Birdwatching
Mountain Innovations also run a High Wildlife (Walking) Weekend in May, where you can particularly bag the mountain wildlife such as Ptarmigan. Alternatively you can arrange for a private wildlife guide to take you out to spot the birds and mammals. Please contact Mountain Innovations directly for further information.
Black Grouse
Often viewed in on moorland near forest. Frequently seen in Abernethy Forest and Glenmore.
Buzzard
Found anywhere in the valley, mostly on or near farmland
Capercaillie
May be glimpsed in any pine forest in the Spey Valley. We have often seen them in the woods at the back of the house when out on a bike ride. The best opportunity to see them in their full glory is when the RSPB open up the Osprey Hide in April & May for the lec. It does mean an early start to the day - 5am, but is well worth the effort. If you do want to go out on your own keeping you eye open for them, make sure you follow the paths and keep dogs on a lead. THe RSPB publish a guide for birdwatchers hoping to see Capercaillie and Black Grouse.
Crested Tit
The "crestie" lives in pine forests - mostly among older trees. We've also seen them on our bird feeders.
Crossbill
This bird also lives in the pine forest. It is often seen in a flock high among the trees feeding on pine cones. We have seen them on the trees at the bottom of our garden, but they are nomadic so a sighting is never guaranteed but can be a bonus.
Golden Eagles
They are seen regularly along Strath Dearn in the Findhorn Valley. They are also seomtimes seen in Strath Nethy and among the Glen Feshie hills. Andy sees them at times when out running his walking holidays.
Golden Eye Duck
Found on all lochs and rivers and along the Moray Coast.
Heron
Another common bird that might be seen anywhere there is water. Rothiemurchus Fish Farm at Aviemore, and Milton Loch, Boat of Garten, are popular with herons.
Kingfisher
Sightings are possible along any river bank. Look out for a flash of electric blue.
Osprey
To watch ospreys at the nest, go to the RSPB Osprey Centre, Loch Garten.
There is another osprey hide at Loch of the Lowes, near Dunkeld. Please
do not approach any remote osprey nest you might find by accident. To
watch ospreys hunting, go to the Rothiemurchus Fish Farm at Aviemore
just after dawn or just before dusk. Another good spot is Spey Bay where
the ospreys hunt on and off all day.
Ptarmigan
You really have to be a hillwalker to see this bird because it is only found on mountainous terrain above 700 metres.
Red Kite
These beautiful birds are still scarce in the Spey Valley, but they are common just north of Inverness on the Black Isle. There is a Red Kite information centre beside the A9 at North Kessock. It is usually open from late April till September and has a video link to one of the nests.
Slavonian Grebe
Loch Vaa, near Aviemore, and the ponds near Boat of Garten are among the most likely places to see Slavonian Grebes in the valley. Please keep to roads and footpaths and do not approach the nests.
Snow Bunting
Cairngorm Ski Car Park in winter and further up the hill at other times of the year.
There are further details of birdwatching opportunities throughout the area on the Boat of Garten village web site. Follow this link.
