Red Squirrels

TheTamshee: spent a few hours observing a couple of Red Squirrels foraging for food in the open woodland at Whinfell Forest. They eat the seeds of trees, neatly stripping conifer cones to get at the seeds within.  Nuts (especially hazelnuts but also beech and chestnuts), berries and young shoots are also favoured. Between 60% to 80% of its active period may be spent foraging and feeding. Excess food is put into caches, either buried; or cached in nooks or holes in trees, and eaten when food is scarce.

Raptor Workshop - Dalhousie Castle

TheTamshee: spent the day with photographer Ron McCombe and a few other camera trigger snappers at Dalhousie Castle just outside Edinburgh. The plan for the day was to photograph the displaying birds of prey in woodland and open settings. The range of raptors available, was many and Falconary Scotland certainally know how to condition and train these fantastic birds.The Kestrel and Merlin were my favourites on the day; because it's not often you get the opportunity to get this close with camera in hand in the open country side. Thanks to everyone for a great day out.

Grey Wagtail

TheTamshee: was strolling the river bank at Mertoun bridge / weir when this colourful Grey Wagtail hopped over the cobbles and posed for a few close up shots. Check out Here for more shots of this energetic little bird, always on the move; frantically bobbing, ducking and dashing about while searching for tasty insects.