rusty wheelbarrow by the side of the garage and posed for this photo. The next minute he dived up into the hazel trees and came down with a bunch of hazel nuts in his mouth which he took back to the nearby drey. He returned and did this nifty performance several times to stock up his larder. Plenty of hazel trees in the vicinity so will have to keep a look out for these little red acrobats.

A day in the life.....

Yesterday we woke up to an overcast, rather dull morning and there was a distinct chill in the air. The northerly wind causing this was coming straight across from Urquhart Castle. On the weather forecast we were warned of temperatures dipping overnight and possible frost in more sheltered glens so will remember to put the heating on timer. Went out to feed the birds,who are waiting anxiously in the branches nearby, with their new sunflower seeds and bread mixture and they are on the table before I am indoors. Had to wait in for a Tesco delivery [how civilised!] and once he turned up we went into Inverness, nearly running over 2 red squirrels who suddenly shot across the road. We experienced rain and bright sun so had to juggle with hoods up one minute and then sunglasses on the next.In the evening mum and baby deer trotted across the driveway pausing for a quick munch before going up to Aspenwood. As we were eating supper we looked out on an amazing sunset followed by a beautiful starry night. Not a bad place to live!

Rowan berries for breakfast.

Noticed the mother deer this morning hoovering up something very tasty on the ground just behind where we were sitting having breakfast. Heard a rustle in the bushes and the baby deer crashed through the undergrowth to join mum. They munched happily very close together.Saw that they were really enjoying the rowan berries that had fallen down to the ground from the trees in the garden. I didn't realise that these berries were a food source for deer as well as birds....I really ought to get out more!

The young deer is growing up but is still very jumpy at any sudden movements nearby so we have to creep slowly about inside the house so as not to cause any alarm. The mother,however, totally ignores us watching them and carries on munching regardless. They are fascinating to observe so close up and stayed with us for about half an hour. When most of the red berries had been consumed they left us and climbed up into the forest. No doubt they will return as they have found a very good local restaurant.

Red squirrel

Found this little fella inside the cats kennel by the back door. I noticed that their mat inside the kennel was strangely ruffled up so I put my hand in to straighten it up. What a surprise I got ! In the back corner sat a rather frightened red baby squirrel. The fur had not yet fully grown on its body and top of its tail and the ear tufts were not very prominent yet. It did not move at all and seemed frozen to the spot, wishing it had shot up a nearby tree instead of hiding in the kennel. We were carefully carrying the kennel nearer to the surrounding forest when it suddenly shot out and made a bold bid for freedom into the forest. I now check the kennel every day just in case it returns.

Fruits of the forest.

The bright red berries of the rowan trees bring some welcome colour to the garden. Several years ago we had a 'waxwing winter' - when swarms of waxwings have a food shortage in their native Scandinavia so they fly over here and gorge on any rowan berries they can find. They can strip the trees within minutes. They are a tasty treat for the blackbirds.Nature is a wonderful thing and there is always a plentiful supply of tasty treats for the birds and wildlife to eat all year round. The red squirrels love all kinds of nuts especially the pine nuts inside the cones. I have been putting monkey nuts out on the ground lately as we saw a squirrel run past the back of the house and up into Farigaig Forest. The hazel nuts are appearing on the trees. We spent most of Bank Holiday Monday with a friend and a chain saw hacking away at the hazel trees along our track. It was getting difficult to drive the car out to the main road so we chopped alot down - much easier now. The hazel trees grow like weeds and the rain has accelerated their growth this year. It was very hard work and now there are loads of hazel nuts on the ground for any creature to take away.
The blackberries are just beginning to show and in another month they will be turning into their rich black colour and become good enough to pick to eat - if other creatures don't get to them first! A good crop this year and some tasty bushes growing around Aspenwood.
The spiky casings containing conkers are showing on the horse chestnut tree along the path and the acorns are just beginning to form on the oak trees. The blaeberries are on the bushes around the house.
I'm sure there is something for everyone's taste buds although I think we feed most of the birds in Farigaig Forest. This tiny coal tit certainly is enjoying his lunch.