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A Nature Voyage

Exploring & observing nature

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A quick guide to hiking Johnston Canyon & the Inkpots (you really should go to the Inkpots)

January 9, 2018

The Inkpots, Johnston Canyon, Banff

By far, the hardest hike of our Canadian adventure was from Upper Johnston Canyon to the Inkpots. It was a punishingly steep hike, but the beauty of the inkpots and the alpine meadow they’re in more than made up for it.

Johnston Canyon is one of the busiest places in Banff, and it’s evident by how quickly the carpark fills up in the morning. The first time we visited Banff, we thought we’d rock up to Johnston Canyon about 1 pm – ha, no. While we did find parking spaces at an overflow carpark, the place was so busy there’d have been no point trying. 

This time, we turned up nice and early and enjoyed the lower and upper falls while it was relatively quiet. If you want to avoid the crowds, arrive for 9 am – especially during the summer. Very few people actually go further to the Inkpots, so that trail being busy isn’t really an issue.

Johnston Canyon, Banff

Rainbow at Johnston Canyon

Johnston Canyon, Banff

It quickly becomes apparent why Johnston Canyon is so popular. The falls and the canyon are stunning, and walkways allow the whole family to get up close to them, and a little soggy. It’s impressive walking through a canyon and trying to comprehend how water created something so incredible. I mean, we all get how erosion works but standing in somewhere like that and trying to comprehend it frazzles my brain.

 

Most visitors don’t bother hiking the extra 3km/1.9 miles to the Inkpots, which is simultaneously ridiculous (it’s so beautiful) and understandable (it’s steeeeep). While Johnston Canyon is definitely something special, the Inkpots are even better.

 

That said, I can understand why so many people don’t go; it’s not a particularly family friendly trail (though we did see a couple of kids on the trail). We both found it the hardest hike of our trip; it was bloody steep, it was definitely leg day, and there isn’t a huge amount to look at because the forest is so thick you only get the occasional glimpse of the mountains around you.

Alpine meadow, Johnston canyon and the inkpots

A quick guide to hiking Johnston Canyon & the Inkpots (you really should go to the Inkpots)

The inkpots, Johnston Canyon

It took us just over an hour to reach the inkpots , and my complaining and leg burn went away as soon as I saw the alpine meadow coming into view. (Don’t let my complaining put you off, plenty of people seemed to storm past us so perhaps I’m just unfit?)

 

When you reach the meadow, you’re rewarded with a stunning view of a few vibrant-coloured ponds you associate with Canada nestled inside an awe-inspiring alpine meadow. A couple of trails take you around the inkpots and there are a few benches too, making it the perfect place for a picnic.

Alpine meadow - Johnston Canyon and the Inkpots

The inkpots, Banff

Alpine meadow at the inkpots

The inkpots

Alpine meadow, johnston canyon and the inkpots

I don’t think I’d ever been in an alpine meadow before this hike, and it was everything I wanted it to be – it reminded me of Heidi. It was so serene and neither of us wanted to leave and head back down the trail.

If you do fancy further hiking in this area, there are a couple of overnight trails into the backcountry along Mystic Pass, and Johnston Creek. If you’re thinking about doing any backcountry trails, make sure you know your safety stuff; we read plenty of information saying bears use both of those trails regularly to get to drinking spots.

Tips for hiking Johnston Canyon & the Inkpots

• Give yourself at least four hours to enjoy the trip there and back
• Return distance: 10.8km/6.7miles
• Be there at 9 am if you want to see Johnston Canyon in relative silence
• Wear good, supportive footwear
• Take layers – you might be hot hiking but it’ll be cool when you stop 
• Take plenty of water and snacks
• There are no toilets after the car park
• Enjoy a picnic when you reach the Inkpots
• Know how to behave responsibly in an area that’s home to wild animals; make noise, keep dogs on a leash, never leave any food or food packaging, and keep your distance.

The inkpots, Banff, Johnston Canyon.

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Categories: Canada, Featured, Photography, Travel Tags: banff, canada, inkpots, johnston canyon, travel

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I can’t believe we saw orcas, and so close to home!

This pod of orcas have been seen off the coast of Fraserburgh for the past couple of weeks. I still didn’t want to get my hopes up, thinking we’d be lucky to see anything. The pod were right there as we arrived. It was so nice to see so many people out watching them. 

I’ve wanted to see orcas for years, and thought I’d have to travel to Shetland to even try to see them. If you live around NE Scotland, get yourself over to Fraserburgh - who knows how long they’ll be about for. 

#Fraserburgh #VisitABDN #Aberdeenshire #MajesticABDN #Springwatch #Cetaceans #ThisIsScotland #BritishWildlife #KillerWhales #Orca #Orcas #ScottishWildlife #Sigma150600 #ShareMySigma #BBCWildlifePOTD #NEScotland #WildlifeWatching #WhaleWatching #WhalesOfInstagram
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I can’t believe we saw orcas, and so close to home! This pod of orcas have been seen off the coast of Fraserburgh for the past couple of weeks. I still didn’t want to get my hopes up, thinking we’d be lucky to see anything. The pod were right there as we arrived. It was so nice to see so many people out watching them. I’ve wanted to see orcas for years, and thought I’d have to travel to Shetland to even try to see them. If you live around NE Scotland, get yourself over to Fraserburgh - who knows how long they’ll be about for. #Fraserburgh #VisitABDN #Aberdeenshire #MajesticABDN #Springwatch #Cetaceans #ThisIsScotland #BritishWildlife #KillerWhales #Orca #Orcas #ScottishWildlife #Sigma150600 #ShareMySigma #BBCWildlifePOTD #NEScotland #WildlifeWatching #WhaleWatching #WhalesOfInstagram
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
❤️ Crunchie-munchie, 2009 - 2022.
It’s taken me a while to figure out what to say because nothing feels good enough. I also didn’t want to write this and have it be real. 

When I brought a small black and white ball of fur home, just after my 16th birthday, I had no idea how much he would change my life (swipe for a photo of the day I got him). For almost 14 years, Crunchie was by my side every day, making me smile and keeping me company. 

He instantly turned @dazlarr66 into a cat lover. My favourite time of the day was when we’d finish dinner and put Crunchie’s favourite pink blanket on our laps. He could HEAR that blanket being opened, and he’d come trotting in and sprawl out all over us, getting all the pets and treatos until it was bed time. I looked forward to it every day. 

When working from home started, I realised just how important his company was. He kept me going, trampled my keyboard, purred so loud in meetings that people couldn’t hear me talking, and stuck his butt to the camera so many times. He made himself a lot of friends without realising. So many people would ask how he was. 

The house feels weird without him. I knew I spent most of my day talking to him, but I didn’t realise quite how much. No more “hey beast, what are you up to?” or “oh, that’s a big stretch for a little kitty.” Turns out, I don’t want my work to be safe from being trampled over by a cat. I’d love for him to come stick some random characters in my R code. 

Crunchie was a character. Always comfy, always happy. He was never the “oh watch out for the cat, he hates people” kind of cat. If he got to know you, he’d probably like you. He was pretty chill. 

Please hug your fur friends tight and give them all the treats. We never get enough time with our fur friends, and I desperately wish we could see him again. 

Thanks for picking me Crunch, it was an honour to be one of your humans. Sleep tight, little buddy, I’m sure you’re comfy.
❤️ Crunchie-munchie, 2009 - 2022.
It’s taken me a while to figure out what to say because nothing feels good enough. I also didn’t want to write this and have it be real. 

When I brought a small black and white ball of fur home, just after my 16th birthday, I had no idea how much he would change my life (swipe for a photo of the day I got him). For almost 14 years, Crunchie was by my side every day, making me smile and keeping me company. 

He instantly turned @dazlarr66 into a cat lover. My favourite time of the day was when we’d finish dinner and put Crunchie’s favourite pink blanket on our laps. He could HEAR that blanket being opened, and he’d come trotting in and sprawl out all over us, getting all the pets and treatos until it was bed time. I looked forward to it every day. 

When working from home started, I realised just how important his company was. He kept me going, trampled my keyboard, purred so loud in meetings that people couldn’t hear me talking, and stuck his butt to the camera so many times. He made himself a lot of friends without realising. So many people would ask how he was. 

The house feels weird without him. I knew I spent most of my day talking to him, but I didn’t realise quite how much. No more “hey beast, what are you up to?” or “oh, that’s a big stretch for a little kitty.” Turns out, I don’t want my work to be safe from being trampled over by a cat. I’d love for him to come stick some random characters in my R code. 

Crunchie was a character. Always comfy, always happy. He was never the “oh watch out for the cat, he hates people” kind of cat. If he got to know you, he’d probably like you. He was pretty chill. 

Please hug your fur friends tight and give them all the treats. We never get enough time with our fur friends, and I desperately wish we could see him again. 

Thanks for picking me Crunch, it was an honour to be one of your humans. Sleep tight, little buddy, I’m sure you’re comfy.
❤️ Crunchie-munchie, 2009 - 2022.
It’s taken me a while to figure out what to say because nothing feels good enough. I also didn’t want to write this and have it be real. 

When I brought a small black and white ball of fur home, just after my 16th birthday, I had no idea how much he would change my life (swipe for a photo of the day I got him). For almost 14 years, Crunchie was by my side every day, making me smile and keeping me company. 

He instantly turned @dazlarr66 into a cat lover. My favourite time of the day was when we’d finish dinner and put Crunchie’s favourite pink blanket on our laps. He could HEAR that blanket being opened, and he’d come trotting in and sprawl out all over us, getting all the pets and treatos until it was bed time. I looked forward to it every day. 

When working from home started, I realised just how important his company was. He kept me going, trampled my keyboard, purred so loud in meetings that people couldn’t hear me talking, and stuck his butt to the camera so many times. He made himself a lot of friends without realising. So many people would ask how he was. 

The house feels weird without him. I knew I spent most of my day talking to him, but I didn’t realise quite how much. No more “hey beast, what are you up to?” or “oh, that’s a big stretch for a little kitty.” Turns out, I don’t want my work to be safe from being trampled over by a cat. I’d love for him to come stick some random characters in my R code. 

Crunchie was a character. Always comfy, always happy. He was never the “oh watch out for the cat, he hates people” kind of cat. If he got to know you, he’d probably like you. He was pretty chill. 

Please hug your fur friends tight and give them all the treats. We never get enough time with our fur friends, and I desperately wish we could see him again. 

Thanks for picking me Crunch, it was an honour to be one of your humans. Sleep tight, little buddy, I’m sure you’re comfy.
❤️ Crunchie-munchie, 2009 - 2022.
It’s taken me a while to figure out what to say because nothing feels good enough. I also didn’t want to write this and have it be real. 

When I brought a small black and white ball of fur home, just after my 16th birthday, I had no idea how much he would change my life (swipe for a photo of the day I got him). For almost 14 years, Crunchie was by my side every day, making me smile and keeping me company. 

He instantly turned @dazlarr66 into a cat lover. My favourite time of the day was when we’d finish dinner and put Crunchie’s favourite pink blanket on our laps. He could HEAR that blanket being opened, and he’d come trotting in and sprawl out all over us, getting all the pets and treatos until it was bed time. I looked forward to it every day. 

When working from home started, I realised just how important his company was. He kept me going, trampled my keyboard, purred so loud in meetings that people couldn’t hear me talking, and stuck his butt to the camera so many times. He made himself a lot of friends without realising. So many people would ask how he was. 

The house feels weird without him. I knew I spent most of my day talking to him, but I didn’t realise quite how much. No more “hey beast, what are you up to?” or “oh, that’s a big stretch for a little kitty.” Turns out, I don’t want my work to be safe from being trampled over by a cat. I’d love for him to come stick some random characters in my R code. 

Crunchie was a character. Always comfy, always happy. He was never the “oh watch out for the cat, he hates people” kind of cat. If he got to know you, he’d probably like you. He was pretty chill. 

Please hug your fur friends tight and give them all the treats. We never get enough time with our fur friends, and I desperately wish we could see him again. 

Thanks for picking me Crunch, it was an honour to be one of your humans. Sleep tight, little buddy, I’m sure you’re comfy.
❤️ Crunchie-munchie, 2009 - 2022.
It’s taken me a while to figure out what to say because nothing feels good enough. I also didn’t want to write this and have it be real. 

When I brought a small black and white ball of fur home, just after my 16th birthday, I had no idea how much he would change my life (swipe for a photo of the day I got him). For almost 14 years, Crunchie was by my side every day, making me smile and keeping me company. 

He instantly turned @dazlarr66 into a cat lover. My favourite time of the day was when we’d finish dinner and put Crunchie’s favourite pink blanket on our laps. He could HEAR that blanket being opened, and he’d come trotting in and sprawl out all over us, getting all the pets and treatos until it was bed time. I looked forward to it every day. 

When working from home started, I realised just how important his company was. He kept me going, trampled my keyboard, purred so loud in meetings that people couldn’t hear me talking, and stuck his butt to the camera so many times. He made himself a lot of friends without realising. So many people would ask how he was. 

The house feels weird without him. I knew I spent most of my day talking to him, but I didn’t realise quite how much. No more “hey beast, what are you up to?” or “oh, that’s a big stretch for a little kitty.” Turns out, I don’t want my work to be safe from being trampled over by a cat. I’d love for him to come stick some random characters in my R code. 

Crunchie was a character. Always comfy, always happy. He was never the “oh watch out for the cat, he hates people” kind of cat. If he got to know you, he’d probably like you. He was pretty chill. 

Please hug your fur friends tight and give them all the treats. We never get enough time with our fur friends, and I desperately wish we could see him again. 

Thanks for picking me Crunch, it was an honour to be one of your humans. Sleep tight, little buddy, I’m sure you’re comfy.
❤️ Crunchie-munchie, 2009 - 2022. It’s taken me a while to figure out what to say because nothing feels good enough. I also didn’t want to write this and have it be real. When I brought a small black and white ball of fur home, just after my 16th birthday, I had no idea how much he would change my life (swipe for a photo of the day I got him). For almost 14 years, Crunchie was by my side every day, making me smile and keeping me company. He instantly turned @dazlarr66 into a cat lover. My favourite time of the day was when we’d finish dinner and put Crunchie’s favourite pink blanket on our laps. He could HEAR that blanket being opened, and he’d come trotting in and sprawl out all over us, getting all the pets and treatos until it was bed time. I looked forward to it every day. When working from home started, I realised just how important his company was. He kept me going, trampled my keyboard, purred so loud in meetings that people couldn’t hear me talking, and stuck his butt to the camera so many times. He made himself a lot of friends without realising. So many people would ask how he was. The house feels weird without him. I knew I spent most of my day talking to him, but I didn’t realise quite how much. No more “hey beast, what are you up to?” or “oh, that’s a big stretch for a little kitty.” Turns out, I don’t want my work to be safe from being trampled over by a cat. I’d love for him to come stick some random characters in my R code. Crunchie was a character. Always comfy, always happy. He was never the “oh watch out for the cat, he hates people” kind of cat. If he got to know you, he’d probably like you. He was pretty chill. Please hug your fur friends tight and give them all the treats. We never get enough time with our fur friends, and I desperately wish we could see him again. Thanks for picking me Crunch, it was an honour to be one of your humans. Sleep tight, little buddy, I’m sure you’re comfy.
❤️ Crunchie-munchie, 2009 - 2022. It’s taken me a while to figure out what to say because nothing feels good enough. I also didn’t want to write this and have it be real. When I brought a small black and white ball of fur home, just after my 16th birthday, I had no idea how much he would change my life (swipe for a photo of the day I got him). For almost 14 years, Crunchie was by my side every day, making me smile and keeping me company. He instantly turned @dazlarr66 into a cat lover. My favourite time of the day was when we’d finish dinner and put Crunchie’s favourite pink blanket on our laps. He could HEAR that blanket being opened, and he’d come trotting in and sprawl out all over us, getting all the pets and treatos until it was bed time. I looked forward to it every day. When working from home started, I realised just how important his company was. He kept me going, trampled my keyboard, purred so loud in meetings that people couldn’t hear me talking, and stuck his butt to the camera so many times. He made himself a lot of friends without realising. So many people would ask how he was. The house feels weird without him. I knew I spent most of my day talking to him, but I didn’t realise quite how much. No more “hey beast, what are you up to?” or “oh, that’s a big stretch for a little kitty.” Turns out, I don’t want my work to be safe from being trampled over by a cat. I’d love for him to come stick some random characters in my R code. Crunchie was a character. Always comfy, always happy. He was never the “oh watch out for the cat, he hates people” kind of cat. If he got to know you, he’d probably like you. He was pretty chill. Please hug your fur friends tight and give them all the treats. We never get enough time with our fur friends, and I desperately wish we could see him again. Thanks for picking me Crunch, it was an honour to be one of your humans. Sleep tight, little buddy, I’m sure you’re comfy.
❤️ Crunchie-munchie, 2009 - 2022.
It’s taken me a while to figure out what to say because nothing feels good enough. I also didn’t want to write this and have it be real. 

When I brought a small black and white ball of fur home, just after my 16th birthday, I had no idea how much he would change my life (swipe for a photo of the day I got him). For almost 14 years, Crunchie was by my side every day, making me smile and keeping me company. 

He instantly turned @dazlarr66 into a cat lover. My favourite time of the day was when we’d finish dinner and put Crunchie’s favourite pink blanket on our laps. He could HEAR that blanket being opened, and he’d come trotting in and sprawl out all over us, getting all the pets and treatos until it was bed time. I looked forward to it every day. 

When working from home started, I realised just how important his company was. He kept me going, trampled my keyboard, purred so loud in meetings that people couldn’t hear me talking, and stuck his butt to the camera so many times. He made himself a lot of friends without realising. So many people would ask how he was. 

The house feels weird without him. I knew I spent most of my day talking to him, but I didn’t realise quite how much. No more “hey beast, what are you up to?” or “oh, that’s a big stretch for a little kitty.” Turns out, I don’t want my work to be safe from being trampled over by a cat. I’d love for him to come stick some random characters in my R code. 

Crunchie was a character. Always comfy, always happy. He was never the “oh watch out for the cat, he hates people” kind of cat. If he got to know you, he’d probably like you. He was pretty chill. 

Please hug your fur friends tight and give them all the treats. We never get enough time with our fur friends, and I desperately wish we could see him again. 

Thanks for picking me Crunch, it was an honour to be one of your humans. Sleep tight, little buddy, I’m sure you’re comfy.
❤️ Crunchie-munchie, 2009 - 2022.
It’s taken me a while to figure out what to say because nothing feels good enough. I also didn’t want to write this and have it be real. 

When I brought a small black and white ball of fur home, just after my 16th birthday, I had no idea how much he would change my life (swipe for a photo of the day I got him). For almost 14 years, Crunchie was by my side every day, making me smile and keeping me company. 

He instantly turned @dazlarr66 into a cat lover. My favourite time of the day was when we’d finish dinner and put Crunchie’s favourite pink blanket on our laps. He could HEAR that blanket being opened, and he’d come trotting in and sprawl out all over us, getting all the pets and treatos until it was bed time. I looked forward to it every day. 

When working from home started, I realised just how important his company was. He kept me going, trampled my keyboard, purred so loud in meetings that people couldn’t hear me talking, and stuck his butt to the camera so many times. He made himself a lot of friends without realising. So many people would ask how he was. 

The house feels weird without him. I knew I spent most of my day talking to him, but I didn’t realise quite how much. No more “hey beast, what are you up to?” or “oh, that’s a big stretch for a little kitty.” Turns out, I don’t want my work to be safe from being trampled over by a cat. I’d love for him to come stick some random characters in my R code. 

Crunchie was a character. Always comfy, always happy. He was never the “oh watch out for the cat, he hates people” kind of cat. If he got to know you, he’d probably like you. He was pretty chill. 

Please hug your fur friends tight and give them all the treats. We never get enough time with our fur friends, and I desperately wish we could see him again. 

Thanks for picking me Crunch, it was an honour to be one of your humans. Sleep tight, little buddy, I’m sure you’re comfy.
anaturevoyage
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❤️ Crunchie-munchie, 2009 - 2022. It’s taken me a while to figure out what to say because nothing feels good enough. I also didn’t want to write this and have it be real. When I brought a small black and white ball of fur home, just after my 16th birthday, I had no idea how much he would change my life (swipe for a photo of the day I got him). For almost 14 years, Crunchie was by my side every day, making me smile and keeping me company. He instantly turned @dazlarr66 into a cat lover. My favourite time of the day was when we’d finish dinner and put Crunchie’s favourite pink blanket on our laps. He could HEAR that blanket being opened, and he’d come trotting in and sprawl out all over us, getting all the pets and treatos until it was bed time. I looked forward to it every day. When working from home started, I realised just how important his company was. He kept me going, trampled my keyboard, purred so loud in meetings that people couldn’t hear me talking, and stuck his butt to the camera so many times. He made himself a lot of friends without realising. So many people would ask how he was. The house feels weird without him. I knew I spent most of my day talking to him, but I didn’t realise quite how much. No more “hey beast, what are you up to?” or “oh, that’s a big stretch for a little kitty.” Turns out, I don’t want my work to be safe from being trampled over by a cat. I’d love for him to come stick some random characters in my R code. Crunchie was a character. Always comfy, always happy. He was never the “oh watch out for the cat, he hates people” kind of cat. If he got to know you, he’d probably like you. He was pretty chill. Please hug your fur friends tight and give them all the treats. We never get enough time with our fur friends, and I desperately wish we could see him again. Thanks for picking me Crunch, it was an honour to be one of your humans. Sleep tight, little buddy, I’m sure you’re comfy.
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
On this Earth Day, I’ve written a blog post [link in bio & stories] about my thoughts dealing with doom scrolling all the bad nature news by getting excited about nature by learning more about it and seeing it. Fill up your nature awe-cup friends & don’t forget to share that wonder & passion with others 💙. 

If you want to make your Instagram less doom-scroll, and more “OOF, NATURE IS AMAZING”, here are some of my favourite UK-based Instagram nature accounts:
@lucy_lapwing 
@eilidh__cameron 
@jonvhillman 
@hardie_stuart 

#Fowlsheugh #RSPBFowlsheugh #Aberdeenshire #VisitABDN #Guillemots #Seabirds #BritishNature #ScottishBirds #NatureNerd #EarthDay #OurEarth #RSPB_Love_Nature #BBCWildlifePOTD #ShareMySigma #Sigma150600 @canonuk #BBCEarth #Birding #BirdsOfUK #UKNature #365DaysWild #Stonehaven
anaturevoyage
anaturevoyage
•
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On this Earth Day, I’ve written a blog post [link in bio & stories] about my thoughts dealing with doom scrolling all the bad nature news by getting excited about nature by learning more about it and seeing it. Fill up your nature awe-cup friends & don’t forget to share that wonder & passion with others 💙. If you want to make your Instagram less doom-scroll, and more “OOF, NATURE IS AMAZING”, here are some of my favourite UK-based Instagram nature accounts: @lucy_lapwing @eilidh__cameron @jonvhillman @hardie_stuart #Fowlsheugh #RSPBFowlsheugh #Aberdeenshire #VisitABDN #Guillemots #Seabirds #BritishNature #ScottishBirds #NatureNerd #EarthDay #OurEarth #RSPB_Love_Nature #BBCWildlifePOTD #ShareMySigma #Sigma150600 @canonuk #BBCEarth #Birding #BirdsOfUK #UKNature #365DaysWild #Stonehaven
1 month ago
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3/9
🕵️‍♀️👁 Came across this beauty the other day, on the gorse by Newburgh beach. Hadn’t a clue what it was. I was searching “what looks like a dragonfly but only has one pair of wings” and getting nothing useful. I shared a photo to my story asking if anyone knew what it was, and @josh_ecology came through with Ophion. I had never heard of that before, so let me tell you some things I’ve learned about them.

1️⃣ They’re wasps. Yup, really. It’s a group of parasitic wasps called Ichneumonidae. 

2️⃣ Wanna know what they lay their eggs in? Caterpillars. Nature is metal. 

3️⃣ They’re nocturnal - no, I don’t know why this one was out in the day. 

#Ophion #ParasiticWasp #UKWildlife #UKNaturev #Ichneumon #Ichneumonidae #Wasps #NatureNerd #MacroNature #Aberdeenshire #NatureLovers #BritishWildlifeHub #Raw_Insects #InsectsMacro #BBCWildlifePOTD
🕵️‍♀️👁 Came across this beauty the other day, on the gorse by Newburgh beach. Hadn’t a clue what it was. I was searching “what looks like a dragonfly but only has one pair of wings” and getting nothing useful. I shared a photo to my story asking if anyone knew what it was, and @josh_ecology came through with Ophion. I had never heard of that before, so let me tell you some things I’ve learned about them.

1️⃣ They’re wasps. Yup, really. It’s a group of parasitic wasps called Ichneumonidae. 

2️⃣ Wanna know what they lay their eggs in? Caterpillars. Nature is metal. 

3️⃣ They’re nocturnal - no, I don’t know why this one was out in the day. 

#Ophion #ParasiticWasp #UKWildlife #UKNaturev #Ichneumon #Ichneumonidae #Wasps #NatureNerd #MacroNature #Aberdeenshire #NatureLovers #BritishWildlifeHub #Raw_Insects #InsectsMacro #BBCWildlifePOTD
anaturevoyage
anaturevoyage
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🕵️‍♀️👁 Came across this beauty the other day, on the gorse by Newburgh beach. Hadn’t a clue what it was. I was searching “what looks like a dragonfly but only has one pair of wings” and getting nothing useful. I shared a photo to my story asking if anyone knew what it was, and @josh_ecology came through with Ophion. I had never heard of that before, so let me tell you some things I’ve learned about them. 1️⃣ They’re wasps. Yup, really. It’s a group of parasitic wasps called Ichneumonidae. 2️⃣ Wanna know what they lay their eggs in? Caterpillars. Nature is metal. 3️⃣ They’re nocturnal - no, I don’t know why this one was out in the day. #Ophion #ParasiticWasp #UKWildlife #UKNaturev #Ichneumon #Ichneumonidae #Wasps #NatureNerd #MacroNature #Aberdeenshire #NatureLovers #BritishWildlifeHub #Raw_Insects #InsectsMacro #BBCWildlifePOTD
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
Was gardening this afternoon, when we saw a grey blur fly at one of our robins. I saw the unmistakable black and white striped tail of a sparrowhawk as they flew into the trees. 

We’re not sure if the sparrowhawk was successful or not. We regularly see two robins, and occasionally three at the same time, so it’ll take us a few days to figure it out. On one hand, I’ll be gutted if one of “our” robins has been chomped; on the other hand, a sparrowhawks gotta eat. Circle of life. 

#Springwatch #Gardenbirds #Robin 
#Erithacusrubecula #Bird_Brilliance #EuropeanRobin #InstaNature #BirdPortrait #ShareMySigma #Sigma70300 @canonuk #EuroBirdwatch #BirdNerd #Birding #GardenNature
anaturevoyage
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Was gardening this afternoon, when we saw a grey blur fly at one of our robins. I saw the unmistakable black and white striped tail of a sparrowhawk as they flew into the trees. We’re not sure if the sparrowhawk was successful or not. We regularly see two robins, and occasionally three at the same time, so it’ll take us a few days to figure it out. On one hand, I’ll be gutted if one of “our” robins has been chomped; on the other hand, a sparrowhawks gotta eat. Circle of life. #Springwatch #Gardenbirds #Robin #Erithacusrubecula #Bird_Brilliance #EuropeanRobin #InstaNature #BirdPortrait #ShareMySigma #Sigma70300 @canonuk #EuroBirdwatch #BirdNerd #Birding #GardenNature
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
Is anyone else slightly envious of how stylish guillemots look? I know I say a lot of birds are beautiful (they all are, apart from cuckoos, they creep me out and cannot be trusted), but guillemots are right up there.

Now is a good time to spot them, as they’re coming ashore for breeding season. You can find them on cliff edges (the RSPB has a good map showing where they are in the summer), but please don’t get too close for your own safety & to avoid spooking the birds. It’s a spectacle seeing, hearing, and smelling thousands of birds squashed into the cliffs. 

If you’re in / around Aberdeen, I recommend visiting RSPB Fowlsheugh. 

#Guillemots #RSPBFowlsheugh #Aberdeenshire #BeautifulABDN #ThisIsScotland #Springwatch #NatureNerd #DiscoverWildlife #ShareMySigma #Sigma150600 @canonuk #BBCWildlifePOTD #Birding #BirdNerd #Guillemot #Seabirds #RSPB_Love_Nature #UKNature #BritishBirds #BestBirdShots #ScotlandsBeauty
anaturevoyage
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Is anyone else slightly envious of how stylish guillemots look? I know I say a lot of birds are beautiful (they all are, apart from cuckoos, they creep me out and cannot be trusted), but guillemots are right up there. Now is a good time to spot them, as they’re coming ashore for breeding season. You can find them on cliff edges (the RSPB has a good map showing where they are in the summer), but please don’t get too close for your own safety & to avoid spooking the birds. It’s a spectacle seeing, hearing, and smelling thousands of birds squashed into the cliffs. If you’re in / around Aberdeen, I recommend visiting RSPB Fowlsheugh. #Guillemots #RSPBFowlsheugh #Aberdeenshire #BeautifulABDN #ThisIsScotland #Springwatch #NatureNerd #DiscoverWildlife #ShareMySigma #Sigma150600 @canonuk #BBCWildlifePOTD #Birding #BirdNerd #Guillemot #Seabirds #RSPB_Love_Nature #UKNature #BritishBirds #BestBirdShots #ScotlandsBeauty
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
The eider duck is our heaviest and fastest flying duck, here in the UK. I reckon they might be one of the most beautiful, too. They have such a great call - it sounds like an “ooooh”. Think almost like Kenneth Williams’ trademark “ooooh, matron.”

1st photo: male eider duck. 
2nd photo: female eider duck. 
3rd photo: juvenile eider duck. 

In the UK, they’re resident around the coasts in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and northern England, and can also be seen in the winter along the coasts of England and Wales. 

#Eider #EiderDuck #BBCWildlifePOTD #ShareMySigma #Sigma150600 #BeautifulABDN #ScottishWildlife #DiscoverWildlife #BirdPerfection #BritishWildlifeHub #YourScotland #SciComm #LearnAboutNature #BirdNerd #Birding #GreyhopeBay #Girdleness #Aberdeen #AberdeenHarbour
The eider duck is our heaviest and fastest flying duck, here in the UK. I reckon they might be one of the most beautiful, too. They have such a great call - it sounds like an “ooooh”. Think almost like Kenneth Williams’ trademark “ooooh, matron.”

1st photo: male eider duck. 
2nd photo: female eider duck. 
3rd photo: juvenile eider duck. 

In the UK, they’re resident around the coasts in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and northern England, and can also be seen in the winter along the coasts of England and Wales. 

#Eider #EiderDuck #BBCWildlifePOTD #ShareMySigma #Sigma150600 #BeautifulABDN #ScottishWildlife #DiscoverWildlife #BirdPerfection #BritishWildlifeHub #YourScotland #SciComm #LearnAboutNature #BirdNerd #Birding #GreyhopeBay #Girdleness #Aberdeen #AberdeenHarbour
The eider duck is our heaviest and fastest flying duck, here in the UK. I reckon they might be one of the most beautiful, too. They have such a great call - it sounds like an “ooooh”. Think almost like Kenneth Williams’ trademark “ooooh, matron.”

1st photo: male eider duck. 
2nd photo: female eider duck. 
3rd photo: juvenile eider duck. 

In the UK, they’re resident around the coasts in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and northern England, and can also be seen in the winter along the coasts of England and Wales. 

#Eider #EiderDuck #BBCWildlifePOTD #ShareMySigma #Sigma150600 #BeautifulABDN #ScottishWildlife #DiscoverWildlife #BirdPerfection #BritishWildlifeHub #YourScotland #SciComm #LearnAboutNature #BirdNerd #Birding #GreyhopeBay #Girdleness #Aberdeen #AberdeenHarbour
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The eider duck is our heaviest and fastest flying duck, here in the UK. I reckon they might be one of the most beautiful, too. They have such a great call - it sounds like an “ooooh”. Think almost like Kenneth Williams’ trademark “ooooh, matron.” 1st photo: male eider duck. 2nd photo: female eider duck. 3rd photo: juvenile eider duck. In the UK, they’re resident around the coasts in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and northern England, and can also be seen in the winter along the coasts of England and Wales. #Eider #EiderDuck #BBCWildlifePOTD #ShareMySigma #Sigma150600 #BeautifulABDN #ScottishWildlife #DiscoverWildlife #BirdPerfection #BritishWildlifeHub #YourScotland #SciComm #LearnAboutNature #BirdNerd #Birding #GreyhopeBay #Girdleness #Aberdeen #AberdeenHarbour
2 months ago
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7/9
Take a look at this beautiful male chaffinch. Isn’t he stunning? They’re so fun to look at because there’s just so much going on; rusty chest and cheeks, blue-grey head, black wings with white accents, and if you look closer you’ll also spot a bit of yellow on the wings too. 

We have over 6 million pairs of chaffinches in the UK. They can be seen in woodland, farmland, parks, and gardens, so they’re a nice one to start learning to identify if you’re new to birding.

The @woodlandtrust website also says chaffinches have regional accents. BRB, going to see if I can find out what a Black Country chaffinch sounds like. 

#Chaffinch #BritishBirds #Sigma70300 #UKWildlife #NatureLovers #BirdNerd #Birding #SciComm #WildlifeOnEarth #Springwatch #FyvieCastle #Aberdeenshire #DiscoverNature #ScottishWildlifeTrust #EnjoyNature #ipreview via @preview.app
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Take a look at this beautiful male chaffinch. Isn’t he stunning? They’re so fun to look at because there’s just so much going on; rusty chest and cheeks, blue-grey head, black wings with white accents, and if you look closer you’ll also spot a bit of yellow on the wings too. We have over 6 million pairs of chaffinches in the UK. They can be seen in woodland, farmland, parks, and gardens, so they’re a nice one to start learning to identify if you’re new to birding. The @woodlandtrust website also says chaffinches have regional accents. BRB, going to see if I can find out what a Black Country chaffinch sounds like. #Chaffinch #BritishBirds #Sigma70300 #UKWildlife #NatureLovers #BirdNerd #Birding #SciComm #WildlifeOnEarth #Springwatch #FyvieCastle #Aberdeenshire #DiscoverNature #ScottishWildlifeTrust #EnjoyNature #ipreview via @preview.app
2 months ago
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8/9
🍞LOAF CHECK! Loafing isn’t just for cats, y’know; birds can be excellent loaves too.

I give this puffin a 9.5/10. Looks like a nice, fluffy, firm loaf, but I can see a bit of foot, so they lose half a mark for that. How do you rate this loaf? 

We should have an annual Wildlife Loaf bracket; loaves of all species going head to head like Fat Bear Week. 

#Puffin #RSPBFowlsheugh #Fowlsheugh #NatureOnOurDoorstep #BeautifulABDN #Aberdeenshire #ScottishBirds #Seabirds #ThisIsScotland #BBCWildlifePOTD #CoastalBirds #DiscoverNature #BritishWildlife #NatureOnOurDoorstep #Stonehaven #ICU_Scotland #NaturePhotography #Birding #ExploreScotland #BeautifulScotland #NatGeoWild #Nature_Perfection #Sigma150600 #CanonUK @canonuk #UKWildlife #TheBritishWildlife #LoafCheck
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🍞LOAF CHECK! Loafing isn’t just for cats, y’know; birds can be excellent loaves too. I give this puffin a 9.5/10. Looks like a nice, fluffy, firm loaf, but I can see a bit of foot, so they lose half a mark for that. How do you rate this loaf? We should have an annual Wildlife Loaf bracket; loaves of all species going head to head like Fat Bear Week. #Puffin #RSPBFowlsheugh #Fowlsheugh #NatureOnOurDoorstep #BeautifulABDN #Aberdeenshire #ScottishBirds #Seabirds #ThisIsScotland #BBCWildlifePOTD #CoastalBirds #DiscoverNature #BritishWildlife #NatureOnOurDoorstep #Stonehaven #ICU_Scotland #NaturePhotography #Birding #ExploreScotland #BeautifulScotland #NatGeoWild #Nature_Perfection #Sigma150600 #CanonUK @canonuk #UKWildlife #TheBritishWildlife #LoafCheck
2 months ago
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9/9
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