On Top Of The World.

 On our final three days in Scotland, we headed a little south from our Highlands base near Inverness. We were now heading to Braemar, where we planned to climb up Glenshee, a mountain we had great success in 2023, at exactly the same time of year. In fact just 2 days different this time.

https://bobsbutterflies.blogspot.com/2023/11/ptarmigan-or-bust.html

On the way to Braemar, we were going to stop at Findhorn Valley. A beautiful area that is well known for its Mountain Hares. Two years ago we caught up with some of the Hares here, and we were keen to see more. On arrival at Findhorn we were going to visit the other side of the valley that we went to before, but there was another guy already on that side, and to be fair to him we decided to go to the other side. However, we did keep an eye on the other guy, and it was pretty clear that he was having some success, something we were not having!! After climbing high up, the weather deteriated and we were soon getting rather wet, thankfully we had the coats that we had bought for the Antarctica trip.

 However, it certainly wasn't very pleasant, and not seeing any Hares either wasn't helping us feel any better. Also seeing the other guy was obviously doing rather well didn't help us either at that time. After well over three hours of getting wet and blown around we decided to head back down the hill. At this point the other guy had walked back to his car. At the bottom of the valley Lisa then suggested trying the other side where the other guy had been. I was hoping to do that, but was certainly not expecting Lisa to be keen. Especially as the rain soon started to get worse. However, after searching for so long already, it would have been a shame to leave without really trying. 

After another climb, at last a Mountain Hare was spotted. It was well tucked away in its 'form'. A very careful approach got us close enough to photograph it, but far enough away so it wasn't disturbed. It was certainly looking as wet as we were. Amazing how hardy these animals are.

A very wet Mountain Hare.

We then left this one and searched further, making a note of where it was so we could return if the weather brightened up a little. As it was, another Hare was very soon seen, and this one was very confiding, being in a clearer position but also not at all bothered by our presence, even grooming itself while we were watching it. It also came out of the form and stretched, as it surveyed the area, all the time keeping a watchful eye on us keeping a watchful eye on him!! Even the weather improved a little too.

Grooming.

Stretching.

Looking around.

Mountain Hare.

After this encounter, one that we certainly couldn't have believed possible only a few minutes earlier, we didn't need to go back to the first Hare. Also after more than 5 hours on the hillside, we were extremely tired, so it was with a little regret we decided to leave. On the return to the car I spotted a Water Pipit. A rare bird in the area. We also saw some Brown Hares on the drive back along the valley.

It was then a long drive along some tricky roads in the dark as we headed to Braemar.

The following day, it was a climb up Glenshee. Two years ago, we did this climb in horrendous weather so it was a relief to be able to climb up this time in dry weather, albeit, a bit breezy. However, unfortunately the weather soon went downhill as we climbed uphill. Once again it was a case of us getting pretty wet. However, Lisa once again was really keen to keep on going and it was another five plus hours at the top of the mountain. We saw lots of Mountain Hares here, but they were much more wary here and it was difficult to get close enough for photography. The main target here though was the fabulous Ptarmigan. Two years ago we climbed the mountain three times before we succeeded with these birds. This time we only had a few fleeting gimpses of the Ptarmigan. Very frustrating when we had put so much effort into it, and walked and searched through wind, rain and sleet. Our only photo opportunity came when we saw a Ptarmigan pop its head up above the rocks.

Ptarmigan head above the rocks.

Who says perseverance doesn't pay off. The following day, the weather had improved a little and it was back to Glenshee again for another full day on the mountain. This time, to help Lisa as her back was still playing up a little, we went up on the ski lift. It was certainly a little easier, and from the height of the lift we saw our first Mountain Hare of the day.

Once we were up the top again, we headed out around the top of the mountain. We concentrated on an area where we had seen Ptarmigan the previous day, albeit briefly. Once again there were plenty of Mountain Hares. Perhaps due to it not being quite so breezy the hares were not quite so skittish, although it was still hard to get close to them. 

I suddenly had two Ptarmigan fly past me. I kept an eye on them and saw roughly where they had landed, just over a brow of the mountain. We quickly moved to that area in hope, but there was no sign, until one of the birds suddenly appeared, walking up the side of a rock. Wow, at last, a fabulous Ptarmigan in full view. Unfortunately, it was very brief, as both birds took off again and flew a further 30 metres or so.

Ptarmigan climbing a rock.

We then moved in the general direction of their new position, making sure we kept some distance. Once again we couldn't see where they were straight away, but by careful searching we soon spotted them again. They were now resting together in a small clearing in the rocky terrain. We very quietly moved slightly away to get to their height before gradually moving a little closer, all the time in view to the birds, so we didn't suddenly alarm them. We now had some great views of them, and we were able to watch them as they rested, fed a little and generally relaxed in front of us. We were in this postion for over 20 minutes. During this time we had a little rain and snow as well as a little sunshine. Eventually they decided it was time for them to move to another spot, at which time one of them called, and off they went. An absolutely brilliant time watching these beautiful hardy birds. Like the Hares they were changing into their white winter plumage.

At times, especially when they stood up, the 600mm lens I was using was actually too powerful, although this did help get close views without the need to disturb them.

The two Ptarmigan resting together.

Ptarmigan resting by some snow.

The white plumage on this one was slightly behind the other bird.

Just before the birds flew.

A call to his buddy, and they were off.

After this fabulous encounter we were totally buzzing, and the tiredness of being on top of the mountains again quickly went away. We enjoyed further Hare encounters. At one time we had 3 Mountain Hares together, all in different stages of  their changing into winter coats.

Mountain Hares changing colour.

As the first snows had now begun to settle, the Hares would have to change quickly. However, those still brown would have the advantage of remaining hard to see for any passing Eagle until more snow arrives.

This one has partly changed colour.

This one however, is still in its summer coat.

After another 5 hours plus on the mountain top, it was time to call it a day, at least this day had been much more successful than the previous day. We really couldn't have hoped for a better day on the mountain. Our patience and perseverance certainly had paid off. Our final full day in Scotland had been fantastic to say the least. I found it amazing that Lisa had not complained at all, despite her sore back. She had been just as keen as I had been to keep at it. She even suggested the following day that we could have another go during the morning!! However, time was not on our side really, and we had already spent over 15 hours over the 3 days on top of the mountains in dismal weather.

As we descended down the mountain we had one final treat in store, as we came across a small flock of Red Grouse. We both managed a quick shot of the birds looking at us before they all flew off.

Red Grouse.

On the final morning before we headed back to England, we saw a Red Squirrel outside our cabin. I spotted it as I was washing up. Then instead of going back up the mountain we concentrated for 3 hours along the river valley. We saw at least 3 Dippers and one Golden Eagle.

Dipper.

It was then back into the car for the long drive south. Scotland had once again been brilliant, and we are already looking forward to heading up there again. With Matt and Emily being there now, we have more reasons than ever to go back more often.