Wildlife Watching
Red squirrels visit the feeders outside your lodge every morning—sometimes so close you can photograph them through the glass. This is Highland wildlife at your window.
Ancarraig's 12 acres of ancient Caledonian forest attract an incredible variety of Highland wildlife. Red squirrels are practically guaranteed—they visit the feeders outside every lodge multiple times daily. Watch them leap between branches, bury pine cones, and perform acrobatic displays, sometimes just feet from your window.
But squirrels are just the start. Red deer graze the forest edges at dawn and dusk, their antlers visible through morning mist. Pine martens (cat-sized, with bushy tails and cream chest bibs) occasionally appear in the evening—rare and thrilling to spot. Overhead, buzzards circle on thermals, their distinctive mewing calls echoing through the glens.
The best part? You don't need to go anywhere. Some of our guests never leave the property—they're too busy watching the wildlife show unfolding around them. Bring binoculars, be patient, and you'll be amazed what appears.
What to Expect
Red squirrels are the stars of the show. They visit feeders multiple times daily, especially early morning (7-9am) and late afternoon (4-6pm). You'll see them leap between branches with incredible agility, bury food for later, and investigate every corner of their territory. They're curious, bold, and often come remarkably close to lodges. Red deer appear at forest edges, usually dawn or dusk. You'll often hear them before you see them—listen for crashing through undergrowth or the distinctive bark of stags during rutting season (autumn). Pine martens are the holy grail: cat-sized, nocturnal, with beautiful cream chest bibs. Rare to see but occasionally visit feeders at dusk. Various birds—buzzards, red kites, kestrels, owls—hunt overhead. Smaller birds (chaffinches, coal tits, treecreepers) visit feeders constantly. The key to wildlife watching is patience. Sit quietly on your veranda, minimize movement, and wait. Wildlife will come to you.
Photo Gallery
Insider Tips
Insider Tip
Red squirrels are most active early morning (7-9am) and late afternoon (4-6pm). Sit quietly on your veranda with a cup of coffee and wait—they'll appear.
Insider Tip
Keep binoculars by the window. Wildlife appears when you least expect it, and you want to be ready.
Insider Tip
Download a bird identification app (like Merlin Bird ID). You'll spot species you didn't know existed.
Insider Tip
Pine martens are most likely to appear at dusk in summer. Set up on your veranda 30 minutes before sunset and watch the feeders.
Insider Tip
Red deer dawn visits: set an alarm for 30 minutes before sunrise, make coffee, watch the forest edges from your window. Magical.
Insider Tip
Stay still and quiet. Wildlife is less disturbed by humans who sit quietly than those who move around constantly.
Best Times to Visit
- Early morning (dawn-9am): Red deer, red squirrels most active
- Late afternoon/evening (4-6pm): Red squirrels busy, chance of pine martens
- Dusk: Pine martens, owls, bats
- Dawn: Red deer, foxes, misty atmospheric conditions
- After rain: Animals emerge to feed
- Autumn: Rutting season, increased deer activity
Photo Opportunities
- Red squirrels at feeders (from lodge window)
- Red squirrels leaping between branches
- Red deer at forest edge in morning mist
- Pine marten at feeder (if lucky!)
- Birds of prey overhead
- Dawn/dusk silhouettes of wildlife
Wildlife to Watch For
- Red squirrels (almost guaranteed daily)
- Red deer (dawn/dusk, common)
- Pine martens (rare, dusk/night)
- Roe deer (smaller, more skittish)
- Red foxes (occasional)
- Badgers (nocturnal, rare)
- Buzzards (overhead, common)
- Red kites (overhead, distinctive forked tail)
- Sparrowhawks (hunting in forest)
- Tawny owls (listen for hooting at night)
- Various small birds (chaffinches, tits, robins, etc.)
Seasonal Guide
Spring (Apr-May)
Baby animals! Red squirrel kits venture from nests, deer fawns learn to walk, birds nest actively. Dawn chorus is incredible—overlapping birdsong from dozens of species. Wildlife very active as they raise young.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Long daylight hours mean more wildlife watching time. Young animals more confident and visible. Pine martens most likely to appear at dusk. Red squirrels busy gathering food. Birds fledging—you'll see juveniles learning to fly.
Autumn (Sep-Oct)
Peak activity! Red squirrels frantic gathering winter stores—incredibly entertaining to watch. Red deer rutting season: hear stags roaring, see antler displays. Autumn colors provide stunning backdrop for photography.
Winter (Nov-Mar)
Red squirrels visit feeders more regularly (natural food scarce). Red deer descend from high ground—more visible at lower elevations. Birds concentrate at feeders. Fewer leaves mean better visibility through forest. Frost and occasional snow create magical scenes.
Practical Information
Quick Facts
What to Bring
- Binoculars (essential!)
- Camera with telephoto lens (if you have one)
- Bird and mammal identification guides or apps
- Patience and quiet demeanor
- Thermos of coffee/tea for dawn watches
- Notebook to record sightings (surprisingly satisfying)
Stay at Ancarraig
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