Howard Ashton-Jones 26/09/2019 Howard Ashton-Jones 26/09/2019

Wildlife Summer 2019 - Scotland

Aviemore Summertime

So from March to August the Ospreys are back nesting and breeding around various sites across Scotland. Up in Aviemore there are 2 operators who have purpose built low level hides situated on stocked ponds that the Ospreys visit for a quick feed. Early morning starts and up to 5 hours waiting fo the call on the radio of “Diving” then its a massive splash and this majestic bird is flying right towards you - seemingly right down your lens with fresh fish in its talons. Very addictive shooting to get the perfect shape , light and angle - still working on it :) . Whilst I’m up in Aviemore i frequently visit Neil McIntyre’s red squirrel hide, i never tire of this site, always great fun watching these wee fellas scampering around and posing in the heather, or doing the jump shot.. Workshops here are available if you want a go at capturing these cute animals in their natural habitat (get in touch for details)

Argaty Red kites:

You have to visit this place - even if you aren’t a photographer - the opportunities here that Tom and the team have created are endless, a woodland hide for squirrel, woodpecker, jay, sparrow-hawk, tree creeper , coal, blue and great tits, robins and other common species. The red kites have a feeding station usually in the afternoon, and a new small photography hide has been built with direct views across the feeding field, its amazing site to see 15- 20 of these scavenging raptors calling and circling around jostling for position to dive for the food put out.. Ive been lucky and had great afternoon (golden) light the 2- 3 times I’ve been there.. The centre also has a dipping pond for dragonflies, and other aquatic interests., check their website out. http://argatyredkites.co.uk/

RSPB Troup Head

Grabbed a wee trip to Aberdeenshire - and whilst we were there headed and camped near RSPB Troup head - Scotland's largest mainland gannet colony. Getting the right light here is very hit and miss, due to the variable weather, often low cloud or haar is coming in off the sea reducing visibility and light, then the next moment its right sunshine , which brings about its own problems with the whiteness of the birds. Care must be taken walking around the cliff edges, and around the huge number of birds gliding around and then landing pretty close to you. a great trip well worth the visit.