"How many?"
Yep, that's
seven - eight, if you include this spring's fabulous
School Trip to the Outer Hebrides - Schools my estimable partner Simon and I have so far completed. We've come a long way from a kernel of an idea over a pint in Grantown a couple of years back....
A full week with a fantastic cast list (all team players, all helping each other, all a great craic) and some great birding - in mixed conditions, as you might expect in the Highlands in the early winter - which challenged us to degree, but then provided some of the most beautiful moments and backdrops I've ever had up there.
Temperatures plunged to -10 midweek and the forecast snow was even heavier than predicted, but oh boy, was it the absolute archetypal winter wonderland. In the forests, in the valleys, on the hills and mountains, across farmland and in the villages, the white stuff was fresh and deep and the experiences we had were especially peaceful and mindful as a consequence.
Two of four Waxwings we stumbled across in Carr Bridge
Thanks to all of Class Seven for making it such a pleasure for us - a really memorable one, and we look forward to seeing you again for Module Two....
Treecreeper
... speaking of which, next up is our very first Module Two, in February; watch this space for a hopefully positive report! We've another five schools (all booked up) until our next Module One in November next year - there's a couple of places left I think,
so have a look here if you fancy joining us.
Crestie (above), Red-breasted Merganser (below)
Gulls at Lossiemouth - spot the four argentatus Herring Gulls...
Lekking Black Grouse
Thanks once more to our good friends at
Zeiss Birding, who again provided a wide range of their qulaity birding optics free of charge for our team to use, with big discounts available on purchases thereafter. We appreciate your ongoing support!
Gulls at Lossiemouth - spot the four argentatus Herring Gulls... 
