It’s June, which means we’ve finally made it to summer and arguably the best month for wildlife watching in Scotland.
Now is a great time to see many of Scotland’s most iconic animals, with longer days and warmer weather giving you a better – and more comfortable – chance of catching a glimpse of a golden eagle, majestic stag, red squirrel or playful otter.
While these animals can be sighted throughout much of the year, other wildlife experiences are far more time restricted.
Here are 10 natural wonders to enjoy this month.
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5. And one of our most colourful moths
Do you think that moths are dull, boring and only come out at night? The Six-spot Burnet shows that this is not the case. On the wing during June, this velvety black and red day-flying moth is often confused for a butterfly. Also look out for their equally-vivid coloured red and yellow caterpillars that feed on ragwart - sometimes demolishing entire plants in hours. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
6. A blooming great month
June is the peak month for wildflowers across Britain, with more in bloom than at any other time. From red poppies and blue cornflowers, to colourful daisies and foxgloves, it's impossible to miss them, but look closer and you may find rarer and more unusual blooms, including many of the 52 different species of orchid found in the UK. Grab an identification guide and see how many you can tick off. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
7. Catch a glimpse of our most elusive mammal
The Pine Marten used to be common across Scotland but were hunted nearly to extinction, firstly for their fur and then as vermin. The Scottish Highlands are now the best place in the UK to see them and, with their young kits currently venturing out on adventures for the first time, June is when you have the best chance of catching a glimpse. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
8. Think pink
The one place flowers tend to have a problem surviving is on Scotland's wild coast - with winds and salty sea spray putting paid to all but the hardiest plants. It's not an issue for the tough and pretty thrift - also commonly known as sea pinks. The flowers are at their peak in June, carpeting cliff tops and other coastal locations with their pink pom-pom-shaped blooms - making already dramatic landscapes even more photogenic. Photo: Canva/Getty Images