Posts for August, 2024

Join us for a talk by Wildlife Photographer Andy Skillen on his adventures of walking with polar bears in Arctic Canada!

From crossing frozen oceans on snowmobiles, to camping on the sea ice in pursuit of these iconic animals, Andy’s career has seen him come face to face with these giants of the Arctic on multiple occasions. Hear all about the challenges presented on his photographic pursuits, along with footage from his expeditions and images for his new project “Bears of the Americas” and a few others that live in the same region! As the largest land carnivores on Earth, Andy will provide a first-hand account of the plight polar bears face in their rapidly changing environment, along with tales of other endeavours of the animal kingdom.

Andy Skillen has been a wildlife photographer, photojournalist and film footage provider for 30 years working for the industry’s major media. Whilst continuing to focus much of his time on suppling media organisations with material, he also provides several publishing houses for specially commissioned book titles. Andy also has sets of fine art limited editions which have been sold through galleries in the UK and overseas and continues to undertake private commissions for collectors both corporate and individual.

Andy’s work is used globally and sees him supply stills, articles and video stings as well as consult for a number of major wildlife projects and for photographic tour companies on the planning and execution of specialised safaris.

To attend this talk, we ask for a small donation to cover our charity’s costs to host the evening. This ticket option is for both RZSS members and non-members. Please contact events@rzss.org.uk should you be unable to donate.

Please note, this donation does not include entry into the Highland Wildlife Park during the daytime.

A look at the sites of some of the old, abandoned crofts above Tulloch in the Abernethy Forest with Jill Harden, RSPB archaeologist

Popular local artist Angus Grant is among 300 crafters and artists taking part in this year’s North East Open Studios. The event, which is in its 21st year, offers the public the chance to visit studios and workshops across the region and see firsthand the processes and equipment used to make beautiful artwork.

This is the first time Angus has taken part and he is offering the chance to see his pottery at the Spey Bank Studio in Grantown-on-Spey. He’ll be available to talk about making ceramics and maybe even demonstrate some of his making techniques.

Guided Bat Walk with Abernethy rangers

Meet our guest speaker Richard Thaxton at the RSPB’s Loch Ruthven to look for some of our returning summer breeding birds. We will meet in the car park and walk along to the hide, stopping and scanning along the way. Possible sightings include Slavonian and Little Grebes, possibly Red and Black-throated Divers, Teal, Curlew and fishing Osprey as well as Swallows, Swift and Sand Martins. Looking up you may spot a passing Osprey, Eagle or Red Kite. Limited to 15 guests. Pre-booking is essential, please ring 01479872526 to book your place. Meet at RSPB Loch Ruthven car park by 10am (directions available from Reception Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey).

Meet our local wildlife guide Richard Thaxton at Strathdearn (Findhorn Valley) to look for some of the raptors and other wildlife that can be found there. Potential sightings include raptors such as Buzzard, Golden and White-tailed Eagle, Goshawk, Hen Harrier, Kestrel, Merlin, Sparrowhawk, Peregrine Raven and Red Kite, Crossbills, Dipper, Goosander, Red-breasted Merganser, Grey Heron, Pied and Grey Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Mistle and Song Thrush, Mountain and Brown Hare, Grey and Red-legged Partridge, Common Gulls, Red Deer, Wild Goats, Red Grouse, Red Squirrel, Redpoll and Spotted Flycatcher, Ring Ouzel, Common Sandpiper, Swallows, House Martins, Oystercatcher, Common Tern Curlew, Lapwing, Golden Plover, Cuckoo, Redstart, Blackcap and Wheatear. Limited to 15 guests. Pre-booking is essential, please ring 01479872526 to book your place. Meet at the car park at the end of the road (not by the bridge) by 2pm.

Meet our wildlife guide Richard Thaxton at the beautiful Lochindorb to look for some of our local wildlife. We will meet at the northern end of the loch and move along the loch stopping when we can to scan for wildlife. Potential sightings include Black-throated Diver, Goldeneye, Greylag Geese, Buzzard, Kestrel, Peregrine, Red Kite, Golden Eagle, Meadow Pipit, Mountain Hare, Red Grouse, Red Squirrel, Crossbill, Swallow, Sand Martin, Redshank, Osprey, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Common Gull, Common Sandpiper, Curlew and Golden Plover. Limited to 10 guests. Pre-booking is essential, please ring 01479872526 to book your place. Meet at the northern end of Lochindorb (directions available from Reception) by 2pm.

Join our wildlife guide Nick Baker for a guided stroll around Loch Garten and down to Loch Mallachie looking for some of our local and iconic wildlife. Possible sightings include Bullfinch, Chaffinch, Crossbill, Goldcrest, Robin, Siskin, Treecreeper, Wren, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Buzzard, Osprey, Red Squirrel, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Goldeneye, Heron and Mallard. Limited to 10 guests. Pre-booking is essential, please ring our reception team on 01479 872526.

Join our wildlife guide Richard Thaxton for a guided stroll around Dell Woods at Nethy Bridge. We will follow the river Nethy for a stretch before turning into Dell Woods to walk back to the visitor centre.

Possible sightings include Blue, Coal, Crested, Great and Long Tailed Tit, Greenfinch, Bullfinch, Chaffinch, Crossbill, Goldcrest, Siskin, Treecreeper, Wren, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Redpoll, Buzzard, Dipper, Red Squirrel and Roe Deer.

Limited to 10 guests.

Pre-booking is essential, please ring 01479 872526 to book your place.

Meet at the Visitor Centre in Nethy Bridge by 9.30am.

Join our wildlife guide John Poyner for a guided stroll along part of the Speyside Way starting in Nethy Bridge.

Potential sightings include Sparrowhawk, mixed Finch flocks, Brambling, Twite, Reed Bunting, Yellowhammer, Linnet, Lesser Redpoll, Mistle and Song Thrushes, Redwing and Fieldfares, Wren, Robin, Buzzard, Pink-footed and Greylag Geese and much more.
Maximum of 10 people.

Pre-booking is essential, please ring 01479872526 to book your place. Meet at the Car Park, Station Road, Nethy Bridge by 9.30am