The Den of Alyth is an old gorge that the burn has worn down over the centuries, walking in it can feel like you have stepped back in time, like you stepped into a primeval rainforest. It is beautiful, quiet and very, very calming with the sound of the burn (stream) and the wind in the trees accompanied by bird calls.
That image epitomises the Den for me; we were picnicking alongside the burn last September, the water was running slowly and leaves were falling onto it and drifting lazily by.
There didn’t appear to be much activity but as we started to nice birds flitting about down on or near the water.
We spotted a couple of pairs of Grey Wagtails working up and down the burn collecting insects for hungry youngsters. Then I spotted a few of them trying to forage for themselves a little further up the burn.
You can see that they are much duller but starting to colour up.
And then we spotted a Dipper, I love photographing them and since this walk I’ve decided to get back down here asap to try and get some really good shots.
Something flew across the lens as I was shooting these ….
A Robin with its beak also full of bugs for youngsters but the shot above also capture a splash in the background as the other Dipper worked its way towards me.
Lots of rearing and feeding going on at this time of year.
I was a little slow here, the second bird kept moving towards me and then stood on that rock dipping, wing flapping and acting agitated …
I get it! I’m near the nest!!! Doh! Both birds were hanging around with beak-fuls, waiting for me to clear off! So I moved back a little and one at a time the flew up into the cliff face and behind some hanging Ferns, into a crevice. See, I have to go back, find a better, more suitable location and wait for the young to fledge. Hmmmmmm but when might that be?
Watch this space, maybe? 🙂
wanderings
Scozmo's Photery 
Beautiful photography, telling the story of new life about to spring forth perfectly. Going back so as not to annoy the parents awaiting their newborns? They do get agitated at this time of year, so might be good idea to camouflage yourselves, sit still, dont let them see or hear you, let them come to you and hopefully, you will catch the new babies. Look forward to seeing this celebration of new beginnings. Wonderful.
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My apologies, I have let your comment go unanswered, thank you so much, I haven’t been back there since this sadly, I must go back asap. It is a beautiful, tranquil place.
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Thank you Brian but that’s ok, no apologies required. Easily done when you have so many beautiful spots to visit to photograph, which you capture perfectly. It’s lovely to see and share in your part of the world. I feel I’m almost there.
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Thank you, it’s not quite so nice today, been pouring all morning, much needed, I might add but, it IS a beautiful part of the country, I cannot stop walking, exploring and taking more photos 🙂
Thank you very much for your kind words
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You’re most welcome Brian. Credit where credit is due. I would be the same if I lived in such a beautiful, inspiring place. I’d be out everyday capturing everything in sight lol 😂 It’s raining here too but still very warm. Hope it stops raining soon and you can get back out to capture life. 🙏
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Stunning shots — the one of the dipper is my favorite, absolutely beautiful!
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Thank you Bc, hoping to head back down, maybe today for more. Better armed … tripod etc.
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Beautiful photo 💓
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Thank you PK 🙂
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