Summer babies are out

We had such a cold spring, we didn't see any of these guys out. But now that it is officially summer and t-shirt weather in Scotland, the  babies are all out and about.

Critters of the Royal Highland Show

The Royal Highland Show is in town; Edinburgh's version of the county fair.  Lots of craft booths, fair food, and of course farm animals.  All the critters seemed well taken care of and happy to spend the weekend at the fair.

Seals of St Andrews Aquarium

I have only just realized that I haven't introduced you to the four harbour seals I have been working with at the St Andrews aquarium.  Up top we have Nellie, mom to the two boys we have Togo and Leif.  Togo is in the second photo down showing how well he can synchronize dance with his mum.  Third photo is Laurel, the 'grandma' of the group who has spent her whole life in captivity after she was brought in for rescue as a pup.  After a few decades she certainly has learned a few tricks and is the fastest learner during our training sessions!  And last but not least, the baby of the group is in the bottom photo.  Leif's baby eyes have gotten us humans well trained-he knows he just needs to look cute and the fish appear.

Harlaw Reserve

This past weekend was perfect weather...bright skies, 80 degrees (pretty darn good for Scotland!)  So Marc and I went hiking in the Harlaw Reserve.  It is part of the Pentlands in Edinburgh, and has miles of trial taking you to hidden lochs and springs.  And the trials are fairly mild (at least compared to some of the pentlands were the slope is so steep you have to go down on your butt).