information for overseas visitors:
Highland Wildlife
The kelps and other seaweeds that adhere to the rocks in shallow water
off the coast provide cover, protection and food for some less hardy
plants and a wide variety of shellfish such as crabs, lobsters, and
mussels (which can also be found in freshwater), seawater animals, sea
snails and worms. Jelly fish, sea anemones, sea Some unusual plant life can be seen on the shores, such as sea kale, sea sandwort and pink marine thrift which creates a pleasing sight. The flora throughout Scotland is, in fact, abundant and there are many species to be seen and enjoyed especially the beautiful heathers for which Scotland is famous - not forgetting the importance of the thistle!!
Recommended Highland Wildlife websites: |
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From
the seabed of the waters around Scotland's coast to the tips of her
mountains, abounds countless wildlife in one shape or form. All these
'life' forms interact with 'humans' as we all affect each others' survival.
It therefore behoves us all to take care whilst out enjoying these gifts
of nature.
urchins
and sponges are also to be found. Many types of fish also inhabit these
areas, depending on the depth of water, terrain and available food.
Scotland also has its fair share of regular marine visitors including
whales, seals and dolphins (not forgetting the colony that inhabit the
Moray Firth). If you are fortunate you may see the more rare sea turtles.
The rivers abound with salmon whose migratory habits are one of the
world's wonders. Eaten poached or smoked this must be one of the most
popular and versatile fish to come out of Scotland, together with trout
and the succulent scallop! The River Spey is of course famous for its
salmon fishing. Fish naturally attract such animals as the otter and
beaver. Mink are also very active on the river and will eat water voles
(whose existence is now threatened), frogs, newts, beetles and earthworms.
Dragonflies and damselflies love the riverside reed beds and Scotland
has a large proportion of the 40 species to be found in the British
Isles. Butterflies and moths also abound in their particular habitats
and what better to enjoy watching on a hot summers day or night. Pairs
of swans are always a beautiful sight - they mate for life! The heron
also has great patience when fishing. 
Moving
away from the river one may espy a ponderously moving hedgehog or perhaps
a fox. These now have both town and country abodes! The nocturnal badger
is extremely active as you may see from the marks around the set. A
very clean animal in its habits. Weasels and stoats are also very busy
searching for their food. Rabbits are never in short supply but the
hare is a more elusive sight, not to be missed during the mating season.
The wonderful woodlands and highlands give cover to the red squirrel,
the red deer and roe deer, owls, woodpeckers and a myriad of other small
animals, insects and birds. Buzzards and hawks love to nest in the uppermost
branches of the trees and can be seen soaring on the thermals searching
for food. The golden eagle makes a wondrous sight soaring in the mountains
- but like the osprey - not often seen. Not shy - just rare!
There
are so many different birds within Scotland, both game birds (some hunted
for the table) and wild birds of sea and land, that it is a subject
in itself. However, the most well known of the game birds are grouse,
partridge, pheasant, capercaillie, ducks and in the more arctic type
regions the ptarmigan. Gulls, pigeons, snipe and woodcock and geese
together with others too numerous to mention make up the rest of the
bird population.
