Saturday, February 13, 2010
Sunday, February 7, 2010
The Scottish Buzzard - aka The 'Tourist Eagle'
This is a very good example of the Scottish variety of the European Buzzard (Buteo). Also known as the Cat eagle because it makes a 'meuwing' cry when gliding across the fields and forests.They feed on small animals and birds but spend a great deal of their time on the ground feeding on beetles and worms, which is not very glamorous for a raptor.
They are much smaller than the Golden Eagle and far more common. The Buzzard has a 4 - 5 foot wingspan, whereas the eagle has a larger, 6 - 7 foot wingspan.
Also their beaks are very much smaller and less powerful, more hawk-like. They are not intended for heavy duty work and are only able to deal with insects, small birds and carrion.
The Buzzard's habit of sitting on fence posts and gates, allows them to be easily spotted and very easily misidentified by the tourists. Hence, it has been given the colloquial name of 'tourist eagle.'No self respecting Scottish eagle would be seen sitting on a fencepost or a gate and they very rarely come close to the ground at all.
You will see and hear many of the local buzzards around the Garrique cottage. Unfortunately, you will have to travel a little further north to find a Golden Eagle but it is well worth trying to catch a glimpse of these marvellous birds.
Consult the local Forestry Commission Scotland or the RSPB in Scotland for the best locations.
The Scottish Golden Eagle patrolling his glen
The Golden Eagle (Aquila)is the king of birds in Scotland and the RSPB in Scotland can provide you with excellent information concerning their location and lifestyle in their 'Time for Action' campaign.
Scottish Domestic Life
An iconic Scottish Highland Cow comfortable in it's homeland.
This is Glen, the Border Collie. He's a working dog and always ready for action, herding sheep and keeping quard!
A proud mother watches over her foal resting in the open air.
...and here is poor young Rory the Spaniel. You'll have to forgive him. He's a big softie and is a bit distracted at the moment. We think he has a new friend!
....and while Rory dreams the cheeky squirrels can raid the birdtable, fill up on acorns and then relax a little!
Friday, February 5, 2010
Whyte & MacKay: The Antartica, South Pole Whisky and Richard Paterson
The arduous recovery of Ernest Shackleton's Whyte & MacKay MacKinlay's whiskey
Sir Ernest Shackleton's favourite whiskey, Whyte & MacKay's MacKinlay's blend, travelled with him on his last expedition to the South Pole!You can see a similar bottle sitting here on the shelf in Richard Paterson's inner sanctum at Whyte & MacKays HQ in Glasgow.
Richard Paterson is the Master Blender, the 'Nose' of Whyte & MacKay.
Click on the picture and select the podcast you wish to view. I strongly suggest you play Podcast 14!
If you want more information about whiskey distilling in Scotland, click on the link to take you to Whyte & MacKay's website. Slainte!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Beautiful picture of Barn Owl and Kestrel hunting
Award winning wildlife photographer Mark Hancox was in the right place and the right time to get these images of a cheeky Kestrel trying to steal a Barn Owl's breakfast...I can recommend a visit to Mark's website and a look through his pictures and galleries.
He has a remarkable patience and talent for capturing that special moment.
Monday, February 1, 2010
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