RSPB Loch Leven

Taking advantage of the drier and warmer weather, we had a day out at the RSPB Nature Reserve at Loch Leven, near Kinross.  Formerly known as Vane Farm (and all the direction signs still call it this), we had passed it every time we drove to Edinburgh but had never visited before.

The weather wasn't quite as sunny and warm as the forecasters had promised, so we were glad to have taken jackets with us and it did seem to have an effect on the wildlife too.  There were no damsel or dragon flies to be seen anywhere and just one lonely cabbage white butterfly. 

There was a variety of birds, but not in the numbers we'd been hoping for and many were too far away to photograph.  However, we did see a heron, a lapwing, loads of swallows and a lovely selection of garden birds at the feeders, including several tree sparrows (you can tell them by the black patch on their cheeks), green and gold finches. 

We also saw a fox, the first live one we've seen for years in Scotland and a very poorly baby bunny, who probably had the beginnings of myxomatosis, which is common in the area.  The wildflowers on the site were magnificent, with some very unusual ones we couldn't identify, as well as many we could such as red clover, wild orchids and the one in the picture, Viper's Bugloss.  Horrible name, for a beautiful plant:-)

We ended the day in Anstruther in Fife, which was packed as always on a decent summer's day, where we had a rather mediocre fish and chip supper.  Not up to the usual standard at all, so rather a disappointment.

However, we didn't let that spoil a very pleasant day out and we hope to return soon to Loch Leven.