Most Black-throated Divers return inland from wintering on the sea during April. Before settling onto their breeding lochs they often wander around. It is the birds haunting calls that often alert us that we have visitors in the bay below the house. It is then time to grab a camera and head for the cover of the bushes on the loch shore. Black-throated Divers are inquisitive birds and often swim closer inshore to investigate anything suspicious.

The unseasonably cool theme to the weather of 2010 has continued in the Highlands. There were fresh falls of snow on the high ground and night frosts in the glens until the last week of May. Many trees were late coming into leaf and butterflies were late to emerge..

Despite the cold weather so far it has been a good season for many butterflies and moths. Peacocks and Small Tortoiseshells came through the winter well and Orange tips and Chequered Skippers have emerged in good numbers.

Lesser Swallow Prominent moth

Pale Prominent moth