The mornings at Lowes are becoming more mystical and atmospheric every day, as Autumn progresses. The mist trapped by the hills, sweeping over the golf course and hovering over the loch, along with the bellowing of rutting deer and honking of migrating geese creates a wonderfully tranquil setting where one can feel truly immersed in Scotland’s iconic scenery. The fallow deer rut takes place during October and November and can easily be heard throughout the reserve.

Roe deer can also be seen during these cool, misty mornings, in unusually large groups of eight or more, in the wooded area between the car park and the visitor centre. Normally the more solitary of the deer species, they prefer to forage alone or as a pair, however in winter they group together to feed.

Our osprey tree, bustling with activity earlier in the season, now stands empty, surrounded by a shifting canvas of colours. As the colder days draw in we are starting to see some of our winter visitors to the loch. Goldeneye are becoming more abundant, along with Canada geese. We are eagerly awaiting the return of species such as whooper swans, greylag geese, teal and wigeon, among others.

As the mist clears around late-morning, the loch regains its usual shimmering beauty, the deer quieten and the robins start their daily repertoire of songs, you find yourself wondering if you imagined the whole spectacle.

Laura

Visitor Centre Assistant