Findhorn Valley - the raptor valley

[felixcanis]

Visited today, we took the very minor road from Farr on the B851 south of Inverness over the tops of the hills, through Glen Kyllachy to the Findhorn Valley.

It's quite a drive - the road is very narrow, with few passing places - luckily we saw only a couple of other cars. We did spot a stonechat sitting on a pole and a brief glance of a grouse as it disappeared into the heather. Oh, and a golden eagle flying above the moorland - that was just the start...

Once we got into Findhorn Valley itself, we parked at the end of the public road - the road continues for miles, but you have to walk (or cycle).

Whilst parked we saw a mountain hare siting in the shelter of a large rock, snoozing in the sun, beautiful in his white winter coat.

From across the river we heard the harsh calls of a small group of Ravens - they flew towards us over the river and settled in a Silver Birch. Then we saw the reason for their calls - a huge bird appeared over the hill top, wings outstretched soaring the thermals. A Golden Eagle flying above the River Findhorn, circling around the hilltops with such grace, barely a flap of the wings. And then a couple of buzzards joined in, and the air seemed full of large birds as the Ravens took off and swooped around, trying to harass anything in the air.

Looking to the tops, a large herd of Red Deer were munching their way through the heather, lead by a magnificent Stag.

Such a great afternoon in the bright winter sun. If ever you're up this way, and you like raptors, make sure you visit Findhorn Valley.

FelixC

[Raptor]

Taking my name in vain? Is it really called raptor valley, would like to visit some time.

Raptor