July was the month to see many of our breeding birds with their youngsters. Without any doubt the highlight was the successful fledging of a golden eagle chick. Some of us were very fortunate to witness what we believe was it's maiden flight. The adult birds have had several barren years so this success was real cause for celebration.
Other notable breeding successes were merlin, ptarmigan, ring ouzel and spotted flycatchers. Not so good news for a merlin though was being killed by a peregrine falcon in mid-flight but it was certainly a fantastic, and priviliged, view for one of our Rangers!
The 2009 BTO breeding bird survey was concluded at the end of July and we have been very happy with the variety of birds, and their breeding codes, that have been recorded. At least two species have been seen on Alladale for the first time. This listing will be posted shortly.
The deer have been heading for the high ground in the good summer weather and thankfully the midges have not been too bad at all!
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Meet some of the wildlife you can expect to find on the reserve - including Wild Boar and Elk!
