Hello lovely Osprey fans!
It is an absolute joy to be sat, back in the kiosk, staring at a blank piece of paper and wracking my brains to find a way to introduce myself to you lot. Thankfully it is only a reintroduction! After having the most brilliant summer up at Loch Garten last year, I was far too head-over-heels in love with the pine forest to even contemplate leaving and returning down south. So I didn’t.
Much like the charismatic and resident capercaillie (I won’t attempt to do an impression!), I moved deeper into the forest and spent my winter among the magnificent old pines. I was lucky enough to be based at forest lodge, assisting with research and monitoring on the reserve. It’s a hard life spending every day out in beautiful scenery, with the possibility of seeing capercaillie and eagles, measuring our regenerating trees and being completely and utterly outsmarted by the jammiest pine marten I’ve ever had the honour of meeting (or not meeting, as it turned out!).
Beautiful Sunset at Abernethy*
A Female Bullfinch*
It was amazing to be able to wander and explore much further into the reserve than we get to over the summer. The winter conditions, although mild this year, were stunningly beautiful. It’s lovely to be able to track the temperature based on the snow line of the mountains and the low lying winter sun made for some truly beautiful sunsets. I’m so excited to be back, with a marvelous team admiring the majestic ruffle of Odin’s feathers in the breeze. Fingers crossed for a productive season for our wonderful pair, I have no doubt that the centre will be full of fun, laughter and wildlife.
See you all soon,
Sarah
Pine Regeneration at Abernethy*
*All images by Sarah White