Guests only been here for one night and already spotted a barn owl, heron (they’re nesting in the wood opposite the cottage) and bats. Add to this the pair of mergansers I spotted on the Shochie Burn, the buzzards regularly flying over the wood and our very own partridges which have returned to the surrounding fields and garden for a third year in a row. Here’s hoping they have the usual large brood of ten chicks.
Partridges in the Garden
Romance is in the air – Lady, Britain’s oldest breeding female returned to the reserve near Dunkeld at the weekend after her 6,000 mile journey from Africa and has been joined by last year’s mate. At 26, Lady has lived 3 times longer than average and reared 48 chicks. All eyes will be on the nest in early April. Just 15 minutes from Wayside, its easy to visit Loch of the Lowes.
Loch Ordie walk near Dunkeld
Took to the hills and Loch Ordie near Dunkeld this weekend on a 2 hour walk half way between Perth and Pitlochry. Short steepish climb and then moorland with wide open views over the Tay Valley and to Schiehallion. Swans and Canada geese on the Loch and a curlew overhead. Good walk for dogs but sheep nearby so must be under control.
Lambing’s now in full swing at Moneydie! The ewes are in the field beside the farm during the day and moved inside overnight where they’re checked last thing at night and first thing in the morning for new arrivals. Weather permitting, new lambs go outside after a few days – and the antics begin.
Lambs in field
Heard the barn owl chatting with it’s mate last night, the herons have arrived at the wood across from the cottage, the snowdrops are in full bloom and the glaziers have arrived to replace three windows and the front door.
The fields are starting to dry out and Graeme can now catch up with the ploughing. The snow, hard frost and wet winter weather have prevented work on the land during the winter. The ewes, our ‘ladies in waiting’ are due to lamb in a few weeks and are now being fed twice a day. As they near lambing, they’ll be brought inside at night.
You could say this is the ‘lull before the storm’ as March is also a busy month for sowing barley and oats.
Ploughing on Moneydie Farm
This Friday’s (18th Feb) concert is musical interpretation of the Shetland Bus - secret operation between Shetland and German occupied Norway during 2nd World War. First performed at 2010 Celtic Connections.
Between 16th – 27 Feb food tastings, boat trips, music nights and tours of the Crannog on Loch Tay during the Winter Week Festival
The Crannog, Kenmore
Plenty to do in Perthshire this month. Great buzz at Brezah in the High St on Friday and food exceeded expectations. At the Concert Hall a surprise complimentary cocktail of Famous Grouse, lime and ginger went down a treat. Karen Matheson in good voice.
We’re heading 10 mins north to Birnam Arts Centre on Friday 18th when top Shetland Fiddlers present their interpretation of World War 2′s Shetland Bus – secret missions between Norway and Shetland.
More fiddle music in March at the Niel Gow Festival, Dunkeld & Birnam.
Food tasting, boat trips, Crannog tours, story telling and Music nights are on offer at the reconstructed 5,000 year old Crannog on Loch Tay between 16 – 27 Feb. It’s only 45 mins from Wayside Cottage. www.winterweek.co.uk
Nearby is Highland Safaris – take a landrover safari into the hills or watch the kids pan for gold. Good cafe too.
The best things in life are free … Blair Castle Gardens are open free of charge on Tuesdays and Sats between 1 Feb and 15 March, 9.30 – 2.30, and include the snowdrop trail from Hercules Garden to St Bride’s Kirk. Then take a trip over to Aberfeldy for a walk in the Birks alongside the Moness Burn. Or if you don’t want to move from the roaring fire at Wayside Cottage, just enjoy the snowdrops in the garden.
Budding snowdrops at Wayside Cottage,Perthshire
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