GLEN FESHIE
A summer walk in the Cairngorms
The centrepiece of this birding walk to the south of Aviemore is the River Feshie, a tributary of the Spey, complete with islets, flood meadows and scattered Birch scrub. Classic Highland species en route include Red Grouse, Crested Tit, Dipper, Redstart, Ring Ouzel and Common Sandpiper, plus an outside chance of Capercaillie in the fir woods, and the chance of raptors such as White-tailed Eagle or Osprey through the valley and Golden Eagle soaring over the high tops. And, there’s always those tricky and controversial crossbills to sift through!
WHERE TO WATCH
1 From the river confluence at Achlean scan for the likes of Grey Wagtail, Dipper, and Common Sandpiper feeding in the rapids; the former two species often nest under the bridge or along adjacent riverbanks. The best spot along the watercourse for seeing Goosander and Goldeneye on the move, plus hunting Osprey and Red Kite, and Barn Owl at dusk. Pied Wagtail, Swift, House and Sand Martins hawk for insects over the river. Check the Birch woodland edge for a chance of Cuckoo, Tree Pipit, Redstart, Spotted Flycatcher, Blackcap and Willow Warbler.
2 River islets attract breeding Oystercatcher, Common and Black-headed Gulls and Greylag Goose, plus flocks of feeding Pied Wagtails, hirundines and Swifts. Check the conifer margins for Crested and Coal Tits, Lesser Redpoll, Scottish, Parrot or Common Crossbills, Goldcrest and Siskin. Another good spot to scan the riverbanks for Dipper and Grey Wagtail. Red and Roe Deer often take refuge here in hot weather.
3 Wet meadows in the valley and moorland edge can attract Curlew, Sky Lark, Meadow Pipit and Wheatear. Check the scrub for a chance of Cuckoo, Whitethroat, Sedge and Grasshopper Warblers, Stonechat, Whinchat and Yellowhammer. Dense pine forest supports breeding Common, Parrot and Scottish Crossbills, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Crested and Coal Tits, Treecreeper, Goldcrest, Lesser Redpoll, Siskin, Chiffchaff and Blackcap that are easiest to locate around clearings. Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Tawny and Longeared Owls are also present along with Red Squirrel, Pine Martin and Roe Deer.
4 Scan moorland for Red Grouse and raptors such as Buzzard, Merlin, Kestrel and an outside chance of Hen Harrier. Corvids include Raven and Hooded Crow around the crags of Coire Garbhlach, plus a fair chance of Peregrine and Golden Eagle, and on the rocky slopes Ring Ouzel and Wheatear.