Pitmuies Gardens & Balgavies Loch

Oh why is it so cold?  13 degrees today - more like winter!  We decided to go out anyway, because at least it wasn't raining, and we are so glad we did, as we had a wonderful day:-)

Our first stop was Pitmuies Gardens, near Forfar, which we'd often passed but never stopped to look.  What a beautiful garden it is, with so many wonderful plants, immaculate lawns, amazing trees, lovely walks and hidden gems!  In spite of being freezing cold and wishing we had brought hats and gloves, we enjoyed our picnic there too.  We'll definitely go back soon!

En route to home, we passed Balgavies Loch, another place we'd not stopped at and what a treat was in store for us there:-)  Not one, not two, but THREE ospreys (male, female and chick)!  The male had caught a huge trout and was enjoying his share while sitting in a large tree.  The female, who waited patiently for 15 minutes or more, eventually got fed up waiting for her share and flew over to take a piece which she then fed to the chick in the nest (extra photos). 

As if this wasn't enough, we then spotted a red squirrel at the bird feeders, swiftly followed by three woodpeckers (again male, female and chick).  I managed to get a shot with one of the woodies and the squirrel together!  (See extra photos)

A day of delights for garden and nature lovers like us:-)  Hope yours was as enjoyable.