It's all about the animals

The castle stops try to provide something for the entire family.  At Castle May, they had a barn with several different kind of animals.  The Queen Mum apparently was the supporter of the Aberdeen Angus.  It's lambing season and they had some set aside for petting.  Lambs are really soft - I know that may seem obvious, but I was still surprised.

Lambs Lunching at Castle Mey

When the guy asked if someone wanted to help feed the lambs, I dropped my purse and shouted I DO!  This made my brother laugh, but I did, I really did want to do it, so I did.  


Castle Mey also has some pretty fantastic chickens.  They have some called silkies that don't even look like chickens, but when I said that out loud one of them started crowing just to prove they are in fact chickens.  They also had these enormous chickens.  The rooster was so big he seemed to have trouble getting to his feet.

Giant Chicken at Castle Mey

At Dunrobin Castle, they have a falconry display at 1130 and 1430.  I love birds, and Andy the falconer also loves birds.  All the birds he has are domesticated or came to him because they were hurt.  He does a running commentary about falconry while he let's a couple of them get their exercise.

Eagle Owl at Dunrobin Castle

He flew different birds each time I went, and I was really excited when I saw the owl swoop in - love owls.  He was huge and full of personality.

Ooh, Eagle Owl at Dunrobin Castle

Factoid: 50% of the Harris Hawks in America do not make it to their 1st birthday.  Only 30% of the remaining 50% make it to there 3rd birthday.  This hawk was 12 year old, and she was a show off!

Harris Hawk at Dunrobin Castle

Each time I left the display I thought - I wonder if Andy - the falconer - needs an apprentice.  

On the way back from Dunrobin we saw these great highlands.  We back tracked to get some photos and I am loving these pictures because I was in the shade and they were not, so the color is fabulous!

Highland Cattle in Caithness