Spring is the start of the mating season. Birds are now resplendent in their most colourful plumage to attract their mates. Summer migrant birds have returned from Africa to nest and rear their young.

This is also the time when birds are displaying over their territories to warn off competitors and to attract mates. Eagles can be seen repeatedly diving on closed wings, then racing upwards. Hen harriers perform their famous sky dance as the handsome grey male and larger browner female race along their territory in a spectacular undulating flight. Curlews are giving their wonderful bubbling call and slow gliding flight over their nesting grounds. Skylarks are rising high to proclaim territory and hundreds of smaller birds are buzzing around our forests and moorland as they chase off rivals or pursue their mates. What could be more spectacular and almost oriental looking than the display of the male black grouse at his lek which is their traditional meeting point. The male jumps up and down displaying his plumage,whilst the female look on seemingly unconcerned by all his efforts! Seabirds are arriving on their breeding cliffs and there are terrific chances to photograph puffins and gannets at their colonies.

At this time of year the climate is all about ‘wind direction’ and this will also impact on wildlife watching. The area generally gets its best weather in late winter, spring and early summer. Most birds nest on the ground when its reasonably dry and the climate pretty reliable. Easterly winds also mean that fresh and salt water lochs are calm and so spotting otters is much easier.

Why not join a wildlife tour and see the exciting array of Scottish wildlife in the area at this time of the year?