Monday 3rd - Friday 7th February 2025
TOUR REPORT
Day One - WELCOME AND AFTERNOON TOUR
We all met at the Grant Arms hotel and headed straight out to a local pinewood for a walk. Coal Tits and Siskin were calling from the high tops, along with Crossbills ‘chipping’ away.
Afterwards we checked some woodland feeders and spotted Treecreeper, Great Tits, Chaffinch and Blue Tits. No Red Squirrel, but we would try again later in the week!
DAY TWO
After a brief and rainy moorland stop, we headed north towards coastal habitat and our first stop was Nairn. About 25 Snow Buntings were seen almost straight away! They were quite mobile, moving from the strand lines to the pier, before disappearing out of sight. A great mix of waders included Bar-tailed Godwit, Dunlin, Lapwing, Curlew, Oystercatchers and Turnstones. Duck species included Wigeon and Mallard.
We then headed easterly. Long-tailed Ducks, Common Scoter, Velvet Scoter Red-breasted Mergansers and Eider ducks. As we had lunch we watched Purple Sandpipers, Turnstones and Redshanks.
After lunch, we spent most of the afternoon at Loch Spynie. We were treated to a huge mix of species from Tree Sparrows, Yellowhammer, Crossbills, Reed Bunting and Red Squirrels. On the loch we spotted Goldeneye, Tufted Duck, Goosanders, Mallard and Little Grebe.
We arrived back to the hotel for high tea at 4:30, and then it was out to the evening mammal hide near Aviemore for 6:30. We spent three hours in the hide, joined by Harris the ranger. We got rewarded with a 10-minute view of a Badger appearing but no Pine Marten, unfortunately.
DAY THREE
A dry day with sunny intervals forecast as we headed for the Highland moors! Our first stop was very productive as we spotted a male Goshawk! We all got moderate views as it travelled from the woodland to the moors and back. Crossbills were again active, up in the Sitka Spruce. On our way back to the toilet stop, we saw Iolo and his group, and they were watching Golden Eagles on the nearby hills! Three birds were seen with good light brining out their golden and tawny tones.
We headed further down the glen and after lunch got rewarded with more Golden Eagles, Buzzards and a Kestrel. We undertook a short moorland walk and spotted two Mountain Hares in their beautiful white winter coats.
In the evening, Ewan did a talk on eagles at the hotel, which was very fitting after we had encountered seven golden eagles during the day!
DAY FOUR
The mountains were calling, and we answered, so it was straight up to the Cairngorms car park. There were c25 Snow Buntings in the car park, and we managed to spot a Mountain Hare near the ski centre. We undertook a walk unto the wilder parts of the mountain and were treated to some beautiful wild connections and snowscapes.
After lunch, we checked out some woodland feeders at Nethy bridge in search of Crested Tits but no joy. We did see Jays, Siskin and Coal Tits.
DAY FIVE
We started the day with a beautiful Black Grouse lek to the south-east of Grantown, and then it was ‘operation crested tit’ after that. We headed straight to Nethy Bridge to check the feeders there but no joy unfortunately after a really good stint.
Furthermore, we said goodbye to Gary and Lorna and headed onto Loch Garten for a woodland walk to finish the package.
As we enjoyed the tranquillity alongside the famous Loch Garten, suddenly Jack spotted a small flock of birds up in the canopy, Crested Tits! A great way to finish the 5 days.
Thanks to all the guests for their company and perseverance during the trip.
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