THRALL OF THE WILD

A quarter of rare and endangered species in the UK live in the Cairngorms. Here are five to spot…

WILDCAT

(Felis silvestris)

The scottish wildcat is stouter than its domestic cousin and sports a ringed bushy tail. there may be as few as 115 in the wild, but for a guaranteed glimpse, head to the highland wildlife park near aviemore.

SNOW BUNTING

(Plectrophenax nivalis)

Spot the ‘snowflake’ on rocky snow slopes foraging for insects or in ski-centre car parks pecking away at crumbs.

RED SQUIRREL

(Sciurus vulgaris)

Most of our red squirrels, which may look brown, grey or near-black, live in scotland. all shades display hairy ear tufts. watch them snack on scots pine seeds along trails at glenmore forest park (they don’t hibernate).

GOLDEN EAGLE

(Aquila chrysaetos)

With a two-metre wingspan, a golden eagle is hard to miss against the skyline (if it flaps a lot, it’s probably a buzzard). the findhorn valley is a popular highlands hangout.

PINE MARTEN

(Martes martes)

This elusive member of the weasel family lives in tree holes, squirrel dreys and old bird’s nests. mainly chestnut-brown, each animal has a uniquely shaped creamy white bib. rent a hide in speyside for a close encounter.

The male capper struts, holding his tail feathers like a broad, decorated fan