Trossachs Bird of Prey Trail, The Trossachs Stirling, United KingdomSpringhttp://www.birdofpreytrail.com10:33 05-Sep-2010Seasonal guide – spring Nature really comes to life in the spring, with wildflowers providing much needed colour after the dark days of winter. As the geese leave their feeding grounds, new migrants begin to arrive, and the woods are alive with the sound of birdsong. Highlights: • Keep your eye open for returning ospreys. Both birds that are looking for nest sites in the area, and those travelling further north can be seen at this time of the year. • Peregrines will be starting their courtship rituals. Listen out for their high-pitched calls above Callander and Aberfoyle. • In early spring, great crested grebes can be seen doing the strangest things on the Lake of Menteith! Their beautiful courtship includes the exchange of gifts, and synchronised dancing. • Brown hares are famous for boxing in March, but this behaviour can be seen any time up until May. It’s actually the females that box, keeping the over-zealous males at bay! Keep your eye out for matches on the Carse of Stirling. • Native bluebells carpet many of the woodlands in May, but are particularly impressive on the slopes of Aberfoyle and at the David Marshall Lodge. • Frogspawn can be seen in many of the pools and lochs in the area. As the season progresses, the inevitable happens, and you should be able to spot the tiny tadpoles. • Waders such as curlews, lapwings and oyster catchers return to the agricultural land on the Carse to breed. |