Quality Bed and Breakfast in the heart of the Highlands

The start of a new year sees a hard, two week old covering of snow on the ground. While it makes the views from Craig na Shee more beautiful than ever, the birds are having a hard time of it. The burn is frozen, and the river also has a layer of ice over it. The nut feeders are therefore taking a bit of a hammering at the moment, and the ground feeding birds are finally picking at crusts (something I've tried persuading them to do for months to no avail). I can't claim to have seen anything 'special': no eagles; no rarities blown off course from Siberia. I have, however, enjoyed the company of the robins, one in particular who flies into the garage when I'm out chopping wood. And we ended the year with a flock of long-tailed tits in the garden, which aren't rare but have a special place in my heart for their constant energy, their acrobatics, and (don't tell anyone) their cuteness!

This file is the up to date list for the end of 2009. We hit a milestone this year, with 100 species seen on the peninsula. A trio of Bewick's swans on Loch Doilet a week before Christmas completed the full century. Our fourth year here starts in February, and the list for 2010 starts now. Let me know if you've any questions about the birds or the rest of the fantastic wildlife here: email me from the contacts page.

Happy new year,

Richard