GLEN AFFRIC
Quite possibly Scotland’s most beautiful glen
The Glen Affric National Nature Reserve is run by Nature Scot, along with Forestry and Land Scotland. It is still home to one of the largest remnants of the ancient Caledonian Pine Forest that once covered much of the Highlands. This part of Scotland is not just about wildlife, but landscape, too, and been described as the most beautiful glen in Scotland.
WHERE TO WATCH
1
The first thing you have to remember about this site is the size of it. Amazingly, it covers 56 square miles. There are a number of car parks which allow you to wonder around the area and hope that feeders are drawing one of the special birds – the Crested Tit, with other tits likely, along with Chaffinch, Great Spotted Woodpecker and even Treecreeper.
2
With so many conifers, Crossbills must be high on your list. Calls are a certain way to find them, but remember puddles on the road, too, as the pine seed is dry and needs water to become digestible to Crossbills. Look out for the rare Capercaillie (not via leks!) with a chance of both Pine Marten and Red Squirrels.
3
Loch Beinn a Mheadhoin sits in the middle of this great Caledonian forest, with Forest and Land Scotland adding trees via planting and more via natural regeneration. The loch itself is home to Black-throated Divers, Goldeneye, Red-breasted Mergansers and Ospreys.
4
Scanning for raptors is always a way of finding something good. The commonest species are Buzzard and Sparrowhawk, but the moorland has both Merlin and Hen Harrier in summer, with chance of Goshawk and Peregrine. A track here takes you higher into the open fell so look out for Red Grouse, Cuckoo, and Short-eared Owl. Listen out for the bubbling of Black Grouse, which will be found in these more open areas of the forest where you might also find Stonechat and Whinchat.
5
I followed a trail up onto a mound, giving great views down the loch and even west into Loch Affric. Here I had two types of eagles, with a Golden drifting in from across the forest, and an immature White-tailed Eagle covering the high ground looking for carrion. Tree Pipits were here, along with Goldcrest and Siskin.