TOP TIP

THIS BIRDING WALK is located within the boundaries of the Cairngorm National Park on the Rothiemurchus Estate, near Aviemore. With its 13th Century castle island set on Loch an Eilein, and views across the snow-capped Cairngorm Mountains to the south, it is a place of immense atmosphere and grandeur. Old Caledonian Scots Pines contrast with commercial plantations and deciduous trees, home to a typical range of Highland woodland birds, while adjacent open moorland, birch scrub, bogs and streams add to the habitat diversity. Visitors from southern England will be surprised by the sheer numbers of Willow Warblers and Siskins in these northern pine woods, and Crested Tits, which should be easy to see as they return to nest holes to feed their young. Capercaillie are few in number and can be elusive during the summer in thick ground cover. Ospreys regularly fish open water while Red Kite and Goshawk are both present in the general area. On warm, muggy days vast clouds of flying insects rise off the woodland canopy, attracting large flocks of Swallows, martins and Swifts. Red Squirrels should be relatively easy to see throughout the forest, while Roe and Red Deer are often noted along woodland edges and the open moorland to the south. This is a great walk for dog-lovers. For a chance of Capercaillie visit early morning and scan fire-breaks and clearings