Scotland Wildlife in October: Here are 10 pieces of amazing Scottish wildlife to look out for this month
As autumn officially begins, there’s plenty going on in the world of Scotland’s plants and animals.
The natural world is in full preparation for the winter that will follow, doing everything it can to survive until spring.
It's a time of change and there’s lots to look out when you wrap up warm for an autumnal walk.
Here are 10 things to look out for in October.
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It's a time of change and there’s lots to look out when you wrap up warm for an autumnal walk.
5. A moth that likes daylight
The Silver Y moth achieved unexpected fame when one landed on Ronaldo's face during the European Championship final in 2016. A surprising number of moths are active during October, and are more likely to be seen with the longer nights. The Silver Y moth, however, also flies during the day and can be seen on sunny afternoons in grassland.
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6. Hail the king of the river
Scotland's rivers are world-renowned for their majestic silver salmon, although they tend to stay hidden underwater. In October they are migrating upstream to spawn and so are on the move. Salmon ladders (such as the one in Pitlochry) help them on their way and if you're patient you may be rewarded by the spectacle of them leaping out of the water.
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7. A master of disguise
Once a rarity in Scotland, the Comma butterfly - with its raggedy wings designed to look like a dead leaf - have been spreading north of the border in recent years. If you're lucky you might spot one on a sunny day in a city park.
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8. Get in a rut
One of the greatest spectacles in Scotland's natural world, the red deer rut starts in October. Pumped up with testosterone, stags are looking for a mate and are prepared to fight for their right to breed. The dramatic displays see competing stags grunt, thrash and clash.
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