HIGHLAND BRIDGE OF BROWN
A summer walk in the Grampians
The Burn of Lochy provides the centrepiece of this birding walk, comprising a swift-flowing water course habitat with flood meadows and Birch scrub, plus moorland, rocky outcrops and superb views along Glen Lochy to the Hills of Cromdale to the north. Mature conifers combine with newly planted plantations as well as several stands of Scots Pines affording a hint of old Caledonia; home to Crested Tit and crossbills of three species.
WHERE TO WATCH
1 Check from the road bridges for Grey Wagtail, Dipper, and Common Sandpiper feeding in the rapids; the former two species often nest under the bridge or along the river banks. Pied Wagtail, Swift, House and Sand Martins hawk for insects over the burn. Scattered birch scrub and woodland edge supports the likes of Tree Pipit, Wood Warbler, Redstart, Pied or Spotted Flycatchers, Blackcap and Willow Warbler.
2 Another good spot for woodland breeders, where a burn runs through a glade, particularly for Pied Flycatcher and Redstart. Open moorland to the north supports Red Grouse, Curlew, Meadow Pipit, Wheatear and Whinchat with a chance of Ring Ouzel and Peregrine around rocky outcrops. Scan for raptors such as Merlin and Hen Harrier, plus Short-eared Owl. 3 Dense pine forest supports breeding Crossbill and Parrot and Scottish Crossbills, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Crested and Coal Tits, Treecreeper, Goldcrest, Lesser Redpoll, Siskin, Chiffchaff and Blackcap, and are easiest to locate around clearings. Goshawk, Tawny and Long-eared Owls also present along with Red Squirrel, Pine Martin and Roe Deer.
4 Damp meadows attract Sky Lark, Meadow Pipit and Whinchat. Check the scrub for Cuckoo, Whitethroat, Sedge and Grasshopper Warblers, Stonechat and Yellowhammer. A good spot on the river for Oystercatcher, Common and Black-headed Gulls, Dipper, Grey Wagtail, Goosander and Goldeneye, plus Osprey and Red Kite. Barn Owl at dusk.