Ospreys are back

There have been a few Ospreys about at loch of lowes the past week and yesterday the resident female returned for a staggering 22nd year.  Unfortunately last year they failed to produce any chicks so fingers crossed for this year.  I went along yesterday evening and spent time watching the male osprey and an intruding Red Kite, the female was away scoffing on a fish.  The male Osprey is not her mate from the past two years, but he may well yet turn up and a battle may well ensue for the females affection.

The last four photos are of a Red Kite

Little's Restaurant - Blairgowrie

I did a small blog last year about Little's restaurant here in Blairgowrie, but this time I have photographs.  We were invited to lunch along with other local B&B/Guest House/Self-Catering owners, so how could we refuse.  Everything was perfect and so was the company at our table.  There must have been around 30 of us in total and a lovely way to spend a couple of hours before emerging back into this amazing hot weather we are having at the moment.  Their phone number is 01250 875358.

Liebster Award

A big thank you to http://angeljanesworld.blogspot.co.uk/  for awarding me The Liebster Award
For those of you who are not familiar what the word Liebster, it is of German origin and means “Favorite, beloved, dearest” 


The honour of accepting the award is traditionally done in the following way:


1. Show thanks to the blogger who awarded you by linking back to their blog.
2. Pick 5 blogs with less than 200 followers and let them know about your nomination by leaving a comment on their blog
3. Post the award on your blog!
I'll have to have a think about who to pass it onto.

Butterstone Loch Fishery

Just along the road at Butterstone is Butterstone Loch Fishery which as well as the fishing has a rather swish lodge with a cafe and bistro.  Have been meaning to stop in so many times and today was the day, unfortunately on arrival it was shut on a Monday - I should have checked first. If fishing isn't your thing it is a superb setting to sit and enjoy your cup of tea/meal and a lovely seating area outside, will certainly go back another day.  There is plenty birdlife on the loch and very good opportunities to watch the local Ospreys.

Blairgowrie Riverside Update

I last blogged about the work being carried out along the Riverside in Blairgowrie at the beginning of  February , so here is an update.  Lovely new shiny car parking area, vistas being opened up and beautiful carvings dotted along the pathways, I believe there is still some more stone carvings to go in and there is still work being done to walls and paths, but it is looking grand.

 You can view dippers on the river,  a dog had relieved itself on the carving - wasn't my dog - honest. In the summer it is a joy to watch the sand martins zipping up and down over the water.

 Bat carving by the stone seating area.

 Improved views overlooking the river.

 Salmon carving by the viewpoint, where there is an interpretation board telling you all about the journey a salmon makes.

 Wild Garlic carving - wild garlic is abundant and the smell is divine.

 The huge fir and monkey puzzle in the grounds of where used to stand Ashbank House.

Carving in reference to the monkey puzzle tree (I think)

Auchingarrich Wildlife Park

The final stop on our tour was Auchingarrich Wildlife Park.  This park has been in existence for many years but now has new owners who have been investing in it's upgrade.  I have been here a few times over the years and it is a lovely place to visit whatever your age.  We were treated to soup and sandwiches then a wee tour and then left to our own devices before tea and scones.  The very entertaining owner gave a talk and also mentioned bushcraft courses that are available.

I don't know if I have mentioned the Wild Beavers we have around these parts, but I shall be blogging about them shortly as today they won a reprieve from being rounded up and destroyed because they are not 'legal'.  Anyhow, many years ago this park used to keep beavers and 'allegedly' some of them escaped to live a life of freedom.

This trip was a lovely day to explore places 'on my doorstep' and I met some other very local B&B owners who I have never met before.  Sadly a totally stupid comment made to me from a localish B&B owner slightly overshadowed my day, but that's another story.