2015 Scottish Odyssey (2) Amphibians at Culzean

The view from Culzean Castle in Ayrshire, Scotland

In my previous post I mentioned some of the mammals we encountered on our recent Scottish odyssey. This time I thought I would add a couple of amphibian sightings. We saw several toads (and a batch of tadpoles) during our time away, and I may post other photos in due course. 

You never know who may be lurking in a woodland garden ...

We knew the castle, lake and walled garden at NTS Culzean from a previous visit, but had not been to the designated wildlife garden before.

There were several signs about the place. I was particularly heartened to read the one below. 

The first creature we encountered was this Common Toad. I know that skin colours can differ in toads, but I had never seen one like this before. It was large and utterly magnificent. Stuart Babbs on Flicka suggests that a peaty environment may account for dark pigments in toads.

Has anyone else seen toads like this one? Alison Davies posted about black toads on iSpot and it was suggested that a dark colour absorbs more heat. The colour can be an advantage in dark surroundings ... like the frog box.

The photo below shows a newt (or is it still a large eft?). I have not been able to identify the exact species. 

I mentioned signs, and here in the photo below you can see another one, this time on the lid of the frog box. I have to confess at this point that both the black toad and the newt were in the box. We took a quick look and replaced the lid with great care. This kind of wildlife spotting felt a bit too easy - it was a bit like walking into the RSPB Minsmere Bittern Hide and seeing ... a Bittern!

You can see why we like the view from the castle! 

Beautiful Birds ~ Eider off the Ayrshire Coast

I love Eider Ducks, and have only seen them in Scotland and Northumbria.

You can just about make out the pink tinge on the front of the male

This time we were based in Ayr in the south-west of Scotland. We saw Eiders at a number of coastal locations - another species for my 2014 list! 

Male Eiders off the Scottish coast

I love the stylish green patch of feathers on the male.

It is always a joy to see these gregarious sea ducks doing what they do best.
 

Female Eider

The female Eider plucks down from her breast to line her nest. These birds became affectionately known as Cuddy ducks because back in the 7th century a hermit who later became St Cuthbert afforded them protection.

Raft of Eider approaching Girvan Harbour

• Phil Gates on the Eider at Seahouses (The Guardian Country Diary 22 April 2013)