ROTHIEMURCHUS
A wide variety of wildlife and birds to be enjoyed here
Abig surprise happened in 2014 when Rothiemurchus was sold by the Grant family, who had owned it for 500 years, to the Forestry Commission (now called Forestry and Land Scotland) for £7.4 million. This land now nearly doubles the ownership of FLS, with a National Nature Reserve covering a good percentage of this same land.
Rothiemurchus extends to more than 5,700 acres, mainly of ancient Caledonian pine forest, with a backdrop of the Cairngorm Mountains to the east and south-east.
The forest is famous for its Capercaillie, but as folk have to walk/bike to see them, few birders actually use this part of the forest. I was fortunate to find my own Caper displaying along with all the other classics here.
The area was made famous by Desmond Nethersole Thompson when searching for forest Greenshanks that used to breed here and feed along Loch Morlich, but sadly they have gone now and only passage birds may be found.
The main breeding wader of the forest is the Woodcock, best seen on an evening in spring and summer when it does its amazing display flight. Another great display to look out for is the Longeared Owl. They nest in old crow nests and love the forest edge to hunt over the clear areas. Crested Tits have old dead trunks to nest in, but can be found along the paths, feeding.
Another one to see by the paths is the Crossbill coming down to puddles to drink – check the bill size to match them with Parrot, Scottish Crossbills, or Crossbill.
Other species in the forest include Siskin, redpoll and Chaffinch with mixed tits. Waxwings use the forest for its Rowan berries as well as Juniper berries most winters, but you never know exactly where they will be!
Pine Martens are common, along with Foxes. Listen for the claws of Red Squirrel as they run up the trees.