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· How can I ensure I don't disturb the wildlife when watching?
· What is the best time of year to see wildlife in Scotland?
· What sort of scenery should I expect to see in Scotland?
· What wildlife might I see during my visit to Scotland?
How can I ensure I don't disturb the wildlife when watching?
Remembering that the welfare of wildlife and its natural habitat must come first, will ensure that you leave the precious environment that you have come to experience untouched. Watching and recording wildlife is a popular activity and falls within access rights. In enjoying the natural heritage, you can help by remembering that some plants can be easily damaged and that some birds and other animals can be easily alarmed or distressed if you do not take care.
There can be no guarantees of what you will see on your outing. However, you can greatly improve your chances and reduce your impact on the land and inland water by following the Scottish Outdoor Access Code which is based on three principles to take responsibility for your own actions, respect the interests of others and care for the environment. To access the full code, please go to www.outdooraccess-scotland.com
Here are a few simple guidelines:
o Do not intentionally or recklessly disturb or destroy plants, eggs, birds, other animals or geological features
o Do not linger if it is clear that your presence is causing significant disturbance to a bird or other wild animal
o Follow any agreed information aimed at preventing significant disturbance to protect plants, birds or other animals, or at preventing the spread of erosion in more sensitive areas
o Take extra care to avoid disturbing more sensitive birds and animals, particularly during their breeding season
o Take all litter away with you
o Take all necessary measures to prevent the risk of fire
o When bringing dogs, keep them under close control
o Make efforts to use wildlife operators who follow a code of conduct
While we encourage the use of professional wildlife tour operators to realise the full potential of your wildlife experience in a safe and controlled environment, there are those among you who will wish to venture further afield. Remember that Scotland's weather can change quickly and dramatically, especially in winter when daylight is limited. Using common sense and being prepared for any eventuality is extremely important for your safety.
What is the best time of year to see wildlife in Scotland?
Scotland is a year-round destination. The changing seasons provide wildlife watching opportunities from January to December.
Travel in spring for a great show of coastal flowers and spring bluebells, an explosion of breeding birds on the coastal cliffs and wild salmon travelling upstream to spawn, often leaping up navigable waterfalls. At sea, cetaceans are becoming active and common seals are hauling themselves ashore to give birth to their pups.
Scotland in summer sees birds of prey rearing young and there are sites across the country from which they may be viewed via CCTV. Seabird chicks hatch on cliffs, nesting season kicks in for the country's wildfowl and wading birds, and basking sharks may be spotted in in-shore waters.
In the autumn, wintering wildfowl (including many thousands of geese) and waders congregate on Scotland's mudflats and salt marshes. Red squirrels are active collecting food for winter stores amidst the spectacular colours of Scotland's forests. At theis time, grey seals come ashore to pup.
Red deer are easily spotted during the winter months as they come down from the hills to feed. Birds of prey can be seen more clearly against the dramatic backdrop of snow-capped mountains, while the ptarmigan, mountain hare and stoat all adopt white camouflage.
What sort of scenery should I expect to see in Scotland?
There are few places in the world with such a diverse range of habitats in such a small area.
The Flow Country of Caithness and Sutherland is the largest and most in-tact expanse of blanket bog in Europe.
From Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, and the jagged peaks of the North-west Highlands to the Arctic plateau of the Cairngorm range, Scotland's mountains and glens dominate the landscape and the popular imagination.
With over 6000 miles of coastline, Scotland offers spectacular cliffs and beautiful deserted beaches.
Scotland has over 7800 islands, ranging from green islands on Loch Lomond to the rugged archipelagos of Shetland, Orkney and the Western Isles.
Scotland has a fascinating geological past spanning over 3 billion years. Great tectonic movements, ancient volcanoes and more recently glaciers (among many other processes) have all left their mark and are responsible for the stunning landscapes we see today.
From ancient Caledonian forests and the oldest living thing in Europe (the Fortingall Yew) to the fascinating history of Scotland's contribution to forestry, Scotland's woodlands are also a vital part of the scenery.
What wildlife might I see during my visit to Scotland?
The wildlife you see in Scotland all depends on where you look!
A fantastically diverse range of birds is found throughout Scotland, both on the coast (next to seas rich in marine life) and inland (where many fascinating animals may also be encountered). Here's a quick guide to some species you might see in air, land and water:
Air:
o Seabirds - gannet, puffin, guillemot, razorbill, skua
o Wading and ground-nesting birds - oystercatcher, dunlin, lapwing, redshank
o Inland birds - capercaillie, black grouse, Scottish crossbill, ptarmigan, crested tit
o Birds of prey - white-tailed eagle, golden eagle, red kite, osprey, peregrine
Land:
o Red squirrels are a regular sight in the native pinewoods. Look for stripped pinecones littering the forest floor for evidence of their presence!
o Pine martens are easily identified by their creamy throat patch against otherwise dark brown fur
o Scottish wildcats are confined to remote parts of the Highlands - it will be a lucky visitor who spots this elusive feline!
o The majestic red deer stag of our nation's glens is perhaps the defining emblem of rural Scotland
Water:
o Both grey and common seals are present in huge numbers around the Scottish coast
o The shy otter often requires patient observation before it will reveal itself but a sighting is definitely worth the wait
o Over 22 different species of whale, dolphin and porpoise have been recorded off Scotland's coast. A number are frequent visitors or indeed residents!
o The basking shark is the second largest fish in the world reaching lengths in excess of 12 metres. Look out for it surfacing off Scotland's west coast
o Sea trout and brown trout co-exist with salmon in many of Scotland's rivers and streams
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