A long weekend in the western Highlands of Scotland gave me the opportunity to catch up with several species I rarely catch the chance to see. This was enhanced by our host’s desire to exhibit us as much of this exquisite landscape as possible,which entailed going on very long walks, often involving dauntingly steep climbs. As I pointed out – in vain – I arrive from the lowlands of England, or “don’t do up”.
En route,in the wilds of Perthshire, we took an eight-mile hike around a valley. Even though autumn can sometimes be rather quiet, or the status was thronged with birds. Meadow pipits sprang up constantly; bouncing through the air as whether hanging on invisible strings of elastic,while uttering their distinctive “sip” call. They were joined by tight little flocks of siskins and redpolls, which I rarely see at home on the Somerset Levels.
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Source: theguardian.com