Wildlife on the Estate
The varied landscape of Balnagown estate is the perfect home for our local wildlife.
Balnagown’s Wildlife
Our Local Residents
Our wildlife hide is open for all guests to use and offers the ideal place to observe our wild residents up close. A little patience can bring big rewards, and you might be lucky enough to see one of our red squirrels. Smaller and daintier than grey squirrels, red squirrels have distinctive fluffy tufts on their ears. They don’t hibernate and so you might be able to see them at any time of the year.
You might also see red deer, sika and roe deer, pheasants, black grouse, and other local birds.
Pine Marten at Balnagown’s Feeding Station
Elusive pine martens and badgers have also been spotted on the estate. If you’re out for a moonlit stroll you may even catch a glimpse of these shy nocturnal creatures. We have managed to capture them on film in the early hours of the morning at one of our feeding stations.
Balnagown’s Wildlife
Birds of Balnagown
Listen out for the loud honking call of the pheasant in the undergrowth, and the distinctive hoot of a tawny owl as darkness descends. Keep an eye on the sky too – osprey, golden eagles and hen harriers have all been seen overhead here.
Around the lochs and Balnagown river, you’ll see our resident swans, little grebes, cormorants, ducks, otters, and waders enjoying the waters that teem with trout and salmon.
Badger at Balnagown’s Feeding Station
Balnagown’s Hide
Our purpose-built wildlife hide gives you the best opportunity to see Balnagown’s wildlife up close and personal. It overlooks a feeding station where we serve a changing menu for local wildlife in a way that encourages their natural feeding behaviour. The hide is big enough for three or four people at a time to keep a look out for our resident red squirrels and birdlife. You’ll find the hide on Mill Hill, tucked away between Swiss Cottage and Hill House.
Wildlife Gallery
Click to view a larger image.
