We spend the next six days exploring the Scottish Highlands in search of its wonderful wildlife. We will visit a variety of locations and habitats to enable us to see the widest variety of wildlife possible, including the ancient Caledonian pine forests, moorland, lower mountain slopes, highland glens, lochs and coast. We will aim to visit particular locations during our time in the Highlands some of which are described below; however, the itinerary will be kept flexible so we can adjust to the weather, tides and sightings reports.
On one day we will explore nearby Loch Garten and Abernethy Forest RSPB Reserve, where Caledonian specialities, including common and Scottish crossbills, crested tit, red squirrel and coal tits will be firmly in our sights, while the local moorlands of Lochindorb will offer the opportunity to catch up with the famous red grouse and much rarer black grouse. We will also make a visit to Strathdearn a key part of the week, with the self-styled ‘Valley of the Raptors’ sensational for golden eagle, peregrine, goshawk, red kite, raven, dipper, with red deer and mountain hare a good possibility too. White-tailed eagles are now being seen in the valley with increased regularity too.
With the stunning Cairngorm Mountains as a backdrop, it would be a shame not to venture to their lower slopes to see whether any snow buntings have been enticed down from the peaks. On a walk here we might also have an encounter with Britain’s tamest member of the grouse family, the lovely (rock) ptarmigan and will also be looking out for the arrival of ring ouzels back on their breeding grounds. Coming down from the mountain, a visit to Laggan later in the day will present the best opportunity of getting close to the Monarch of the Glen, with sika deer regularly recorded here too.
Another day will be spent a little further west visiting sites on the Black Isle, situated in the Inner Moray Firth. At Udale Bay RSPB reserve, for example, we should experience the sight of skeins of pink-footed geese etching lines across the sky or dropping to the mudflats. Here they join thousands of whistling wigeon, teal, bar-tailed godwit, redshank and lapwing, all happily feeding until a hunting peregrine swoops down from a great height to secure a meal. There should also be time while on the Black Isle to look for red kite, tree sparrow and yellowhammer, with a visit to Chanonry Point and North Kessock along the way representing the best opportunities to catch up with common bottlenose dolphin and otter respectively.
On one of our evenings, we have exclusive use of a purpose-built hide from where we will spend approximately three hours waiting to see what visits. Likely species include tawny owl, wood mouse, badger, and with luck, we'll be visited by one of the UK's most sought-after mammals, the fabulously charismatic pine marten. We’ll then return to our hotel later in the evening where cheese and wine will be available at the bar for those feeling peckish!
