Birds

Portree

Sherry Felix7 Comments

Portree is the largest town and capital of the Isle of Skye, known for its colorful harbor, scenic landscapes, and as a hub for exploring the island.

Portree, or Port Rìgh in Scottish Gaelic, meaning “King’s Port,” is located on the east coast of the Isle of Skye, overlooking a bay and surrounded by hills such as Ben Tianavaig and Fingal’s Seat. The town has a population of around 2,500. Its natural harbor, extended by Thomas Telford, is lined with brightly painted buildings.

Portree’s origins date back centuries, with archaeological evidence of settlement from the Early Bronze Age to the Medieval period. The town developed as a fishing village in the 18th and 19th centuries and played a role in Scottish emigration and trade. Its name is traditionally linked to a visit by King James V in 1540, though the area was known as Port Ruighe, meaning “slope harbor,” before that.

Portree is an excellent base for exploring Skye due to its central location and access to major roads like the A87 and A855. The weather is mild, wet, and windy; visitors should dress for changing conditions.

The buttercups glowed like stars in the shadows. Marc’s version is image 2. I created image 3.

A scenic landscape featuring rolling green hills with morning dew, a tall tree on the left, and a distant mountain under a clear blue sky.
Portree, Isle of Sky 4/29/2026
A peaceful cemetery scene featuring tall, green grass sprinkled with yellow flowers, surrounded by large trees and various gravestones.
Portree, Isle of Skye 4/30/2026
A peaceful cemetery scene featuring a large tree with lush green leaves, surrounded by gravestones on a grassy area dotted with yellow flowers.
Portree, Isle of Skye 4/30/2026
A tranquil cemetery scene with gravestones surrounded by lush green vegetation and blooming flowers, under a canopy of trees.
Portree, Isle of Sky 4/29/2026
A grassy path winding through trees leading up a gentle hill, with a colorful sky in the background.
Portree, Isle of Sky 4/29/2026
A view of houses partially obscured by trees and foliage under a clear blue sky.
Portree, Isle of Skye 4/30/2026
Scenic view of a river surrounded by lush greenery, with colorful buildings along the shore and rolling hills in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
Portree, Isle of Sky 5/1/2026
A scenic view of a coastal landscape featuring a bare tree in the foreground, overlooking quaint houses and a peaceful bay under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
Portree, Isle of Skye 4/30/2026
A black bird perched on branches against a blue sky, singing.
Blackbird (Turdus merula), Portree, Isle of Skye 4/30/2026
A small brown bird with a reddish-orange chest perched on a mossy stone.
European Robin (Erithacus rubecula), Portree, Isle of Skye 4/30/2026
A weathered gravestone partially covered with ivy, leaning against a large tree trunk in a lush, green cemetery.
Portree, Isle of Skye 5/1/2026
A black and white photograph of a cemetery featuring a large bare tree, numerous gravestones, and a cloudy sky.
Portree, Isle of Skye 4/30/2026

Eilean Donan

Sherry Felix5 Comments

Scenes from our first group visit to Eilean Donan – Kyle of Lochalsh, Scotland.

The third photograph is of a Rowan tree. The Rowan Tree Symbolism and Meaning in Celtic Mythology is fascinating.

The biggest surprise, and a life bird, was a fly by in the location of the last photograph by a White Tailed Eagle. I saw many cormorants and oyster catchers.

A vibrant green tree standing out amidst a lush forest in springtime, with new leaves illuminated by sunlight.
Eilean Donan, Loch Alsh, Kyle, Dornie, Scotland 4/28/2026
A barren tree stands in a lush landscape with green grass and shrubs, against a backdrop of rolling hills under a partly cloudy blue sky.
Eilean Donan, Loch Alsh, Kyle, Dornie, Scotland 4/28/2026
A close-up view of a small tree with budding leaves beside a stone wall, accompanied by a sign. The sky is clear with sunlight shining.
Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia), Eilean Donan, Loch Alsh, Kyle, Dornie, Scotland 4/28/2026
A vibrant forest scene with a mix of green trees and sunlight creating a glowing effect in the foliage.
Eilean Donan, Loch Alsh, Kyle, Dornie, Scotland 4/28/2026
A scenic view of a rocky coastline with lush green hills in the background, under a blue sky with a few clouds. A person is standing on the rocks near the water's edge.
Eilean Donan, Loch Alsh, Kyle, Dornie, Scotland 4/28/2026
A small fishing boat with the registration number BRD 256 is navigating through blue waters, carrying lobster traps and fishing gear.
Eilean Donan, Loch Alsh, Kyle, Dornie, Scotland 4/28/2026
A cormorant perched on a rocky surface, looking out over a body of water.
Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo), Eilean Donan, Loch Alsh, Kyle, Dornie, Scotland 4/28/2026
A serene landscape featuring a calm river surrounded by lush green hills and mountains under a partly cloudy sky.
Eilean Donan, Loch Alsh, Kyle, Dornie, Scotland 4/28/2026

Portree

Sherry Felix9 Comments

The photography group stayed at an old inn, The Royal Hotel in Portree offering Sea View Accommodation with Bar and Restaurant in Portree on The Isle of Skye. Our room was at the top and there was no elevator. We had a lovely view.

Scenic view of a colorful waterfront with buildings in pastel hues lining the shore, surrounded by lush greenery and hills under a clear blue sky.
Portree, Isle of Sky, Scotalnd 4/28/2026
A scenic view of a harbor with boats in the water, surrounded by colorful buildings and rolling hills under a clear blue sky.
Portree, Isle of Sky, Scotalnd 4/28/2026
A scenic view of a harbor with multiple boats, surrounded by hills and clear blue skies. In the foreground, there are several traditional houses with sloped roofs and greenery.
Portree, Isle of Sky, Scotalnd 4/28/2026
A colorful bird perched on branches with sparse foliage, singing in the sunlight.
European Robin (Erithacus rubecula), Portree, Isle of Sky, Scotalnd 4/28/2026
Historic chapel with a round rose window and bell tower, surrounded by trees and other buildings under a clear sky.
Portree, Isle of Sky, Scotalnd 4/28/2026
A narrow street lined with shops and cafes, featuring signs for 'The Fat Panda' takeaway and a café. The buildings have a mix of textures and colors, with sunlight illuminating the scene.
Portree, Isle of Sky, Scotalnd 4/28/2026
A picturesque scene of a small town street featuring traditional stone buildings and shops, with a road leading into the distance. Trees and a cloudy sky can be seen overhead.
Portree, Isle of Sky, Scotalnd 4/28/2026
A historic stone church with a steep slate roof, featuring an arched entrance and decorative windows, surrounded by greenery and a low stone wall.
Portree, Isle of Sky, Scotalnd 4/28/2026
Exterior view of Portree Parish Church of Scotland, showcasing its stone facade, wooden double doors, and surrounding greenery.
Portree, Isle of Sky, Scotalnd 4/28/2026
A scenic landscape featuring a large, lush tree in the foreground, with an old stone church and rolling hills in the background under a colorful sky.
Portree, Isle of Sky, Scotalnd 4/28/2026

St John’s 1 of 3

Sherry Felix8 Comments

The lovely St. John’s Scottish Episcopalian Church is by Loch Leven in Ballachulish, Scotland. It is a deeply Scottish Church whose history is interwoven with the whole story of Christianity in Scotland – back to the Celtic Saints like Ninian and Columba and through the Scottish Reformation and all the turbulence which followed. Pictures of the church to follow.

We came to photograph the dawn light.

A serene landscape featuring a mountain silhouetted against a colorful sunset, reflected in calm water.
St John’s Scotish Episcopal Church, Loch Leven, Scotland 4/28/2026
A serene view of a calm body of water reflecting mountains and a cloudy sky, with yellow flowers in the foreground.
St John’s Scotish Episcopal Church, Loch Leven, Scotland 4/28/2026
A serene landscape featuring mountains reflecting in calm water at sunset, with soft clouds in the sky and a warm color palette.
St John’s Scotish Episcopal Church, Loch Leven, Scotland 4/28/2026
Grave markers in a cemetery with mountains in the background during sunset over a body of water.
St John’s Scotish Episcopal Church, Loch Leven, Scotland 4/28/2026
A scenic view of a winding road alongside a calm lake, bordered by trees displaying autumn colors, with mountains in the background.
St John’s Scotish Episcopal Church, Loch Leven, Scotland 4/28/2026
A small stone chapel surrounded by trees and a graveyard, set against a backdrop of mountains under a clear blue sky.
St John’s Scotish Episcopal Church, Loch Leven, Scotland 4/28/2026
A close-up view of textured rocks covered with various mosses and grasses in a natural setting.
St John’s Scotish Episcopal Church, Loch Leven, Scotland 4/28/2026
A stone wall covered in moss with patches of grass and dry vegetation alongside a pathway leading into the distance.
St John’s Scotish Episcopal Church, Loch Leven, Scotland 4/28/2026
A bird standing on dewy grass surrounded by small, dark flowers.
Common Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs), St John’s Scotish Episcopal Church, Loch Leven, Scotland 4/28/2026

Castle Stalker

Sherry Felix4 Comments

A lovely evening photoshoot of Castle Stalker – Wikipedia on Loch Laich in Apin, Scotland. Our little photography group is in the first picture. Marc likes photographing walls. The rim light on the sheep is special.

Silhouette of a castle on an island at sunset with people walking along the shoreline and mountains in the background.
Castle Stalker, Appin 4/27/2026
Silhouette of a castle on a small island during sunset, with colorful skies and distant mountains in the background.
Castle Stalker, Appin 4/27/2026
A sheep and its lamb standing in a grassy field during golden hour, with sunlight illuminating their silhouettes.
Sheep (Ovis aries), Castle Stalker, Appin 4/27/2026
A peaceful scene of sheep and lambs in a green meadow near water, with one lamb lying down and two others playing nearby, as the sun sets.
Sheep (Ovis aries), Castle Stalker, Appin 4/27/2026
Close-up of a white sheep with a fluffy coat, standing in a grassy field, with soft sunlight illuminating its face.
Sheep (Ovis aries), Castle Stalker, Appin 4/27/2026
A sheep and its lamb grazing in a green field during golden hour.
Sheep (Ovis aries), Castle Stalker, Appin 4/27/2026
A scenic view of a pathway leading through lush greenery, with a tree and a stone wall structure in the foreground under a blue sky with clouds.
Castle Stalker, Appin 4/27/2026
A crow perched on a rock in a grassy field, with trees and a wooden fence in the background.
Castle Stalker, Appin 4/27/2026
Clumps of small white flowers among green grass, showcasing delicate petals and stems.
Scurveygrass or Spoonwort (Cochlearia officinalis), Castle Stalker, Appin 4/27/2026
Blurred view of trees and mountains during sunset, with a lake reflecting the colors of the sky.
Castle Stalker, Appin 4/27/2026

Glenfinnan Viaduct

Sherry Felix4 Comments

The Harry Potter Bridge (Glenfinnan Viaduct – Wikipedia) and a statue to Bonnie Prince Charley on Glenfinnan Monument | National Trust for Scotland. I thought this was an odd stop for landscape photography. It is very touristy. The closeup of the statue was done with my Nikon P11000 at 1600mm. It has a ridiculous zoom! There were a few birds by the cafe.

A scenic view of a large lake surrounded by mountains, featuring an island with green trees and a stone monument in the foreground.
Glenfinnan Viaduc t 4/27/2026
A scenic view of a lake surrounded by mountains, featuring a stone monument in the foreground and a pathway leading to it.
Glenfinnan Viaduc t 4/27/2026
A statue of a historical figure stands on a pedestal in the water, with a shimmering blue background.
Glenfinnan Viaduc t 4/27/2026
A scenic view of a large, elegant house surrounded by lush greenery and trees, located near a calm river.
Glenfinnan Viaduc t 4/27/2026
Scenic view of a winding road surrounded by trees, with mountains in the background under a cloudy sky.
Glenfinnan Viaduct 4/27/2026
A scenic view of a road leading towards distant snow-capped mountains under a partially cloudy sky, surrounded by lush green foliage.
Glenfinnan Viaduc t 4/27/2026
Close-up of tree branches adorned with lichen and moss against a pale sky.
Beard Lichen, Glenfinnan Viaduc t 4/27/2026
A small bird foraging on the ground among pebbles, holding a piece of food in its beak.
European Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis), Glenfinnan Viaduc t 4/27/2026
A black and white bird standing on the ground, surrounded by green grass.
Glenfinnan Viaduc t 4/27/2026
A small bird with a brown and gray plumage observed on a rocky surface, appearing to peck at the ground.
Glenfinnan Viaduc t 4/27/2026

Glean Etive 3 of 3

Sherry Felix1 Comment

There were birds near the running streams in Glen Etive. Glen Etive Mor is part of the stunning Scottish Highlands, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, hiking opportunities, and the iconic Buachaille Etive Mòr mountain. The weather was lovely and it rarely rained during our two week stay in Scotland.

A scenic view of a flowing stream over rocky terrain, surrounded by green shrubs and trees under bright sunlight.
Glen-Etive, Bullachulish 4/27/2026
Close-up view of a rocky waterfall with flowing water, surrounded by clear pools and vegetation.
Glen-Etive, Bullachulish 4/27/2026
A flowing waterfall cascading over rocky terrain, surrounded by lush vegetation.
Glen-Etive, Bullachulish 4/27/2026
A serene landscape featuring a small waterfall flowing over rocky terrain, surrounded by lush greenery and distant hills under a cloudy sky.
Glen-Etive, Bullachulish 4/27/2026
Close-up of a branch with small, curled, reddish-brown buds against a blurred background.
Blog-myrtle (Myrica gale), Glen-Etive, Bullachulish 4/27/2026
A small bird perched on a branch among twigs and foliage, displaying a muted color palette.
European Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis), Glen-Etive, Bullachulish 4/27/2026
Close-up of a small bird perched among twigs and moss, showcasing its plumage and features.
European Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis), Glen-Etive, Bullachulish 4/27/2026
A bird perched among budding branches, surrounded by young green leaves against a blue sky.
Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus), Glen-Etive, Bullachulish 4/27/2026

Green-Wood Late April

Sherry Felix4 Comments

I love driving slowly through this lovely cemetery and stopping frequently for photography.

A tall, weathered tree stump stands in a cemetery, surrounded by gravestones and blooming pink trees under a cloudy sky.
Green-Wood 4/122/2026
Close-up of a tree trunk with vibrant green leaves, set against a background of gravestones in a cemetery.
Horse-chestnut Tree (Aesculus hippocastanum), Green-Wood 4/19/2026
A serene cemetery scene featuring two gravestones surrounded by vibrant pink flowering shrubs and lush green grass, with tall trees in the background.
Azalea, Green-Wood 4/19/2026
A serene cemetery scene featuring vibrant pink flowering trees surrounded by green grass and gravestones.
Redbud (Cercis canadensis), Green-Wood 4/122/2026
A vibrant red maple tree stands in a cemetery, with green trees in the background and gravestones partially visible.
Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum), Green-Wood 4/122/2026
A vibrant pink flowering bush surrounded by lush greenery in a cemetery, with gravestones in the background.
Azalea, Green-Wood 4/19/2026
A small black and white bird perched on a textured tree branch, surrounded by green foliage and pink blossoms.
Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia), Green-Wood 4/122/2026
A bird perched on a stalk in a garden, surrounded by bright yellow daffodils and dried foliage.
Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula), Green-Wood 4/122/2026