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Mountain Ranges:
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Walks in Ben Wyvis and Easter Ross
Index to Walks in this Section
Carn na Coinnich9 February 2008
The BBC mountain forecast the previous evening indicated that it was to be very windy, around 70 miles per hour with gusts as much as 100 miles per hour on the higher peaks. In these circumstances the chances of reaching the summit of this Graham was fairly remote. However the forecast in the morning gave the wind speed as 40 – 50 miles per hour with no mention of gusts so things were looking up. The start of the walk was in Strathconnon which is reached from Marybank on the A832, west of Beauly. An unclassified, single track road runs along the south side of the River Connon to Loch Achonachie, Loch Meig and then the River Meig. Just before the bridge over the River Meig an estate road continues along the south side of the River with a large gate. Signs indicate that the road is private although it does say that walkers are welcome. There was a parking area beside the gate. I walked west along the estate road for over a kilometre and just before Home Farm Cottage took the vehicle track which headed south up the side of a forest. Beyond the forest and at a junction of tracks stags, which were being fed by the estate with hay or silage, ran off up the hillside. The vehicle track continued across the open hillside before it followed the side of a stream. This track was shown on the map as a path but had obviously been upgraded to allow stalkers to gain access to the hills by vehicle rather than on foot. Crossing the stream was a bit awkward due to the recent rain and snow melt. There were good views back across Strathconnon to Meallan nan Uan and Sgurr a’Mhuilinn. Beyond that were the Achnashellach mountains where a search was on going for a missing climber. Unfortunately at lunch time that day he was found dead near Sgorr Ruadh. I disturbed more deer as I headed up the track which was in reasonable condition until I came to a steeper section where there was a bit of erosion. The gradient eased and the track became wet in places. I was being watched by some deer on Carn na Coinnich's north ridge, their head, ears or antlers protruded above the sky-line. At 600 metres I left the track and crossed some peat bog before climbing onto the north ridge of Carn na Coinnich where an All Terrain Vehicle track went to within metres of the rocky summit with its trig point. It was windy on the summit but nothing near the 50 miles per hour forecast. I had views down to the Orrin Reservoir, the cloud topped Strathfarrar Munros and west to Bac an Eich, An Sidhean and Maoile Lunndaidh. After a coffee break I headed across peat hags, some filled with snow, to the south side of Loch Gruamach and descended north-west towards the Allt Baile na Creige across some wet and slippery vegetation. I was hoping to find the path shown on my map but even looking down into the glen I couldn’t see it. I followed the stream downhill until it entered a gorge. Occasionally I thought I had found the path but it appeared to be deer tracks. I am fairly certain that the path does not exist. Lower down I had to regain some height to avoid the gorge before descending into the forest where there was a track. I followed this track which took me to the south side of the River Meig and thereafter to Dalbreac Lodge, Home Farm Cottage and back to the start where I spoke to a local couple, the only people I met all day.
Beinn Tharsuinn3 November 2007
Beinn Tharsuinn is a fairly remote hill situated between Strathcarron in the north-east and Strath Vaich in the south-west. The Strath Vaich approach in particular would benefit from the use of a mountain bike but whatever approach is selected there is still a lot of cross country walking. I opted for an approach from the north-west, without the use of a cycle, as I had planned to use a stalker’s path after around 1.5 kilometres, but as you will read this didn’t materialise. Strathcarron is reached along a single track road from Ardgay near Bonar Bridge. At the telephone kiosk at The Craigs another single track road goes to Glencalvie Lodge. Just before the Lodge there is some limited parking. I set off from this parking area and followed the track through the Lodge grounds with its tree houses and well laid out garden including a pond and small island. Beyond the Lodge I walked south up Glen Calvie at the west side of the Water of Glencalvie. At the bridge over this river I had planned to leave the vehicle track and follow a path, marked on the map, across the hillside to Glen Malagain. However the area was fenced off for natural regeneration of a Caledonian Pine forest and there was no sign of the path. I continued up the Glen, passing several hay stooks until I came to a bridge over the Water of Glencalvie. It was partially collapsed so I decided against a crossing at this point and continued to another bridge just south of the joining of the stream Abhainn Coire a’Mhalagain. I was carefully crossing this bridge when I my concentration was disturbed by a salmon unsuccessfully leaping to the next pool. It was then rough going as I followed the Abhainn Coire a’Mhalagain west until I came across a new bridge and then followed a wet and boggy All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) track along the north side of the burn. I had already seen and disturbed lots of deer and more were spotted as I walked westwards. The ATV track wasn’t in great condition and the further west I went the worse it became. I decided to leave the Glen once I was beyond a fenced off part of the north side of the Diebidale Ridge. As I crossed the Abhainn Coire a’Mhalagain I saw a few trout in the stream. The climb of the steep hillside onto the ridge was really testing through knee deep heather trying to follow deer tracks. Once the gradient eased the walking was a bit easier and I climbed to the 691 summit. Here I had views east to Carn Salachaidh and Carn Chuinneag. There was a cold strong wind blowing at the summit but it was dry although I had already encountered a few short showers. I still had another couple of kilometres west to go till I reached the summit of Beinn Tharsuinn so I headed off down the rather wet west ridge to a large area of peat hags which took a while to negotiate before reaching the bealach. The ascent of Beinn Tharsuinn’s east ridge was rather different, it was steeper and quite rocky in places. Around five ptarmigan took off into the wind. From the summit cairn I had views of Carn Ban, Meall a’Chaorainn and Beinn a’Chaisteil although the mountains to the west were cloud covered as another rain shower approached. Now the long walk back was in front of me. I had the option of descending into Glen Mhalagain or to return along the Diebidale Ridge. I opted for the later which involved returning to the 691 point, re-crossing the peat hags and climbing its west ridge. However once over this point the underfoot conditions improved until nearer the east end where there were some more peat hags. Once beyond Mullach Creag Riaraidh I followed a wet and boggy ATV track to Diebidale Lodge, which appeared to be a holiday establishment. On the east side of Glen Calvie there were dozens of stags feeding on the hillside. A footbridge north of Diebidale Lodge allowed me to cross the Water of Glencalvie and follow the vehicle track back down Glen Calvie to the start.
Carn Salachaidh20 October 2007
Strathcarron was the location for the ascent of this Graham. The Glen was reached along a single track road from Ardgay on the A836 just south of Bonar Bridge. Directly opposite the impressive Gruinards Lodge a metal gate permitted access to the hills on the south side of the road. A vehicle track was followed through a small area of forest onto the open hillside. The map actually showed it as a path but as far as its highest point it had been used by vehicles. It was a very pleasant morning, calm with the occasional roar from cows in the glen and from stags. However the rut must now be over as the stags were very quiet, either that or they have all been shot. This was the final day of the stag stalking season for this year. The autumnal colours were wonderful especially where the sun was shinning on the hills. The track continued uphill to the east of Carn Mor and was a bit boggy at times. I 'put up' a few grouse and some deer on Carn Mor watched me for a while before running off. The track levelled out, reverted to a path, before it gradually descended for around forty metres to the Allt a'Ghinne. It was very tranquil and calm here with only the noise of the stream disturbing the peace. I crossed the stream and a followed a stalker's path on the opposite side. This was not shown on my map but it soon disappeared into long heather and bracken. I kept to the west side of a small stream trying to find the easiest route through the vegetation watched by a stag and a few hinds. Higher up the gradient eased and here it was a bit windy. I worked my way to the west of Carn a'Bhealaich and towards the surprisingly rocky summit of Carn Salachaidh. I had to work my way round some of the rocks before reaching the summit trig point. However this was not the highest point as a large boulder just to the east was obviously slightly higher. From the summit I had views of Carn Chuinneag, Ben Wyvis and the wind farms east of Loch Glass and on the east side of Ben Wyvis. It was windy here but I found some shelter to have an early lunch looking at the distant mountains of the North-West. The return was by the ascent route although I kept to the east of the stream flowing into the Allt a'Ghinne where there was a bit more grass, although underfoot it was wet in places. Lower down I still had the bracken and long heather to contend with before reaching the path back to the start. This was a fairly isolated hill and I never saw any sign of human activity even in Strathcarron.
Meall na Faochaig10 June 2007
This was my day off but once again the forecast was for sunny weather away from the east coast so I decided to get out and make the most of the fine weather. I was hoping for some views as I have never had any in all my visits to the hills of Strathconnon but unfortunately I was to be disappointed. Strathconnon is almost as scenic as the popular Glen Affric but with less tourists. However there are power stations, lots more habitation and even a primary school in the glen. Access to the glen is from Marybank on the A832 along a single track road. I parked my car at the road end to Inverchoran and continued along the road on foot for around four hundred metres to a track that headed uphill. The track later changed direction and ended at a mast near Creag Iucharaidh. As I walked along the top section of this track I came across a lamb and ewe. Nothing unusual in that but unfortunately the ewe was on its back in a dip at the edge of the track and obviously had been there for a while. However it was still alive and bleating as was its lamb so I had to try and right it. Once I got it on its side it managed to stand and staggered off with its lamb. This assistance is obviously not appreciated by farmers and estate owners as they are unaware that some good comes from the Access Code despite their reservations. From the track I headed up a ridge and into the cloud where the visibility was poor. I subsequently reached the west ridge of Meall na Faochaig where there were old fence posts and I followed them towards the summit. There were several peat hags to traverse and old fence wire to avoid before I reached the summit. Well the actual summit was difficult to determine in the mist as there were several small knolls some with a few stones placed on top. I wondered round these knolls before I returned to the start by the ascent route. The weather had not improved but at least the ewe was still upright.
Beinn a'Chaisteil30 April 2006
The starting point for this walk was the A835 Inverness to Ullapool Road at the Black Bridge just south of the Aultguish Inn. The first three kilometres of the walk was on a tarred road to the farm at Lubriach, which could have been cycled if we had bikes with us. Just beyond Lubriach we followed a path that crossed the hillside to join a vehicle track below a small hillock called Meallan Donn before traversing round the side of this hillock and heading for the Corbett Top, Meall a'Ghrianain. The ascent of this hill was over rough and boggy ground and in bad weather very old fence posts would assist in route finding as they mark the ridge line as far as the steep climb to the summit. The earlier high cloud broke and it was now sunny with a cold breeze as we made the final ascent to Meall a'Ghrianain, on traces of an old path. From the summit we had good views and noted a fellow walker at the summit of our next hill Beinn a'Chaisteil. A drop of around 125 metres took us to the bealach followed by the ascent of the south ridge of Beinn a'Chaisteil which was fairly gentle after an initial steeper section. We eventually reached the summit trig point where the fellow walker was still located taking in the views of the surrounding mountains including those of Ben Hope and Ben Klibreck to the north, to the near-by remote Corbet Carn Ban. The snow clad Fannaichs and Beinn Dearg group of mountains also stood out well. We spoke to this chap for a few minutes and realised he didn't have a rucksack. He explained that he travelled as light as possible storing everything he needed in his pockets. Well this was definitely taking 'Ultralite' seriously. He headed off in the direction we had come and we headed off down the south-west ridge of Beinn a'Chaisteil which later became steep and heathery but we eventually reached the old houses at Lubachlaggan. It was then a long walk on a vehicle track along the east shore of Loch Vaich back to the farm at Lubriach and then the remaining three kilometres to the start. For statistical details see here.
Carn Chuinneag16 April 2006
The starting point for this walk was the end of the public road on the north side of the Alladale River. Access to this area was gained from Ardgay, near Bonar Bridge and the single track road up Strathcarron. We crossed the Alladale River by the road bridge and headed towards the entrance to Glencalvie Lodge, which gives the impression that if you continue on this route you are intruding. However from past experience I knew the route and once through the main gates there is a small sign indicating the way through the grounds avoiding the main lodge, but only just. The buildings and grounds are very well laid out and maintained and for those who have a few thousand pounds to spare try this web site for your next holiday. Once beyond the Lodge it was a pleasant walk up Glen Calvie in the sun, albeit there was also a cold wind. On approaching Diebidale Lodge, another expensive holiday retreat we saw lots of deer, as we later learned from a member of the Estate staff, that this was one of their feeding grounds. Just beyond the vehicle track to Diebidale Lodge we headed up the stalker's path that zig zagged its way up the north ridge of Carn Chuinneag. The path was in fairly good condition but higher up it was very exposed to the strong wind. At the junction of paths we avoided the one going round the north face of the hills as there was lots of snow fields and the path would have been concealed and impossible to follow. We elected to continue in the same direction until the path started to descend. Here we left it and commenced the climb to the west top of Carn Chuinneag. This route was awkward as it was through soft snow and large boulders but any better route was concealed by the snow. The weather was deteriorating and we could see that a storm was on its way and it soon struck us with heavy snow blowing in the wind and reducing visibility. We were walking below the west top and headed for the bealach between the two tops, which we had seen earlier. The blizzard probably lasted for around ten minutes and began to clear just as we reached the summit trig point of Carn Chuinneag. We were therefore fortunate to get some views and photos from the summit but didn't stay there for long due to the biting cold wind. We returned to the bealach and rather than face the wind, the soft snow and the boulders we opted to drop down and descend through the snowfields on the north side of the hill and across a few boulder fields to the path we used on the upward route. We encountered a few snow and sleet showers but nothing as bad as on the summit. The stalker's path returned us to the vehicle track near Diebidale Lodge and the walk back down the Glen to the start. En-route we watched several newts in the drainage ditch at the side if the road. For statistical details see here.
Bac an Eich29 January 2006
The start of this walk was from near Inverchoran in Glen Strathconon where there is limited parking at the side of the road. From here a walk to Inverchoran, with a slight diversion to avoid the farmhouse leads to the vehicle track up Gleann Chorainn. This track was followed until the end of the forest where we crossed the stream and headed up towards Loch Toll Lochain watched by deer on the ridges above us. Once we reached the gullied stream flowing out of the Loch we followed it upstream until we found a suitable crossing point. From here frozen boggy ground was crossed to the foot of Sgurr Toll Lochain. A steep climb ensued on a lightly snow covered surface avoiding several rocky outcrops. From the summit of Sgurr Toll Lochain we had to negotiate some peat hags before the walking became easier as we headed to the cloud covered summit of Bac an Eich. There were no views from this summit so we set off down the ridge above An Leth-chreag before crossing to the north side of the stream to avoid some deep gorges. At this point the cloud broke and the sun came out. Unfortunately it was a bit too late for us although it did enhance the views for the rest of the walk. We subsequently found a vehicle track and followed it down to two ruined houses at Corriefoot, which were probably part of the Highland Clearances. From Corriefoot we crossed the bridge at Corrievuic and found somewhere in the sun to have lunch. After lunch we walked along the vehicle track to Scadroy where we joined the public road along the north shore of Loch Beannacharain with its reflections of the forest and hills on its mirrored surface. From the end of the Loch it was only a short distance back to our car near Inverchoran. You can view my client's opinion of the weekend walks on the testimonial page. For statistical details see here.
Ben Wyvis13 April 2005Laila, a regular client had travelled north to climb Ben Wyvis. It was a cloudy morning when we set off from the new car park located on the A835 Garve to Ullapool Road just south of Garbat. We walked along a short section of new pathway to reach the usual starting point, the path up the north side of the Allt a'Bhealaich Mhoir, through the forest. Once beyond the forest we followed another newly constructed path which took us up through the heather clad hillside to around 600 metres. This path avoided the old boggy path which was getting worse with erosion and over use. When we joined up with the original path on a steeper section of the hillside it was windy as we climbed into the cloud base and onto lying snow. The path was followed to An Caber, a Munro Top, before heading along the ridge in poor visibility and snow showers. There were cornices on our right as we made our way to Glas Leathad Mor, the highest point on Ben Wyvis. After reaching the trig point the return was by the upward route with the snow showers continuing but once out of the cloud the wind dropped and the snow showers turned to rain and it was a wet walk back to the car park.
Back to Strathconnon27 March 2005This was the Easter weekend and I had been booked to take clients to the Grey Corries but unfortunately they had cancelled. My regular Corbett bagging client stepped in and kindly booked me for some Corbetts around the Inverness area. We parked beside the old church just south of Strathanmore in Strathconnon and commenced the climb up towards Creag Ruadh. It was a dull and damp morning and within about fifteen minutes of the start we were in low cloud. Visibility was probably at a maximum of thirty metres as we climbed steeply avoiding some rocky outcrops. Once we reached the cairn of Creag Ruadh we followed the ridge along towards the first Corbett of the day Meallan nan Uan. It was very windy on this ridge and together with some rain and the poor visibility it wasn't ideal hill walking weather. Just below the summit we spotted the only wildlife of the day, three ptarmigan, one whose plumage had almost changed back to the dark shade for summer. The descent was the north-west ridge as far as Carnan Fuar and then a change of direction to climb Sgurr a' Mhuilinn. Here we had to avoid snow patches but their extent is unknown to us due to the poor visibility. We reached the ridge and then easy walking to the summit cairn where there are still traces of the old trig point. We didn't stay there long and headed along and then down the south-east ridge. The wind was strong here and it was hard work walking into it. However once lower down the wind eased. On reaching leveller ground we headed across to the Allt an t-Srathain Mhoir which we followed to near the start. After over five hours navigation in poor conditions we suddenly emerged out of the cloud and for the last fifteen minutes or so we could see where we were going as we headed across to the car.
Little Wyvis12 March 2005This walk was to be short day in preparation for a few day's of winter climbing and an opportunity for my client to bag another Corbett. The starting point for this walk was a short distance south of Garbat on the A835 Garve to Ullapool road. On arrival we found a new car park had been constructed with a walk-way and footbridge leading to the path up the side of the Allt a'Bhealaich Mhoir. We followed this path, which had a covering of snow, to the end of the forest, where we had to ford the burn. Fortunately it wasn't too deep so crossing it was reasonably easy. Once on the other side we headed up the side of the forest and onto the open hillside. The terrain wasn't as bad as I remembered from my previous visit. However as we were discussing a forthcoming big event in my client's life I was able to 'wind' her up so the climb to the bealach between Tom na Caillich and Little Wyvis past pretty quickly despite the snow cover. This changed once on the ridge. It was windy and we could see a storm approaching, which didn't take long to reach us. The mountain was engulfed in cloud and snow started to fall. Fortunately the wind was on our backs as we climbed to the summit of Little Wyvis where visibility was poor. Rather than walk back into the wind we walked down the other side of the hill and picked up a vehicle track which ran below the north face of the hill and along to the ascent route. Due to the light and the fact we were wearing goggles it was difficult to make out the snow drifts on the track so we frequently came to a halt. On reaching the ascent route we returned to the start by the way we had climbed the hill. The client, who probably wishes to remain anonymous at this time, should be aware that enquiries have commenced to ascertain the exact date of this 'big event'. However a few of you may know who she is and I would welcome information on the exact date. No reward, but you may be permitted to join one of her walks.
Freevater Forest12 June 2004I had looked at this very remote Corbett in the middle of the Freevater Forest for some time trying to decide on the best approach. I settled on the southern approach from the A835 Inverness to Ullapool Road at Black Bridge, mainly as it appeared the easiest. This approach involved 16 kilometres of cycling up the side of Loch Vaich, across the shoulder of Meall a'Chaorainn and into Gleann Beag. I am not a cyclist so it was with a bit of trepidation that early on this Saturday morning I commenced the cycle part of this trip. The first stretch up Strath Vaich to Lubriach was on a tarred road but on a slight incline so it wasn't that easy. From Lubriach the track up the east side of Loch Vaich is rough and undulating so I was frequently forced to push my cycle up the Glen. Once beyond the north end of Loch Vaich the track rose over the east shoulder of Meall a'Chaorainn and round its north side before crossing the Abhainn a' Ghlinne Bhig. As this section was slightly downhill I was able to remain on my cycle. Once across the river the track climbed up Gleann Beag and I followed it to its conclusion beside a small dam. I took on some food here before walking up the stalker's path to Loch Sruban Mora and onto the south ridge of Carn Ban. Ahead I saw a lone walker and on catching up with him learned that he had also started off from Black Bridge where he had been deposited by his wife. We discussed the difficulty of the cycle and he advised me that he only had eight Corbetts left to climb, including today's mountain Carn Ban. We walked to the summit together and then back to Gleann Beag where we parted company for a while. I took on more food and set off back down the track to the highest point on the shoulder of Meall a'Chaorainn. I left my cycle there and climbed steeply up to the summit of this Graham. I took some photographs from the summit as the cloud cover on the higher mountains had dispersed, before I returned to the track for my cycle. I headed back down Strath Vaich, caught up with my fellow Corbett Bagger and we finished together. The return cycle was easier than the outward route but 32 kilometres is a bit too far for me on a cycle.
Strathcarron14 February 2004The first weekend in February much of Scotland was covered in several inches of snow and a number of roads were closed. The next weekend gale force winds struck the north-east of Scotland so it was ill advised to venture outdoors. So, on this Saturday morning in mid-February, it was a pleasure to be heading from Bonar Bridge along Strathcarron to Glen Calvie Lodge, the starting point for the day’s walk. Although the Strathcarron Road was frosty the forecast was for mild temperatures. In an attempt to avoid disturbing the local laird a diversion round the perimeter of Calvie Lodge took us to a track above Glen Calvie where we disturbed a large herd of deer waiting to be fed. A route along the side of a deer fence led us to the track up the Glen and a pleasant walk to Diebidal Lodge. This lodge has been extensively renovated and appears to be a holiday home. So if you want a remote house with peace and quiet, miles from your neighbours this may be the property for you, but no doubt at a price. Once past Diebidal Lodge a stalker’s path led up the hillside before climbing onto the West Top of Carn Chuinneag. On approaching this Top a ptarmigan in its white plumage was trying to conceal itself on one of the few patches of snow. More ptarmigan were easily spotted near the summit. As global warming reduces the amount of snow fall in the Scottish mountains these birds and the white hare are going to find concealment difficult and will no doubt be more open to predators. From the West Top it was an easy walk in cloud across to the summit trig point of Carn Chuinneag. Here we had lunch while nearby a lone ptarmigan was pecking away at the soil. I suppose at least the ptarmigan was finding food easier to obtain as the ground wasn’t covered in snow and ice. Once lunch was over we returned to the stalker’s path and Diebidal Lodge. The yellow grit bins positioned all the way down Glen Calvie made an eyesore of a beautiful glen. The Estate appears to have carried out a lot of restoration work but it is a pity that they didn’t get more aesthetically pleasing grit bins. These bins spoilt a pleasant walk in Glen Calvie.
Strath Vaich14 December 2003I had some time to myself before I returned home so I planned to take in a Corbett (mountain between 2,500 and 3,000 feet). The forecast was similar to the previous day’s weather except that it was to be colder and that snow would fall at low level. It was dark as I drove north from Inverness towards Ullapool but as I approached the Black Bridge, south of the Aultguish Inn, which is situated below the dam at Loch Glascarnoch, it was clearing sufficiently so that I could see the hills were white. I set off along the private tarred road for Lubriach where I crossed over to the south ridge of Meall a’Ghrianain, a Corbett top. It was raining as I climbed this unpathed ridge and the rain turned to sleet and then snow. The last section of this hill was a steep climb and the snow was blowing off the summit into my face. Once at the small cairn marking the summit I headed down to the col. The spindrift and snow showers were making it impossible to see so I had to don goggles to stop my eyes stinging with the snow particles. An easy climb back into the cloud saw me heading for the summit of Beinn a’Chaisteil. It was still snowing now and again with the strong winds blowing the snow about. I soon found the summit trig point but there were no views so I headed back to the col. From there I descended steeply to a small burn where there was shelter from the snow and wind. I wasn’t on my own down here as I disturbed a large herd of deer who obviously had the same idea. I continued down to Loch Vaich where I had a quick lunch sheltering behind one of the derelict houses. It was then just a sake of walking down the glen for 5.5 miles on estate roads. The sun even came out on a couple of occasions but this was followed by snow showers. Once back to the warmth and shelter of the car I had a 3.5 hour drive back to Aberdeen.
Strathconnon15 July 2003My next trip was to Strathconnon where I climbed the Corbett Beinn Mheadhoin and the Graham Creagan a’Chaorainn. Prior to doing so I consulted with the Gamekeeper at Inverchoran but he wasn’t very helpful and gave the impression that he wasn’t happy with me walking across his land even though he wasn’t stalking there. On approaching the Trig Point on Beinn Mheadhoin I came across two hinds and a fawn resting in one of the several hollows there. The hinds rose immediately and ran off downhill. However the young fawn stood up and we stared at each other for several seconds before it too ran off downhill. These few seconds are one of the reasons I walk and work in the hills and the memory of this fawn will remain with me for some time. I thought myself lucky to get so close to the fawn but I got even closer to a family of grouse on my descent from Beinn Mheadhoin. Two chicks rose as I approached them and I was surprised that there were no adult birds taking off. I stopped in my tracks and on looking down into the heather I saw a third chick cowering in the heather and blending well with its surroundings. It then decided to fly off and the two adults rose from nearby and the family flew off. Another great nature experience.
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