Forget the Monster, Look at the Birds! A quick visit to Urquhart Castle
Calling all birdwatchers & Loch Ness enthusiasts! Loch Ness unfolds before you from Urquhart Castle. Spot majestic birds & soak up epic views. Is Nessie lurking beneath the surface?
Following our visit to the Cairngorm Reindeer Center, we got lunch in Inverness and had some time to spend before visiting the Speyside Wildlife Badger Hide in the evening.
We decided to drive down to Loch Ness to try to locate Nessie. We stopped to Urquhart Castle. Initially we were a bit unsure of whether to pay for admission because we only had about an hour to spare. Ultimately we decided to go in because we wanted the views of the Loch and we were already there.
Urquhart is very scenic with castle ruins overlooking the Loch. You're able to enter the towner and visit upstairs and downstairs.
The views of Urquhart and from the grounds
A Coo and Trebuchet on the castle grounds
As we left the welcome area, there were a few birds at the tables looking for the days leftover snacks.
A Juvenile Chaffinch gers a snack.
The lawns were habitat for Song Thrushes and Eurasian Blackbirds.
Song Thrushes in the grasses amongst some flowers.
A Eurasian black bird finds some dinner and dashes around.
There were Barn Swallows zipping across the lawns and Western House Martins zooming around near the castle and amongst the coastal trees.
Barn swallows near Urquhart
Western House Martins zipped through the sky with an occassional landing. Due to their coloring and the roundness of their heads, we fondly referred to them as "Sky Orcas".
Barn Swallows were nesting in the tower basement. There were chicks at that time, although I didn't get to see them other members of my party did.
Birds also enjoyed taking a rest on the castle ruins
A White Wagtail enjoys the view from the castle ruins
While we didn't have a ton of time at the Castle we did get to take in the phenomenal views. I really enjoyed watching the birds zip around the ruins for their dinner. I'd definitely recommend visiting if you find yourself in the area.