Ophelia Approaches

Monday October 16

Lashing rain and strong gusting wind was not an invitation to get out early. Where could we go?  Garten car park was the decision. We sat there for two hours, all but half an hour in heavy rain, watching dozens of Coal Tits jostling for room at our sunflower hearts feeder. Well, Pam did, I was doing word games and reading
Terrible light, rain and a swinging feeder - as many as a dozen birds, feeding, leaving, waiting their turn, made the little feeder swing violently all the time.

A Crested Tit popped in and straight out again, Great Spotted Woodpecker kept all other birds off the peanut feeder.

Time to move - to another feeder station. The one at Dorback. Raining heavily again, so many deep puddles on the roads, we made awesome splashes as we drove through. No Red Squirrels today, maybe it was time to cut our losses. 

Broomhill Station bridge has a layby where we had a snack late lunch. Pam thought she'd seen a large fish jump in the river. She walked to the bridge to see if there was a salmon run on. The bridge is wooden, single track and busy, one has to hug the mossy wooden rails.Pam hurried back having seen a Dipper hunting from the small beach down the river. I took a few hopeful (stupid) photographs despite it being so dark at 2 p.m. that I wanted to turn a light on. 

Further south was also dark, as Hurricane Ophelia had brought Sahara Sand with her, turning the sun a hazy orange. Good photos on Facebook.

Thank you David Norgate.

Despite being back at the Grant Arms mid afternoon, all but one parking space was taken, one by a Porsche Cayenne 4x4 with the number plate P444NUT . I want it. It was in a disabled bay too.

The Grant Arms Hotel

 In the fine country town of Grantown-on-Spey, not far from the famous Spey River, this impressive 18th century residence has been upgraded to offer modern comforts whilst retaining a traditional character.  
Now advertised as the UK's Wildlife Hotel, it was built in 1765. Former famous visitors include both Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II. Refurbished to a High Standard of comfort and service, all rooms are ensuite with tea and coffee making facilities, TV, hairdryer and toiletries. The Grant Arms Hotel is proud to be the base of the BWWC (BirdWatching and Wildlife Club). The BWWC's Club Room, Natural History Library, Walks, Talks and Wildlife Briefings are free to all Grant Arms Guests. Experience a holiday in the Scottish Highlands, the perfect combination of mountain scenery, ancient buildings and mysterious lochs.
Once visited by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1860, the Grant Arms boasts 50 en suite bedrooms and comprehensive meeting and conference facilities.
Guests can enjoy local popular activities including bird watching, walking, skiing, golfing and fishing. There are distilleries in the local area which you are welcome to visit. The nearest airport is Inverness Airport, 21.7 miles from Grant Arms Hotel