Scotland’s landscapes are shaped by rock, water, weather, and a long human history, from rugged coastlines and seabird cliffs to rolling countryside, lochs, and historic cities. These pages gather my encounters with Scotland’s wildlife and landscapes, along with the places and experiences that have made my visits memorable.
WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS FROM SCOTLAND
Earlier species-focused stories from my travels in Scotland
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Gray Heron
The Gray Heron (Ardea cinerea) is a magnificent, long-legged wading bird native to Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa.
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European Shag
The European Shag is an impressive seabird with a penchant for diving, a striking appearance, and a widespread distribution along Europe’s coastlines.
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Great Cormorant
The Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) is a large, heavy seabird with a long neck and tail, short legs, and broad wings.
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Northern Gannet
The Northern Gannet’s elegance, fishing prowess, widespread distribution, and favorable conservation status make it a remarkable avian species of the North Atlantic seascape.
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Lesser Black-backed Gull
The Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus) is a large gull that breeds along the Atlantic coasts of Europe.
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Great Black-backed Gull
The Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus) is the largest gull in the world.
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Black-headed Gull
The Black-headed Gull is one of the most abundant species in much of Europe, Asia, and eastern Canada.
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Ruff
The Ruff (Calidris pugnax) is a fascinating wader bird with distinctive features.
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Black-tailed Godwit
BLACK-TAILED GODWIT The Black-tailed Godwit, scientifically known as Limosa limosa, is a large, long-legged, long-billed shorebird.
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Northern Lapwing
The Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) is a wading bird commonly found across temperate Eurasia.
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Eurasian Oystercatcher
EURASIAN OYSTERCATCHER Eurasian Oystercatchers are medium to large-sized waders, with a robust body, long legs and a stout, slightly down-curved orange-red bill.
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Pied Avocet
PIED AVOCET The Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta) is an elegant wader bird with distinctive features.