On the Riverbank

09 January 2019

Who knew you could find such a variety of beautiful wildlife you can spot on the banks of the River Tay! The City was founded upon the river. Now of course the River Tay is mainly a leisure asset. It's fished for salmon, small boats take to it's waters in warmer times and it has many wonderful riverside walks.

Alongside our luscious greenery, rivers and streams there are lots of creatures that have made Perthshire their home and local wildlife photographer Gordon Muir, has met quite a few of them on his walks with his camera.

Gordon loves getting out and about in Perthshire snapping the antics of our local wildlife. From shy squirrels to colourful kingfishers he's got it captured.

There's something glorious about stepping outside into the wintery weather and taking a deep breath of fresh air. This January get your walking boots on and head for a walk along the River Tay. From the foot of Tay Street in the heart of the city centre, to where the River Almond enters the Tay and swirls around the River banks. The city and surrounding area is teaming with wildlife.

Keep your eyes peeled for flocks of Geese arriving on the River and listen out for the sound of giant wingbeats as a group of Swans majestically fly by. If you are lucky and quiet enough you may have a chance to catch a glimpse of the local deer population. A dozen or so live amongst the wooded areas where they call home. Occasionally they can appear right in front of you as they cross the path.

*** About the Photographer ***

This weeks gallery has been provided by local wildlife photographer Gordon Muir. 

Having worked as a chef for 36 years, latterly at Perth College UHI, which, due to the time off he gets, has given Gordon the opportunity to develop his love of photography. Wildlife is his main interest and he continues to hone his skills, mostly through trial and error by spending many hours wandering the banks of the Tay near his home in North Muirton.

Perthshire is wonderful playground for any wildlife photographer with the diverse animal and insect life. They say never work with children or animals but this doesn't bother Gordon and he explains that it just means that a level of patience is required to get the right shot, but that in itself helps him relax away from work. From time to time he goes further afield than Perthshire but as the saying goes “ East, West, hames best” and we have to agree!