Places, Avoch and Killen ⋆ Ross and Cromarty Heritage

Avoch and Killen Places

Attribution: unknown or not recorded

avoch burial grounds

Avoch has two burial grounds which have been in use for many years. In addition, there are burial locations for previous dignitaries.

Attribution: unknown

avoch churches

Avoch has a variety of churches from many different denominations.

Attribution: unknown

avoch commercial buildings

Avoch is a bustling community which is represented by many different local shops.

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Avoch » Avoch Environment » Avoch Fauna

Blackbird

Found all over Britain this bird is seen in most local gardens and is heard in springtime early in the morning and late at night. Another characteristic of it, is its kamikazi flights from one side of the road to another in front of cars.

Blue Tit

The most common of the Tit family, these birds are great acrobats and can be seen hanging upside down from branches or bird feeders in their quest for food.

Chaffinch

By far the most common finch, this bird frequents most gardens as well as woodland areas. It is resident throughout the year and has a wide variety of calls and songs. The pictured bird is a male. His mate is duller with a browny - yellow plumage.

Collared Dove (Photo M and D Galloway)

It is difficult to believe that this bird only arrived in Britain in the 1950s as it is now successfully established in every corner of these islands. It can be seen on farmland and also on the shore and in gardens.

Cormorant (Photo M and D Galloway)

This bird is most often seen flying low over the water or on a rock or buoy drying its wings. It is distinguishable from the Shag by its white throat and cheekband and the lack of a crest.

View from Henrietta Street of an Autumnal Sunrise with Corvids in Flight.

Killen and the north side of Avoch are well used to the sight and sound of Carrion and Hooded Crows whereas Jackdaws and Rooks frequent the shoreline. During Spring and Autumn the sky can be black with them as they gather for their flights from or to their roosting places.

Ducks under the Henrietta Bridge

Dunlin

This small wader can be seen in huge flocks in other parts of the country but a few are seen in Avoch from time to time.

Great Tit [Photo M and D Galloway]

Larger than the more commonly seen Blue Tit, the Great Tit is often dominant at a bird table. The male is easily distinguishable from the female by a continuous black line down its yellow front - hers being broken.

Mallard

By far the most common species in the area, these birds are usually to be found in the area of the Henrietta Bridge where locals and visitors often feed them. During the spring, however, they nest in various gardens and it is not an uncommon sight for cars to be brought to a standstill so that a female and line of ducklings can walk across the road. The larger duck in the background (known affectionately to some as "Ugly" is a hybrid.

Mute Swan with cygnet brood

A pair of Mute Swans frequent the burn in Avoch and steadfastly protect their domain from any visiting swans. Each year they build a nest and lay eggs. The picture shows part of a brood of eight cygnets.

Pied Wagtail [Photo M and D Galloway]

Equally at home on bowling green, shore or garden this smart member of the wagtail family can be seen bobbing along at most times of the year although these birds have a tendency to migrate South in the severe weather.

Red Kite

This is probably the best loved of the many birds that can regularly be seen in the village. Until just over 10 years ago this species could only be seen in a remote area of Central Wales - having been hunted to extinction elsewhere. A few birds from Sweden were released at two secret locations on the Black Isle and are breeding well now. In 2014 the breeding programme received a serious setback when a considerable number of red kites, and some buzzards, were found to be poisoned in the Black Isle area. The culprit has never been identified.

Redshank [Photo M and D Galloway]

Seen in good numbers on the shoreline, these waders have longish beaks of the same red as their legs with which they probe for food such as cockles.

Robin

The familiar gardener's companion shows a different side to its nature during breeding times when it becomes very territorial and will attack almost anything red in colour.

Shelduck

Despite its name this is not a duck. A few may be seen at the Burn mouth from time to time but large numbers are common in Munlochy Bay. They nest in holes in banks.

Song Thrush

This beautiful songster is, sadly, less common than it used to be. Its near relative the Mistle Thrush is more likely to be seen on farmland than in gardens. In winter Redwing and Fieldfare can flock together.

Starlings [Photo M and D Galloway]

These birds are not very common in the area. They are well known for their mimicry skills and can not only make other bird noises but also mechanical sounds such as burglar alarms and mobile 'phone calls.

Swallows. [Photo M and D Galloway]

Summer visitors, together with House Martins, these birds are to be found in the Burn area swooping over the water for insects. In the autumn they gather in large numbers on telephone wires before making their intrepid journey to Africa.

Wheatear

Not likely to be seen in the village, the Wheatear is a summer visitor and could be seen in the Killen area.

Willow Warbler. [Photo M and D Galloway]

This bird, with its distinctive song, likes to perch on the tops of bushes.

Yellow Hammer. [Photo M and D Galloway]

The male is bright yellow in colour, the female less so. It is often heard before being seen with its "little-bit-of-bread-and-no-cheese" call.

Bottle nosed dolphin.

As Avoch lies in a bay, it is not as easy to see these beautiful mammals as it is at Chanonry Point or North Kessock but the best chance of doing so is to have binoculars at the ready when the Dolphin boats are seen slowing down near the fish farm.

avoch features

From the Pallay Stone to a beautiful harbour Avoch has many features to view.

Attribution: unknown

avoch industrial premises

Attribution: unknown

Avoch had, and still has, had a variety of different industrial premises.

locations

From an ancient castle to a pictorial beach there are many beautiful locations in Avoch.

Attribution: unknown

public buildings

Attribution: unknown

From buildings which have been endowed to local authority buildings we find a variety in Avoch.

Avoch residential properties

Avoch has a variety of different architectural types of housing.

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Avoch Recreation

Avoch has many different types of recreational areas from playparks to bowling greens.

Attribution: unknown

Avoch and Killen Places

avoch burial grounds

avoch churches

avoch commercial buildings

Click on photo album to view thumbnails and then click thumbnail to see the full size images

avoch features

avoch industrial premises

locations

public buildings

Avoch residential properties

Click on photo album to view thumbnails and then click thumbnail to see the full size images

Avoch Residential

Avoch Recreation

The Secretary, Ross and Cromarty Heritage Society, Tigh na Cadalach, Hawthorn Road, Muir of Ord. IV6 7RL.

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