Crested tit from a distance, this is quite a dull coloured tit with predominantly grey-green upper parts, buff flanks and a white breast. The white cheeks and lack of wing barring identify it at this range. More closely it has a very distinctive black and white colour.

         Red grouse is the most common grouse, a plump medium sized bird with a short tail, rich chestnut brown plumage and white-feathered legs. Males can be identified by a red eyebrow wattle which is very apparent when they call during the breeding season.

          Lapwing at a distance the lapwing looks black and white, on close inspection it has rich greens and shades of red on its back and wings, with an orange vent under its tail. In flight, it looks all black from above and white with black wing ends from underneath.

          Chough while its black plumage identifies it as a crow, the chough (pronounced 'chuff') has a red bill and legs unlike any other member of the crow family. It has a restricted westerly distribution in the British Isles and because of its small population size.

         The ptarmigan is a plump gamebird, slightly larger than a grey partridge. In summer, is a mixture of grey, brown and black above with white bellies and wings. In winter, it becomes totally white except for its tail and eye-patch, which remain black.

          Snow bunting Snow buntings are large buntings, with striking `snowy' plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above.

          Red deer are one of the most iconic animals associated with Scotland, the red deer is the UK's largest land mammal and can be spotted in almost every region in the country. Mostly you will see them in Isle of Arran, Isle of Jura, Lochaber, Torridon, Cairngorms National Park, and Queen Elizabeth Forest Park.

           Scottish wildcat similar to a domestic tortoiseshell cat, the Scottish Wildcat is about as far removed from a tame tabby as you can get. Visible differences include a distinctly bushy tail marked by dark or black rings and a thicker coat; they also tend to be a little larger than their domesticated cousins. Wildcats are extremely rare; it’s estimated there are fewer than 100 left in the wild. Conservation projects are underway to help preserve them.

           Adder Snakes are commonly known as a warm countries reptile although they are uncommon in the British Isles but we do have the native adder. The wooded or rocky areas in remote parts of rural Scotland are preferred habitats for these low-profile reptiles. Adders are venomous and can give you a nasty bite but occurrences of such encounters are rare. Snakes won't strike unless they’ve been stepped on so keep an eye out for them curled up in the sun from April to September. The rest of the year they spend hibernating underground. Mostly they are spotted in The Angus Glens. The adder is Scotland and the UK’s only venomous one. In its old English form, the name adder means simply serpent, although Scotland’s Scandinavian neighbours refer to it as the “striking” or “cutting” snake. Up to two feet in length and will make itself at home anywhere from rocky hillsides to lake shores. Although not aggressive or significantly venomous, the adder can, if threatened or provoked, deliver a painful bite.

           Dolphins Scotland has an impressive number of bottlenose dolphin pods that can be spotted off the coast. A popular location for sightings is Cromarty Point, a jutting headland that allows ships to access Cromarty Bay’s deep waters. For a good chance of seeing a specimen in the wild, the Scottish Dolphin Centre at Spey Bay is a fantastic family-friendly attraction