Around Gartmore images

The Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park is amongst the best areas in the UK to see 'wildlife'. The area covered by the Park varies from land at sea level to mountains in excess of 1100 metres and spread throughout the area there are a number of lochs, rivers, large areas of forestry and open country. Thus it is a haven for all kinds of wildlife which includes a large variety of birds. Here at The Trossachs Holiday Park it is no exception. Within the Park and adjacent land a large variety of birds can be seen all year round. The kind of bird however can vary depending on the time of year.

The following is a list of birds, with associated details, that frequent the area around the Park. Like all wildlife there are no guarantees that you will immediately see or hear the particular bird you are looking for. However with a bit of patience and careful searching, rewards are normally obtained. Some birds are more easy to see and get closer to than others. These include members of the following families, tits,finches,sparrows,robins. This is mainly due to the fact that in addition to their natural habitat they are very much attracted to 'bird feeders' and thus have become reasonably used to the presence of humans.

Blue Tit - One of the most common birds particularly around bird feeders. Their natural habitat includes hedgerows,woodland,parks and garden areas. The best place to photograph is around feeders and on hedgerow branches all year round.

Chaffinch - Like the Tits very common around feeders in particular. Habitat very similar to the Tits. Again the best place to photograph is around feeders or on low lying branches all year round.

Siskin- Member of the Finch family but tends to be more seasonal in some areas. Habitat includes conifer and mixed woodland,parks and gardens. Often seen around feeders and thus the best place to get a photograph.

Goldfinch - Mainly a summer visitor (April - October). Habitat tends to be hedgerows and mixed woodland. Feeds on thistle seeds and grass seeds but also frequents feeders. More easily scared off than all of the above so a bit more difficult to photograph. But like the above getting a photo is more likely around feeders or near to seeding thistles,burdocks or grasses.

Robin - An all year round favourite that is found in close proximity to humans. Habitat includes hedgerows,woodland,parks and gardens. Again the best place to photograph them is around feeders or on the ground under feeding stations or on branches of low growing trees and bushes.

NOTE - In order to get a more natural photo it is better to have a perch/branch placed close to the feeder so that the preferred shot is of the bird on the perch/branch rather than on the feeder.

Pied Wagtail - More of a seasonal visitor but common bird in summer months, particularly in open country which is close to habitation, farmland,villages and water. Since the Pied Wagtail doesn't frequent feeders like those already mentioned, photographing them tends to be a bit more difficult and the best opportunities arise when they land on the ground close to where one is positioned.

Barn Swallow - A summer visitor to the UK (April -October). Habitat includes cultivated areas,farm yards and around houses etc. Builds nests under eaves, roof ridges and in farm steadings etc. The best chance of getting a photograph is when they are perched on telephone wires or when perched on low roofs or buildings.

House Martin - Just as common around the site as the Swallows this is another summer visitor (April -October) Details very similar to the Swallow above.

Oystercatcher - Although more common in coastal areas they are still very common inland where there is water or marsh type land. A noisy bird whether it is flying or on the ground it is often heard before it is seen.

This bird is very easily scared off and getting near, to obtain a reasonable photo, can be a bit difficult. However with some patience and steady movement it is possible to get an acceptable shot. It is also possible to get a shot of this bird whilst in flight and certainly worth a try.

Curlew - The Curlew's distinctive call can be heard around the Park as it flies around adjacent land. Its habitat includes arable land,moorland,bogs, wet pastures and coast lines. Since this bird is easily spooked it is possibly easier to get an 'in flight' shot rather than a shot of the bird on the ground.

Grey Heron - A rather timid bird that is easily disturbed. Usually found perched on the side of a river or lochside. Habitat includes woodland,river banks and loch sides. This bird is one of the easiest to photograph in flight due to its relatively slow like motion and straight line of flight. However with some care it is possible to get near enough to a waiting/stalking bird to get a reasonable shot.

Pheasant - A very common bird around the Park where they can be found walking around quite freely. It is possible to get quite near to them and certainly a very good shot is possible. Normally a Pheasant takes off when approached and it can be difficult to get a reasonable photo shot in normal circumstances. Their habitat includes farmland and parks where there is some dense undergrowth.

Common Buzzard - Fairly common and several can be seen at times in close proximity to the Park. Their habitat varies from open farmland to forests, woodland and marshland. Buzzards can be seen soaring at heights from around 20 metres to around 3000 metres and more or perched on the top of a telephone pole. Getting close to one that is perched is difficult and sometimes it is easier to photograph one whilst in flight at a suitable height. The fact that a Buzzard tends to soar in a slow like motion getting an acceptable 'in flight shot' in many cases is a real possibility.

Mallard - Possibly the most common of ducks in the UK. Has a very diverse habitat which includes parks,lochs,marshes,seashores etc. It is fairly easy to get a reasonable shot of a Mallard but to in order to capture the very nice colours and feather detail it is helpful if the lighting is spot on.

Whilst all of the birds mentioned above can be seen on or around the Park there is still the opportunity to see many more within the National Park area. Many waders,ducks and geese can be seen on any of the Lochs such as Loch Ard where the Canada Geese were photographed.

There is also the nearby 'Bird of Prey Trail' where it is possible to see Red Kite,Buzzard,Golden Eagle,Kestrel,Sparrowhawk, Osprey, Hen Harrier etc

NOTE - The images attached weren't taken at the Park but are examples of some of the birds mentioned as been seen at the Park (ie the Mallard,Grey Heron and Curlew) the Sparrow Hawk was taken in our garden but most certainly flies around the Park and adjacent land.