STRATH MASHIE
Bird-rich walk along the Spey Valley
Set within the Cairngorm National Park, the Strath Mashie area combines all the classic Highland habitats, including remnants of old Caledonian pine forest within Black Wood along with patches of broadleaved timber and moorland. The River Spey and its tributaries cut through the valley providing another bird-rich habitat. The much sought-after Black Grouse and Capercaillie are present in small numbers, but difficult to find, whereas Crested Tit, Dipper and Osprey are easier to see. Mammals to look out for along the way included Red Squirrel, Mountain Hare, Pine Martin, Red and Roe Deer.
WHERE TO WATCH 1
Cross A86 road from parking area and walk past cottages. Head NW. Check around the bridge and in the rapids for breeding Grey Wagtail and Dipper, plus Goldeneye and Goosander where the river passes between the two arms of the wood. The margins can also attract Grey Heron, Common Sandpiper and Pied Wagtail. Where the river broadens out across Strath Mashie look for Common Gull, Greylag, Curlew and Snipe, while rank ground cover can attract Sedge Warbler, Whitethroat and Reed Bunting. Flocks of Swift, Swallow, House and Sand Martins hawk the myriads of flying insects.
2
Black Wood harbours the typical range of highland woodland birds including Sparrowhawk, Woodcock, Turtle Dove, Green and Great Spotted Woodpecker, Treecreeper, Coal Tit, Goldcrest, Siskin and Lesser Redpoll; also look out for Crested Tit and Crossbill, some of which may be Scottish or Parrot Crossbills. Summering Redstart, Willow Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher are also present. Check rides for a chance of Capercaillie and a hunting Longeared Owl at dusk.
3
Scan the clearing for the likes of Cuckoo, Whinchat, Stonechat and Tree Pipit; a good spot for Black Grouse activity early morning. Another good area for Wood Warbler, Redstart and Spotted Flycatcher along the woodland margins. Check soaring raptors for a chance of Red Kite and Goshawk, plus a slim chance of Honey Buzzard.
4
The uplands to the north support moorland birds such as Red Grouse, Curlew, Golden Plover, Merlin, Buzzard, Short-eared Owl, Wheatear and Meadow Pipit. Check crags and rock faces for Ring Ouzel, Raven and Peregrine, while Golden Eagle are often seen drifting over from the mountains to the south. The watercourse is good for breeding Snipe, Whinchat, Common Gull and Greylag Geese, feeding Swifts and hirundines, along with a passing Osprey and a fair chance of a Barn Owl at dusk.