Shieldaig village was originally built in the nineteenth century to raise and train sailors to fight Napoleon. Caledonian Pine trees were planted on Shieldaig Island for the purpose of building masts for ships. Fortunately, these were never used.

The island is now owned by the Scottish National Trust. No one lands on the island without special permission. Villagers have reported that there have been many Grey Herons apparently living on the island over many years, and for that reason, a Census was undertaken on 27 April, 2007.

 

A Grey Heron in typical feeding pose.

 

Shieldaig Island is covered with rocky outcrops, seaweed, scrub, and Caledonian Pine trees.

There are also Larch, Aspen, Holly and Rowan trees.

 

A typical Grey Heron's nest on Shieldaig Island, nestling against the rock and supported by the branches of a tree.

We counted 15 apparently occupied Herons' nests on Shieldaig Island.

 

Grey Heron about to land on its nest.

 

Three Herons' nests are apparent in one tree.

 

 

 

A neighbouring island, Inverbain - where we spotted three Grey Herons' nests, and 50+ Cormorants.

Seen below, they sit protectively on their nests while looking at the predatory Great Black-backed Gull flying overhead.

 

Local expert, Norman Cameron who has lived in Shieldaig all his life and knows the waters better than most, was our guide.

.

A Grey Seal shows interest.

 

A Black Guillemot observes the island.

 

Typical terrain on the island cliffs - grass, lichen, moss and bluebells cling to the rocks.

 

An uneasy alliance of birds.

 

 

A Fulmar in flight over Inverbain Island.

 

A familiar Cormorant pose in the gentle wind.

 

Inverbain Island is inhabited (or visited) by Greylag Geese.

 

Looking towards Loch Torridon and Liathach.

 

Eider Ducks travelling in convoy.

 

A Grey Heron swoops towards its nest.