Recent blog posts - Highland Perthshire Blogs

With the lovely BBQ weather we're having, we thought we'd better make some more...

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 22 July 2014 in Highland Perthshire

With the lovely BBQ weather we're having, we thought we'd better make some more charcoal at Killiecrankie! This was the evening sky above the Pass, when checking the kiln at dusk last night.Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Looking for some nice walks to enjoy? You will find Killiecrankie amongst the ma...

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 22 July 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Looking for some nice walks to enjoy? You will find Killiecrankie amongst the many NTS properties available :) Timeline PhotosDiscover wildlife and nature on a low-level walk at a nature reserve, country park or Trust countryside location near you. Visit http://www.nts.org.uk/Walking to download a free walking trail, and get exploring this...

Osprey Diary 21st July

Posted by peter on Monday, 21 July 2014 in Highland Perthshire

We are still receiving lots of good osprey questions via email to : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. What’s yours? Q: I keep seeing movement of small birds on the osprey nest – what are they and why are they there? A: There have been lots of small visitors to the osprey’s nest- blue tits,...

Our live feed from "Stump Cam" at Killiecrankie Visitor Centre, is showing us th...

Posted by peter on Monday, 21 July 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Our live feed from "Stump Cam" at Killiecrankie Visitor Centre, is showing us the hidden lives of the local wood mice - feeding on some peanuts pinched from the bird feeding area :)Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Another From Ruan Ruarie

Posted by peter on Sunday, 20 July 2014 in Highland Perthshire

The lift in water seems to have encouraged a few fish to run into Ruan Ruarie. Barry Ward was in the right place on Friday and reported a nice grilse of about 5lb. Good to see a few fish about - we'll see what next week brings....

One of our favourite views at the Hermitage

Posted by peter on Friday, 18 July 2014 in Highland Perthshire

One of our favourite views at the HermitageOriginal linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Ruan Ruarie Salmon

Posted by peter on Thursday, 17 July 2014 in Highland Perthshire

David Wilson took advantage of the rise in water levels at Ruan Ruarie - catching a good fish of about 10lbs today. Fish are moving through the dam in good numbers with 3002 on the counter on Wednesday morning - still good opportunities for those willing to get out....

We had some enthusiastic den builders out at the Hermitage yesterday for our fir...

Posted by peter on Thursday, 17 July 2014 in Highland Perthshire

We had some enthusiastic den builders out at the Hermitage yesterday for our first event of the summer. Here are some of their grand designs!Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

A Fishy Story 17th July

Posted by peter on Thursday, 17 July 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Here is a great story from locals George and Sheila McLuskey from Perthshire, who have kindly given permission for us to share their great story with you all. “George and Sheila McLuskey got a surprise when they came home one evening recently. George got out of the car and, looking...

It's our first Battle of Killiecrankie event on Thursday at 2pm, if you're not b...

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 16 July 2014 in Highland Perthshire

It's our first Battle of Killiecrankie event on Thursday at 2pm, if you're not busy why not come along to the visitor centre and join in. It's an interactive talk in the woods above Soldier's Leap, followed by a display of replica weapons and children's craft activities at teh centre. Adults...

Apparently in the 1970’s when some work was being done on the spire of the Athol...

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 15 July 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Apparently in the 1970’s when some work was being done on the spire of the Atholl Memorial Fountain in Dunkeld, a bottle of whiskey was placed inside, we found nothing. Today as the current project nears completion, a time capsule was placed inside the hollow spire, it contains an item from...

Wildlife Diary 15th July

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 15 July 2014 in Highland Perthshire

What a warm summer it is turning out to be here in Perthshire, with properly sunny days suiting us and the wildlife alike! That is of course, except for Saturday, the one day we needed sunshine as we hosted a free workshop and guided walk by the British Dragonfly Society’s Scottish officer...

IMPACTS OF BEAVERS ON SALMON AND SEA TROUT?

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 15 July 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Beaver - photo courtesy of Beaver-Salmonid Working GroupThe Tayside Beaver Study Group, is seeking your help. The Group is monitoring all aspects of beaver activity in the now quite large beaver population which is present in Tayside. It is keen to get information on sites where beaver dams may impact on the...

The pine martens are back feeding below the Visitor Centre at Killiecrankie It’s...

Posted by peter on Monday, 14 July 2014 in Highland Perthshire

The pine martens are back feeding below the Visitor Centre at Killiecrankie It’s the same one eyed female as last year, with we think three young. Perhaps we should give her a name? Just chance if you get to see them, but yesterday they all appeared late morning.Original linkOriginal author: North...

Whats Happening with our Ospreys? 11th July

Posted by peter on Friday, 11 July 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Both our resident ospreys are still in the area although their visits to the nest are getting less frequent. The male delivered a fish this morning to his mate just before 9am and both birds showed normal behaviour towards each other. Both have been spending time on perches around the Loch...

Osprey monitoring

Posted by peter on Friday, 11 July 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Last night the ranger team went out with artist and member of the Scottish Raptor Study Group Keith Brockie to help tag osprey chicks near Lochan Oisinneach Mor. This beautiful area provides perfect habitat for ospreys, which breed successfully in wooded landscapes with access to freshwater lochs and rivers. Typically ospreys will...

27th July is the 325th anniversary of the Battle of Killiecrankie. To commemorat...

Posted by peter on Friday, 11 July 2014 in Highland Perthshire

27th July is the 325th anniversary of the Battle of Killiecrankie. To commemorate this there is a great new event coming up the ‘Soldiers of Killiecrankie’ 26th and 27th July, if you’re in the area come along, we will be there. visit www.soldiersofkilliecrankie.co.uk for detailsOriginal linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Atholl Memorial Fountain update; the major job of removing, repairing and then r...

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 09 July 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Atholl Memorial Fountain update; the major job of removing, repairing and then replacing two of the granite columns is part way through. The first column took two people, three days of hand sawing and a few blisters to remove! The1st two photos are looking up at the stone work above where...

Osprey Egg News 8th July

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 08 July 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Our ever helpful friend at the National Museum of Scotland, Bob McGowan , has taken a professional look at our osprey eggs which were removed from the nest after the birds gave up incubating unsuccessfully for 74 days. Our initial observations were that one egg ( the rounder one) was much...

Cerys Matthew the welsh singer, songwriter was at The Hermitage last week filmin...

Posted by peter on Monday, 07 July 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Cerys Matthew the welsh singer, songwriter was at The Hermitage last week filming for the BBC’s ‘The One Show’, we don't have a broadcast date yet. She said the amazing trees where what she loved the most. What’s the thing you like about The Hermitage the most?Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire...

Fish Moving Through

Posted by peter on Sunday, 06 July 2014 in Highland Perthshire

It was a good end to the week at the dam - with Jamie Howe doing well to land a nice fish on the fly from Pitlochry bank. By all accounts there were plenty of fish showing first thing and I've had similar reports from the Sawmill. We've had good returns...

If At First You Don't Succeed ....

Posted by peter on Saturday, 05 July 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Having lost a good fish on Tuesday night Duncan Webster returned on Wednesday and was rewarded with a superb fresh fish of 19lbs. It was caught in the streamy water at the top of Pitlochry bank and was eventually landed just above the marker stone - and by all accounts put...

The Queens Baton relay has just passed through Dunkeld, the church bells rang, a...

Posted by peter on Friday, 04 July 2014 in Highland Perthshire

The Queens Baton relay has just passed through Dunkeld, the church bells rang, a piper played and hundreds of the people lined the streets, there was even free ice cream! Here is the baton carrier’s minibus leaving the Cross in Dunkeld just prior to the event, with the Atholl Memorial Fountain...

Summer Wonders

Posted by peter on Thursday, 03 July 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Your ranger has welcomed three new residential volunteers to her team recently – welcome aboard Rebecca, Charlotte and Christos ! These stalwarts will be working full time with Emma this summer on a packed programme of wildlife and botanical surveying on the Perthshire reserves, and a lot of habitat management such...

Friday 4th July, the Queen Baton relay visits Dunkeld. 2.48 in arrives in Birnam...

Posted by peter on Thursday, 03 July 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Friday 4th July, the Queen Baton relay visits Dunkeld. 2.48 in arrives in Birnam then shortly afterwards comes through Dunkeld, why not give it a cheer if in the areaOriginal linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

One of our favourite views on the North Perthshire Properties

Posted by peter on Thursday, 03 July 2014 in Highland Perthshire

One of our favourite views on the North Perthshire PropertiesOriginal linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Fish About!

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 02 July 2014 in Highland Perthshire

It's been quiet for the last week or so but there are fish to be caught for those willing to venture out: visiting angler Rene Muenger reported a superb fish of around 15lbs from Ruan Ruarie last Saturday; Brian Joseph spotted fish moving in Sawmill this morning and was rewarded with...

FLAMING JUNE IN HILLS

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 01 July 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Weather conditions were not conducive for catching trout on quite a few days in June.However when conditions were more suitable sport was good.Rainbows at Bhac were responding to damsel nymphs and dries.Some good hatches of olives were seen on Kinardochy with brownies taking them along with bibio,wickam and kate mclaren....

Osprey News 1st July

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 01 July 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Our ospreys are continuing to use the nest for some portion of each day and there have been regular fish deliveries by the male to his partner there too. Otherwise they have been perched on flat top tree or on an old dead birch tree to the left of the nest...

We have been working at the charcoal kiln site this week. On 24th July we are r...

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 01 July 2014 in Highland Perthshire

We have been working at the charcoal kiln site this week. On 24th July we are running a charcoal making demonstration workshop from 1pm, cost £5 per adult which includes a bag of bbq charcoal, to book a place please call the rangers office on 0844 4932192.Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire...

Wildlife News 30th June

Posted by peter on Monday, 30 June 2014 in Highland Perthshire

We’ve been treated to a run of really good weather lately here at Loch of the Lowes and all our wildlife and birds in particular have really appreciated it. There are bumper numbers of young fledglings around and especially young woodpeckers, thrushes, tits and robins. there are also Spotted flycatchers in...

Our summer events programme starts in July with a Den Building children's activi...

Posted by peter on Monday, 30 June 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Our summer events programme starts in July with a Den Building children's activity session at the Hermitage on Wednesday 16th July. We will be creating all sorts of shelters during an action-packed, morning please meet at the Hermitage lower car park at 10am, cost is £2 per child, and the event...

The stinging nettles, in the Dunkeld office garden, were being feasted upon by a...

Posted by peter on Sunday, 29 June 2014 in Highland Perthshire

The stinging nettles, in the Dunkeld office garden, were being feasted upon by a mass of hungry caterpillars this week. They look to be the larvae of the small tortoiseshell butterfly.Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Osprey Eggs 27th June

Posted by peter on Friday, 27 June 2014 in Highland Perthshire

The 2014 Osprey eggs at Loch of the Lowes- copyright SWT The osprey eggs which were removed from the nest yesterday for examination are fascinating . Not only are they different shapes- one is distinctively elongated , whereas the other is broader and rounder- but their colouration is also different...

In the recent warm weather, it has been lovely and cool under the tall trees of...

Posted by peter on Friday, 27 June 2014 in Highland Perthshire

In the recent warm weather, it has been lovely and cool under the tall trees of the Hermitage. Where's your favourite NTS property to chill out?Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Osprey Diary 26th June

Posted by peter on Thursday, 26 June 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Our ospreys have now incubated their unsuccessful eggs for a staggering 74days to no avail. This shows just shows how remarkably persistent and dedicated they are as parents and just how strong the instinct to incubate is in birds such as these. Many people have been asking why they haven’t give up...

Here's this month's mystery picture. Crossing this bridge will take you on to wh...

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 25 June 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Here's this month's mystery picture. Crossing this bridge will take you on to which of the North Perthshire properties?Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

How to be a Wildlife Spy: A Special Event

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 24 June 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Ever wondered how folk like rangers get such good views of wildlife? Ever wondered how professional photographers get close enough to get those stunning shots of wildlife? Ever wondered who or what is around your garden or park at night? Camera Trap Photo of a Pine Marten SWT Perthshire Here’s how...

Whilst out on patrol at the weekend, we spotted this gooseander swimming down th...

Posted by peter on Monday, 23 June 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Whilst out on patrol at the weekend, we spotted this gooseander swimming down the River Garry, at Linn of Tummel, with her 8 chicks.Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Summer loving

Posted by peter on Saturday, 21 June 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Here at loch of the Lowes spring appears to have sprung, and summer is most definitely under way. The beavers are now a regular sighting (it’s my opinion that the ‘beavering hour’ is between 8 and 9 pm), the lilies are in flower and earlier today there were 3 families of...

Ruan Ruarie Fish

Posted by peter on Saturday, 21 June 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Difficult conditions this week at the dam - fish were showing but for the few rods out they proved very hard to catch. Further upstream on Ruan Ruarie, however, David Wilson did well on Wednesday with a 10lb fish - showing that they can be caught in low water. Still on...

Just a little house sparrow perhaps, but giving us great pleasure by chirping aw...

Posted by peter on Friday, 20 June 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Just a little house sparrow perhaps, but giving us great pleasure by chirping away on the roof and more importantly, nesting above the office backdoor. Nationally the population has declined by 71 % since 1977, though recently showing a small recovery in Scotland. It's the first time they have bred at...

Alpines and sunshine

Posted by peter on Friday, 20 June 2014 in Highland Perthshire

As the mercury soared in Perthshire, we decided to get up into the cooler hills to search for alpine flowers on the top of Beinn a’ Ghlo – designated a Special Area of Conservation and a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its rare flora and fauna. This hill habitat includes...

Book signing event

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 18 June 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Book signing Loch of the Lowes Presents a book signing and Q & A with Lady of the Loch author ———- Helen Armitage ———- Time: 1pm Date: Thursday June 26th Sarah & Emma – Visitor Centre AssistantOriginal linkOriginal author: rangeremma...

Keltneyburn Meadow Workday

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 18 June 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Last week we enjoyed the first of this year’s reserve workdays at Keltneyburn Meadow. Our volunteer workdays are a fantastic opportunity to enjoy some of the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Perthshire reserves alongside our extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic ranger, whilst getting active and helping with the practical management of the reserves. Keltneyburn...

Just to follow on from yesterday’s post, every lawn should have daisies. Took th...

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 18 June 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Just to follow on from yesterday’s post, every lawn should have daisies. Took this shot in the Trust’s Stanley Park, Dunkeld. What beautiful, often over looked little flowers.Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Broken down lawn mower at Killiecrankie, but has its good side!

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 17 June 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Broken down lawn mower at Killiecrankie, but has its good side!Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

What do you mean we have no chicks?

Posted by peter on Monday, 16 June 2014 in Highland Perthshire

We might not have any Osprey chicks but there is still a lot happening in and around the centre. After a weekend of wet and weary weather we have had a glorious day of sunshine and the loch has been a hive of activity. The weather has improved at Lowes today....

We were working alongside Network Rail this week, so that our tree surgeons coul...

Posted by peter on Sunday, 15 June 2014 in Highland Perthshire

We were working alongside Network Rail this week, so that our tree surgeons could work on our trees that were next to the railway in the Pass of Killiecrankie. Can you spot the climber up the tree?Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Good Returns At The Dam

Posted by peter on Friday, 13 June 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Conditions looked good this morning with plenty of fish showing again at the dam. Gordon Nichol was first to take advantage with a 7lber first thing this morning and Duncan Webster followed with an 8lb fish just before midday. Both fish were sea liced, caught on the fly and from Port-na-Craig...

Goodbye and Thankyou Three- 13th June

Posted by peter on Friday, 13 June 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Today is a bit of a sad day for us here at Loch of the Lowes as we say goodbye to some of the core team that have helped protect and monitor our ospreys for the last three months during their breeding season. We have been lucky enough to have three...

Osprey News 12th June

Posted by peter on Thursday, 12 June 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Another day of fruitless incubation at the osprey nest at Loch of the Lowes- these birds are nothing if not persistent! Today is 60 days since the first egg was laid so now hope no remains of hatching of course , but the birds parental hormones are still driving their behaviour....

On an early morning walk at the Linn of Tummel we spotted some early fungi, here...

Posted by peter on Thursday, 12 June 2014 in Highland Perthshire

On an early morning walk at the Linn of Tummel we spotted some early fungi, here is a picture of the falls and one of a larch bolete growing in the woods nearby.Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Unusual Visitor to the Osprey Nest

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 11 June 2014 in Highland Perthshire

No its not a killer bug attacking the birds, though it looks like its taking a taste of her tail- its a shield bug on the camera lens- a guess at the species anyone?Original linkOriginal author: rangeremma...

We're making our own BBQ charcoal at Killiecrankie, this is the charcoal kiln sm...

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 11 June 2014 in Highland Perthshire

We're making our own BBQ charcoal at Killiecrankie, this is the charcoal kiln smoking away during its latest burn. Charcoal can be purchased for £5 a bag from Killiecrankie Visitor Centre and the Ell Shop, Dunkeld.Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Ruan Ruarie Return

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 10 June 2014 in Highland Perthshire

The fish are running fast at the moment - but can still be caught. David Wilson was in the right place on Monday - getting a very fresh fish of about 10lbs on Ruan Ruarie. Good numbers have been seen in the beat and prospects are currently good....

Osprey Diary 10th June: Fish Delivery Report

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 10 June 2014 in Highland Perthshire

By Emma Castle- Smith, VC assistant: As a new member of staff this season, I have been tasked with keeping an eye on this year’s fish deliveries. Through this important task I have learned how to rapidly identify a fish during one of the changeovers and improved my knowledge of Osprey...

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Posted by peter on Tuesday, 10 June 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

It's not everyday we have a horse-drawn carriage at the Hermitage, here are some...

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 10 June 2014 in Highland Perthshire

It's not everyday we have a horse-drawn carriage at the Hermitage, here are some more pictures from Monday's weddingHermitage WeddingsIt's not everyday we have a horse-drawn carriage at the Hermitage, here are some more pictures from Monday's weddingOriginal linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Osprey Diary 9th June

Posted by peter on Monday, 09 June 2014 in Highland Perthshire

After what seems like many days with not much to report on the osprey nest at Loch of the Lowes except endless incubation, we have had a lot of excitement today. This afternoon a third osprey turned up , eliciting the usual intruder response from our male. However, this bird was...

The ceremony took place under the big trees and after photographs in Ossian's Ha...

Posted by peter on Monday, 09 June 2014 in Highland Perthshire

The ceremony took place under the big trees and after photographs in Ossian's Hall overlooking Black Linn falls, the piper led the carriage away.Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

There was a wedding today at the Hermitage and the bride arrived by horse and ca...

Posted by peter on Monday, 09 June 2014 in Highland Perthshire

There was a wedding today at the Hermitage and the bride arrived by horse and carriageOriginal linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Our latest trail camera footage caught this little roe deer buck grazing in the...

Posted by peter on Sunday, 08 June 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Our latest trail camera footage caught this little roe deer buck grazing in the sunshine.Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Upcoming Events at Loch of the Lowes

Posted by peter on Sunday, 08 June 2014 in Highland Perthshire

As we move into summer, we keep ourselves very busy at Loch of the Lowes, despite the absence of osprey chicks, with a packed programme of special events. In our constant quest to make nature and wildlife accessible to all, and especially to encourage younger generations to get involved , we try...

Osprey Diary 7th June

Posted by peter on Saturday, 07 June 2014 in Highland Perthshire

After a glorious day here at Loch of the Lowes, with warm sunshine enough to bring our endless butterflies and damselflies, the late afternoon turning into a downpour! As I write our female osprey is sitting on the nest , getting drenched, not having moved much at all for the last...

Killiecrankie nestbox cam update; Today saw the last of the blue tit chicks fled...

Posted by peter on Saturday, 07 June 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Killiecrankie nestbox cam update; Today saw the last of the blue tit chicks fledge the nest. The parents are still busy feeding them out and about around Killiecrankie Visitor Centre.Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

It was raining slightly at the top of Craigower, but hopefully you can spot Pitl...

Posted by peter on Friday, 06 June 2014 in Highland Perthshire

It was raining slightly at the top of Craigower, but hopefully you can spot Pitlochry down in the valley.Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

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Posted by peter on Friday, 06 June 2014 in Highland Perthshire

tinyurl.comwww.volunteerscotland.net"Volunteer Scotland is here to make a difference through volunteering. Without a beneficiary what’s the point? No beneficiary no difference; no recipient no purpose!"Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

The Glory of Wildflowers: 6th June

Posted by peter on Friday, 06 June 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Even though osprey watch is still continuing , the Ranger team of Emma and her volunteers have already started the early summer fieldwork on the other Perthshire reserves, and this week have been enjoying the glory of wildflowers as they come into their prime. On our smallest local reserve Brerachan Meadow...

Alba was quite curious as to what was crossing the path at Killiecrankie this mo...

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 04 June 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Alba was quite curious as to what was crossing the path at Killiecrankie this morning.......Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Osprey News 4th June

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 04 June 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Both our ospreys continue to incubate their two eggs, despite there now being no chance they will hatch. The poor parents do not have access to an accurate calendar like us though, and do not yet realise this , so they keep on patiently incubating , showing the legendary osprey parental attentiveness. ...

Late Strike

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 03 June 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Things were quiet at the dam during the day but Brian Joseph worked a bit of magic in the late evening to winkle out a 12lber from Port-na-Craig bank. Brian had seen a fish moving into the Marker Pool and was perfectly placed to run his fly right into its path...

National Volunteer Week

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 03 June 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Did you know it is National Volunteer Week 1st-7th June? It seems like an ideal time to celebrate the contribution of volunteers to the work of SWT in Perthshire and at Loch of the Lowes in particular! None of the things we love and enjoy about the loch and its ospreys...

In damp ground close to the riverside at Killiecrankie, in flower at the moment,...

Posted by peter on Monday, 02 June 2014 in Highland Perthshire

In damp ground close to the riverside at Killiecrankie, in flower at the moment, looking like a giant buttercup with flowers 2-4cm across and the plant 45-60cm tall, is the beautiful globe flower. What’s your favourite early summer wildflower?Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Dawn on the Loch

Posted by peter on Monday, 02 June 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Despite the disappointing realisation that we won’t have osprey chicks this year, there is still a fantastic amount to be seen at Loch of the Lowes. For the past three months I have been on the dawn osprey watch shift. Although my 5.30am alarm is frequently unwelcome, once in the hide...

Osprey Diary 1st June: Why and What’s to Look Forward To?

Posted by peter on Sunday, 01 June 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Osprey news first- thank you to everyone who has got in touch to commiserate with us about the lack of osprey chicks hatching at Loch of the Lowes this year. We are glad to know so many of you share our sense of the disappointment being balanced by the awareness for...

MAY REPORT FOR HILL LOCHS

Posted by peter on Sunday, 01 June 2014 in Highland Perthshire

After the good start to the season in April the mild weather in May certainly ensured good fishing at both lochs.Bhac rainbows were showing interest in nymphs,buzzers and daddies whilst Kinardochy brownies were up for wickam,grouse and claret,black pennel and kate mclaren.Surface activity was also evident on both waters when conditions...

Osprey News 31st May: No Eggs Hatched- What Next?

Posted by peter on Saturday, 31 May 2014 in Highland Perthshire

So folks, the sad reality is that we do not have any hatched eggs on our osprey nest at Loch of the Lowes this year. With all the eggs now well past their normal incubation cut off dates ( all well over 40 days) , we have to accept the reality...

Ticking Over

Posted by peter on Saturday, 31 May 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Once again, conditions weren't easy at the dam yesterday but two were caught: Roy Maddox landed a fish of about 9lb in the morning on Port-na-Craig bank - on the fly; and Steven Stranks managed an 11lber in the afternoon from Pitlochry bank - this time on the spinner. The fish...

Feild Report from Guinea Bissau 30th May

Posted by peter on Friday, 30 May 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Today we received a fascinating field report from Marina Temudo, the anthropologist who so kindly helped us locate Loch of the Lowes osprey chick Blue YZ in Guinea Bissau ealier this year . We are so grateful for her assistance and that of the locals who helped find the birds remains...

Osprey Diary 29th May

Posted by peter on Thursday, 29 May 2014 in Highland Perthshire

As this week has worn on we have all been gradually accepting that our odds of having a live hatching at the Loch of the Lowes osprey nest this year are now looking very poor indeed. Though we never say never ( this bird in particular has surprised us so many...

Good Catch

Posted by peter on Thursday, 29 May 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Plenty of fish about but with the low water they're tending to travel fast - running straight through the beat and up the ladder at the dam (count of 1327 this afternoon). Not easy fishing conditions, then, but William McShane - ably assisted by brother George - managed to intercept one...

Osprey Diary 28th May

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 28 May 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Our female osprey has been pretty much glued to the nest today, unwillingly to leave for long even when offered food by the male. She has also been very fidgety and has been shuffling the eggs a lot. Could this be a positive sign that something could finally be about to...

Killiecrankie nestbox cam update; you can only see one wide open mouth here (top...

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 28 May 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Killiecrankie nestbox cam update; you can only see one wide open mouth here (top middle of the photo) but there are definitely six wee blue tit chicks in the nestOriginal linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Good Start To The Week

Posted by peter on Monday, 26 May 2014 in Highland Perthshire

The river dropped back over the weekend and now sits at about 3" - still not a bad height - and with a few fresh fish showing conditions remain reasonably good. Kenneth McGregor was first into action this morning and it didn't take him long to land a good fish of...

Osprey Diary 26th May

Posted by peter on Monday, 26 May 2014 in Highland Perthshire

The wait goes on………no osprey hatching yet, but as you will see on the webcam, it is rather hard to see the eggs condition in any detail just now because on Saturday evening the male bird put a great big lump of moss right at the front of the nest obscuring...

We had a fun day on our stand yesterday at the Atholl Gathering -and always grea...

Posted by peter on Monday, 26 May 2014 in Highland Perthshire

We had a fun day on our stand yesterday at the Atholl Gathering -and always great to see the Atholl Highlanders too.Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Worrying times on the nest – 25 May 2014

Posted by peter on Sunday, 25 May 2014 in Highland Perthshire

It looks like our male has dropped the ball again. He took over incubation at 17:32 and an hour later he upped and left the nest. There were no alarm calls or anything to suggest any form of disturbance. As ever our vigilant team checked everything to be absolutely sure and...

NTS Tayside conservation volunteers and Duke of Edinburgh volunteers help the ra...

Posted by peter on Saturday, 24 May 2014 in Highland Perthshire

NTS Tayside conservation volunteers and Duke of Edinburgh volunteers help the rangers with the charcoal projectVolunteers help with Killiecrankie charcoalNTS Tayside conservation volunteers and Duke of Edinburgh volunteers help the rangers with the charcoal projectOriginal linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Ruan Ruarie Success

Posted by peter on Saturday, 24 May 2014 in Highland Perthshire

More success on Ruan Ruarie today with Barry Ward catching a fresh 12lber in the Grilse Pool - the fish are running. A quieter day at the dam, though, with one fish lost early in the afternoon. Hopefully next week will see things picking up again....

Upcoming Events at Loch of the Lowes

Posted by peter on Saturday, 24 May 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Whilst we still wait for our osprey eggs to hatch, we thought we’d let you know about the great events that are coming up in the next few weeks at our visitor centre. Whilst we are best known for our ospreys, the reserve is home to a huge diversity of species and...

Patience!

Posted by peter on Friday, 23 May 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Better fishing conditions today but the fish didn't seem to notice - once again they weren't really in the mood. Brian Holmes stuck at it, though, and was rewarded with a fine 16lber from Pitlochry bank on a Flying C. This was Brian's third and final day - good things come...

Osprey Update 23rd May

Posted by peter on Friday, 23 May 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Still no egg hatching at Loch of the Lowes osprey nest -yet. Everyone has been asking us if we are worried or have given up hope and the short answer is : NO! I have been joking that the eggs have been waiting until Ranger Emma is back from sick leave (...

Yesterday, Kate Mavor the Trusts Chief Executive, went up the scaffolding to see...

Posted by peter on Friday, 23 May 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Yesterday, Kate Mavor the Trusts Chief Executive, went up the scaffolding to see for herself how the conservation repairs on the Dunkeld Fountain were coming on. There is a chance for others to do the same on the morning of Sat 31st May, we have half hour slots for 4 people...

Picking Up!

Posted by peter on Thursday, 22 May 2014 in Highland Perthshire

With blustery winds it wasn't the easiest day for fishing but with fish from all three club beats things look to be picking up. After a quiet start to the week today we saw three fish caught at the dam: Gordon Nichol got things going first thing in the morning with...

Probable sighting of Blue YD in Yorkshire!

Posted by peter on Thursday, 22 May 2014 in Highland Perthshire

There have been no egg developments on the osprey nest as yet today, BUT excitingly we have received information which leads us to believe that our pioneering two-year old from Angus, Blue YD, was spotted earlier in the week, on the Yorkshire coast! As those of you who have studied the last batch of...

Donation to Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 21 May 2014 in Highland Perthshire

SCAA presentation at Scone Aerodrome Our Open Night in March was a great success. Thanks to everyone who contributed. SCAA sent this picture of our Club President Jimmy Ross presenting a cheque for £1200 to them. Briony Blair their Events and Volunteers Coordinator said "Thank you so much for raising such a...

Sawmill Sea Licer

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 21 May 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Difficult conditions again yesterday - not many fish about and those that were proved hard to catch. Nothing was caught at the dam but further downstream at Sawmill Graeme Stewart was in the right place at the right time catching a 12lb sea liced fish in the afternoon - good effort....

In flower now is one of the most perfect little flowers, Chickweed wintergreen o...

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 21 May 2014 in Highland Perthshire

In flower now is one of the most perfect little flowers, Chickweed wintergreen or Arctic starflower, not a true wintergreen but surprisingly a relative of the primrose. It’s small, the flower being just over 1cm across, try looking at The Hermitage close to the path between the cave and the totem...

Osprey Migration News: 21st May

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 21 May 2014 in Highland Perthshire

He’s on the move!! Blue YD has started heading north once more and the current data indicates he could be en route to Scotland… Blue YD heading north 19th May 2014– copyright SWT He spent Sunday night roosting in the woods east of Narford Lake. On Monday morning between 7am...