Highland Nature Capercaillie Policy
With the current ongoing and very serious decline of Capercaillie Highland Nature has taken the lead and decided to adopt a responsible policy in searching for this species.
We believe that no matter how careful, disturbance can be caused by birders and groups ANY time of the day during the breeding season when entering any sensitive habitat (1st March-15th August). It is not the case as many believe that the early morning lek is the most sensitive time. The hens are drawn in by this but the actual mating can take place throughout the morning once they are there. If the hens are disturbed away from the males then they fail to mate. Later in the season, when the hens are with chicks, accidental flushing can lead to them becoming separated and exposed to predators.
Capercaillie will no longer be included as one of our target species during this period as the welfare of the birds must always come first. We firmly believe that this species should now be left well alone by birders, photographers and tour groups during the critical breeding season and should not be deliberately targeted at any site either on foot or by vehicles off-road.
Autumn and winter are by far the best seasons to search for Capercaillie and with no risk of disturbance to breeding birds. We know plenty of excellent habitat to search for them, though with far fewer birds these days we make it clear that a full day is recommended. It is of course quite possible we may come across a bird incidently and we always keep our ear to the ground for any recent sightings of birds on our patch from locals and birders.
To the best of our knowledge there are no exclusive “Private Sites” in the area where you can be taken to view Capercaillie despite claims to the contrary. The Scottish Rights of Access Law provides equal access for all, providing the relevant Codes of Conduct are adhered to. When tracks are designated as “Private” this applies to vehicles ONLY.
Winter 2016/17
We are already adding our winter breaks to the calendar including our popular Birding & Burns Short Break in January including a traditional Scottish Burns Supper evening of Haggis and pipes at the Grant Arms Hotel. We realise days are much shorter in winter which is why we think having plenty to do in the longer evenings is a must. Staying at the Grant Arms you are in the centre of a traditional Highland town rather than a small village and the Hotel offers a Wildlife film each evening, as well as you having access to all the facilities provided by the BWWC (Birdwatching & Wildlife Club). As far as evening’s entertainment goes we don’t think this can be matched.
We know some days can be a bit chilly out so we offer the chance of a warm up for lunch at a one of the many friendly local cafes if you prefer. There are plenty en route wherever we go, though we do provide hot drinks while out in the field. Remember our groups are limited to a maximum of 5, travelling in comfortable MPV rather than a minibus. Far easier to hear everything the driver is saying, and a better all round view, especially with our glass sky-lights. Never miss that Eagle flying overhead !!
Spring & Summer Tours
There are still places available on our May Spring short breaks and we will be adding more itineraries to our day tours also. Our popular "Evening on the Moors" tour is always a favourite with a chance of both Long and Short-eared Owls, Black Grouse, Woodcock as well as the wonderful sounds of the calls of breeding waders on the local moorland as the sun sets over the hills. We will also be venturing further afield to the wonderful sea-bird colony at Troup Head and visiting some of the lesser known and more secluded spots along the outer Moray Firth. In June we are running a Natural History break, offering a chance to discover some of the flora and fauna special to the Highlands. Visiting a variety of habitats in search of plants, Butterflies and Dragonflies as well as birds and wildlife as we go. A superb introduction to the wide variety of habitats in the area for any interested Naturalist. We will also be offering “Natural History” days out, a relaxed guided tour of a selection of local sites. Check our Calendar for full details.
Winter Tours
We will still be running tours throughout winter including between Christmas and the New Year. Roads in the Highlands are generally kept well clear and only in exceptional snow falls is there disruption, the coastal areas rarely affected. Our vehicle is now fitted with it's winter tyres to ensure maximum safety, and has the advantage of being smaller and lighter than a traditional heavy minibus. We also offer the welcome option of heading to a cosy local cafe perhaps for lunch or just a coffee if days are a bit cold rather than expecting you to be out all day as can be the case on some birding tours. Of course if you prefer the later we're more than happy to just have a packed lunch and coffee in the field! We realise the winter nights are long in the Highlands, which is why choosing to stay on one of our breaks at the Grant Arms is ideal. The BWWC offers a range of facilities for you to use in the evening, as well as a nightly film and regular talks from guest speakers.
Drop by at their daily evening briefing to catch up with all the local wildlife news and add your sightings to the sightings board in the club room.
With the current ongoing and very serious decline of Capercaillie Highland Nature has taken the lead and decided to adopt a responsible policy in searching for this species.
We believe that no matter how careful, disturbance can be caused by birders and groups ANY time of the day during the breeding season when entering any sensitive habitat (1st March-15th August). It is not the case as many believe that the early morning lek is the most sensitive time. The hens are drawn in by this but the actual mating can take place throughout the morning once they are there. If the hens are disturbed away from the males then they fail to mate. Later in the season, when the hens are with chicks, accidental flushing can lead to them becoming separated and exposed to predators.
Capercaillie will no longer be included as one of our target species during this period as the welfare of the birds must always come first. We firmly believe that this species should now be left well alone by birders, photographers and tour groups during the critical breeding season and should not be deliberately targeted at any site either on foot or by vehicles off-road.
Autumn and winter are by far the best seasons to search for Capercaillie and with no risk of disturbance to breeding birds. We know plenty of excellent habitat to search for them, though with far fewer birds these days we make it clear that a full day is recommended. It is of course quite possible we may come across a bird incidently and we always keep our ear to the ground for any recent sightings of birds on our patch from locals and birders.
To the best of our knowledge there are no exclusive “Private Sites” in the area where you can be taken to view Capercaillie despite claims to the contrary. The Scottish Rights of Access Law provides equal access for all, providing the relevant Codes of Conduct are adhered to. When tracks are designated as “Private” this applies to vehicles ONLY.
Winter 2016/17
We are already adding our winter breaks to the calendar including our popular Birding & Burns Short Break in January including a traditional Scottish Burns Supper evening of Haggis and pipes at the Grant Arms Hotel. We realise days are much shorter in winter which is why we think having plenty to do in the longer evenings is a must. Staying at the Grant Arms you are in the centre of a traditional Highland town rather than a small village and the Hotel offers a Wildlife film each evening, as well as you having access to all the facilities provided by the BWWC (Birdwatching & Wildlife Club). As far as evening’s entertainment goes we don’t think this can be matched.
We know some days can be a bit chilly out so we offer the chance of a warm up for lunch at a one of the many friendly local cafes if you prefer. There are plenty en route wherever we go, though we do provide hot drinks while out in the field. Remember our groups are limited to a maximum of 5, travelling in comfortable MPV rather than a minibus. Far easier to hear everything the driver is saying, and a better all round view, especially with our glass sky-lights. Never miss that Eagle flying overhead !!
Spring & Summer Tours
There are still places available on our May Spring short breaks and we will be adding more itineraries to our day tours also. Our popular "Evening on the Moors" tour is always a favourite with a chance of both Long and Short-eared Owls, Black Grouse, Woodcock as well as the wonderful sounds of the calls of breeding waders on the local moorland as the sun sets over the hills. We will also be venturing further afield to the wonderful sea-bird colony at Troup Head and visiting some of the lesser known and more secluded spots along the outer Moray Firth. In June we are running a Natural History break, offering a chance to discover some of the flora and fauna special to the Highlands. Visiting a variety of habitats in search of plants, Butterflies and Dragonflies as well as birds and wildlife as we go. A superb introduction to the wide variety of habitats in the area for any interested Naturalist. We will also be offering “Natural History” days out, a relaxed guided tour of a selection of local sites. Check our Calendar for full details.
Winter Tours
We will still be running tours throughout winter including between Christmas and the New Year. Roads in the Highlands are generally kept well clear and only in exceptional snow falls is there disruption, the coastal areas rarely affected. Our vehicle is now fitted with it's winter tyres to ensure maximum safety, and has the advantage of being smaller and lighter than a traditional heavy minibus. We also offer the welcome option of heading to a cosy local cafe perhaps for lunch or just a coffee if days are a bit cold rather than expecting you to be out all day as can be the case on some birding tours. Of course if you prefer the later we're more than happy to just have a packed lunch and coffee in the field! We realise the winter nights are long in the Highlands, which is why choosing to stay on one of our breaks at the Grant Arms is ideal. The BWWC offers a range of facilities for you to use in the evening, as well as a nightly film and regular talks from guest speakers.
Drop by at their daily evening briefing to catch up with all the local wildlife news and add your sightings to the sightings board in the club room.
Your Day Doesn't End When You're Dropped off at the Hotel.........
Remember that staying at the Grant Arms Hotel on one of our Wildlife Breaks gives you full access to the unrivalled facilities of the BWWC (Birdwatching & Wildlife Club). This includes an extensive Natural History library and Club room full of local wildlife information and a sightings board. A wildlife film is shown most evenings as well as regular talks when scheduled during one of our breaks. There’s also the chance to meet other birders or groups staying at the hotel to catch up with their sightings and compare notes all adding to the atmosphere your stay.
Also, as the hotel is situated in the town rather than a small village, numerous shops and facilities are all within easy walking distance.....
Remember that staying at the Grant Arms Hotel on one of our Wildlife Breaks gives you full access to the unrivalled facilities of the BWWC (Birdwatching & Wildlife Club). This includes an extensive Natural History library and Club room full of local wildlife information and a sightings board. A wildlife film is shown most evenings as well as regular talks when scheduled during one of our breaks. There’s also the chance to meet other birders or groups staying at the hotel to catch up with their sightings and compare notes all adding to the atmosphere your stay.
Also, as the hotel is situated in the town rather than a small village, numerous shops and facilities are all within easy walking distance.....
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An Evening on the Moors Birding day out finished by 5 with another 5 hours of daylight left? Looking for some extra Wildlife watching in the long Highland summer evenings? From the end of April we will be running our popular Evening on the Moors excursions, exploring some of the spectacular moorland surrounding Strathspey. Last year we regularly saw Black Grouse, Long-eared and Short eared Owls as well as listening to the wonderful calls of breeding waders as the evening sun set. Pick ups from Grantown or Nethybridge. Check our calendar for dates. Black Grouse at Dawn Sample a guided tour with Highland Nature by joining us throughout spring on one of our regular dawn Black Grouse watches at a local lek, where recent visits have been getting up to 20 males! Check our calendar for dates or we can also do bespoke mornings to suit (min of 2 persons). A visit is also included on any of our day tours throughout winter as it doesn't require such an early start!! Pick ups for these and ANY of our guided day tours can be made from our base here in Nethybridge or from the Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey. Don't forget our selection of winter breaks too, staying at the superb Grant Arms Hotel, home of the BWWC. Click the Breaks menu above for further details. With darker evenings, the BWWC provides a nightly wildlife film as well as regular talks, a great way to relax after a day's birding! |
All the Latest......
For all the latest Birding and Wildlife news in the region you can check out our other website The Highland & Moray Bird Forum as well as its Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/groups/highlandmoraybirds/. Our Twitter account is updated nearly EVERY day also with all the latest local news and sightings . https://twitter.com/highlandnature
For all the latest Birding and Wildlife news in the region you can check out our other website The Highland & Moray Bird Forum as well as its Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/groups/highlandmoraybirds/. Our Twitter account is updated nearly EVERY day also with all the latest local news and sightings . https://twitter.com/highlandnature
White-billed Divers in the Moray Firth: 27/2/14
This spring again sees the remarkable gathering of a number of White-billed Divers in the Moray Firth. I will be including it in day trips to the Moray Firth as long as they remain for a unique opportunity to catch up with this rare diver. See the Calendar for details.
This spring again sees the remarkable gathering of a number of White-billed Divers in the Moray Firth. I will be including it in day trips to the Moray Firth as long as they remain for a unique opportunity to catch up with this rare diver. See the Calendar for details.
BIG BIRD RACE MEGA DAY TOUR - 18TH MAY!
Join us on a fantastic, fun mega birding day out at peak migration time where lingering winter visitors overlap with summer migrants. Using our fine tuned knowledge of local sites and birds the day is an attempt to get as many species as possible!! From the forests at dawn to the coasts in the afternoon...it's quite possible we could hit 120+ It's an early start and a fair bit of travelling, the aim will be just to see as much as possible. This is a one off, so more places are available than usual.
Cost £110pp. Est Start 6.00am. BOOK NOW to secure a place. (7 places).
NEWS
We have updated the website with more Short Breaks throughout the year. As usual these will be staying in the superb Grant Arms Hotel where you have full use of all the facilities of the BWWC (Birdwatching and Wildlife Club) including evening talks/slide shows and films which are shown most evenings. During July and August we are running a more Natural History based short break, perfect if you want to try and catch up with some of the amazing plants and insects of the Highlands as well as the birds. On our day trips we will be doing a bit of sea-watching too out in the Minch between the mainland and the Hebrides.
We love to keep you up to date with what's happening here in the Highlands on our trips, the local wildlife and bird sightings. We run a very active Twitter Feed as well as an active Facebook page which you can follow. In these days of Hi-tech and Smartphones we even update from the field (if we have time !!), often with live photos of where we are......feel as if you're with us from the comfort of your home! If you don't do social media then of course we have a blog too which we try and update regularly.
John Poyner March 2014.
We have updated the website with more Short Breaks throughout the year. As usual these will be staying in the superb Grant Arms Hotel where you have full use of all the facilities of the BWWC (Birdwatching and Wildlife Club) including evening talks/slide shows and films which are shown most evenings. During July and August we are running a more Natural History based short break, perfect if you want to try and catch up with some of the amazing plants and insects of the Highlands as well as the birds. On our day trips we will be doing a bit of sea-watching too out in the Minch between the mainland and the Hebrides.
We love to keep you up to date with what's happening here in the Highlands on our trips, the local wildlife and bird sightings. We run a very active Twitter Feed as well as an active Facebook page which you can follow. In these days of Hi-tech and Smartphones we even update from the field (if we have time !!), often with live photos of where we are......feel as if you're with us from the comfort of your home! If you don't do social media then of course we have a blog too which we try and update regularly.
John Poyner March 2014.
Coffee & Cakes !!
We know how great it is to sample the delights of local cafes when you're visiting an area, and the Highlands has plenty of these we know only too well. If you don't fancy having a packed lunch out in the field (especially in winter), we are more than happy to make a stop to warm up in one of our recommended eateries instead. We will not be responsible however for any weight gain due to excessive consumption of such things as Flapjack, Chocolate Covered Shortbread, Rocky Road and Clutie Dumplings and do issue a disclaimer regarding such excesses!
We know how great it is to sample the delights of local cafes when you're visiting an area, and the Highlands has plenty of these we know only too well. If you don't fancy having a packed lunch out in the field (especially in winter), we are more than happy to make a stop to warm up in one of our recommended eateries instead. We will not be responsible however for any weight gain due to excessive consumption of such things as Flapjack, Chocolate Covered Shortbread, Rocky Road and Clutie Dumplings and do issue a disclaimer regarding such excesses!
Winter
We don't stop birding and wildlife watching just because it's mid-winter in the Highlands, the roads are kept very clear and we are well experienced at driving in winter conditions. We generally use smaller lighter vehicles rather than large minibuses to ensure we can still get to all the key places even in the snow when parking may be difficult with a larger vehicle.
We offer hot drinks throughout the day and offer an option for you to take a Cafe lunch if you prefer, to give you the chance to warm up for a while if it's a bit chilly out. We have a selection of wonderful local cafes we can take you to, highly recommended and not expensive.
The scenery is stunning in the snow, and photographic opportunities endless, be it Crested Tits on a frosty branch or a Caper strutting through snow covered forest. We make use of every minute of daylight, planning the day to watch winter roosts of Geese or Hen Harriers perhaps. If you are planning a visit, check out our trips and join us for some superb winter wildlife watching, or just choose to hire a guide for the day if you prefer. Trips run throughout winter and the New Year, so if you want to get your year list off to a cracking start give us a call and book a day right now. If you haven't yet booked your accommodation we highly recommend a stay at the Grant Arms "Wildlife" Hotel, Grantown on Spey, home of the BWWC where we pick up most of our day tours from. Check their website for details here.
If you are wondering the best way to get here, or the logistics of planning a trip, we are are more than happy to offer advice on travel arrangements to the Highlands from the rest of the UK with no obligation to book with us.! Of course we may ask if you'd like to be on our mailing list in return but we are happy to help out, especially if you've not visited the area before. Please do this via Email rather than phone as we are often away most of the day, but we'd be happy to oblige.
2014
We are already planning some new and exciting day trip destinations next year as well as more Short Breaks.
Burma Bank : A fantastic day out on the waters between the Scottish Mainland and The Hebrides in search of Sabine's Gulls, Skuas, Petrels, Whales and Dolphins. John has led many groups on sea-watching expeditions out in the Minch and will be delighted to get back out on the water for this fantastic day out.
Hebridean Pelagic : We will join the CalMac ferry crossing the Minch between Ullapool and Stornoway for some fantastic sea-watching on this non-landing expedition.
Small Isles : A Whale watching and seabird expedition out from Arisaig around the waters surrounding Eigg, Rum and Muck with a few hours on one of the Islands.
Birding ID Skills : We will be heading out to some bird packed destinations with the focus on improving your bird ID skills and calls rather than just listing. How do you tell a Buzzard from an Eagle in flight, what's that distant wader over there or what's that singing high in those trees. Nothing beats learning ID in the field and rather than racing on from destination to destination we will stay at a few selected spots concentrating on the birds there and how to ID them.
As usual all our trips pick up at the Grant Arms "Wildlife Hotel" Grantown on Spey as well as other pre-arranged pick ups in Strathspey.
Subscribe to our newsletter below and keep checking our calendar for further details.
We don't stop birding and wildlife watching just because it's mid-winter in the Highlands, the roads are kept very clear and we are well experienced at driving in winter conditions. We generally use smaller lighter vehicles rather than large minibuses to ensure we can still get to all the key places even in the snow when parking may be difficult with a larger vehicle.
We offer hot drinks throughout the day and offer an option for you to take a Cafe lunch if you prefer, to give you the chance to warm up for a while if it's a bit chilly out. We have a selection of wonderful local cafes we can take you to, highly recommended and not expensive.
The scenery is stunning in the snow, and photographic opportunities endless, be it Crested Tits on a frosty branch or a Caper strutting through snow covered forest. We make use of every minute of daylight, planning the day to watch winter roosts of Geese or Hen Harriers perhaps. If you are planning a visit, check out our trips and join us for some superb winter wildlife watching, or just choose to hire a guide for the day if you prefer. Trips run throughout winter and the New Year, so if you want to get your year list off to a cracking start give us a call and book a day right now. If you haven't yet booked your accommodation we highly recommend a stay at the Grant Arms "Wildlife" Hotel, Grantown on Spey, home of the BWWC where we pick up most of our day tours from. Check their website for details here.
If you are wondering the best way to get here, or the logistics of planning a trip, we are are more than happy to offer advice on travel arrangements to the Highlands from the rest of the UK with no obligation to book with us.! Of course we may ask if you'd like to be on our mailing list in return but we are happy to help out, especially if you've not visited the area before. Please do this via Email rather than phone as we are often away most of the day, but we'd be happy to oblige.
2014
We are already planning some new and exciting day trip destinations next year as well as more Short Breaks.
Burma Bank : A fantastic day out on the waters between the Scottish Mainland and The Hebrides in search of Sabine's Gulls, Skuas, Petrels, Whales and Dolphins. John has led many groups on sea-watching expeditions out in the Minch and will be delighted to get back out on the water for this fantastic day out.
Hebridean Pelagic : We will join the CalMac ferry crossing the Minch between Ullapool and Stornoway for some fantastic sea-watching on this non-landing expedition.
Small Isles : A Whale watching and seabird expedition out from Arisaig around the waters surrounding Eigg, Rum and Muck with a few hours on one of the Islands.
Birding ID Skills : We will be heading out to some bird packed destinations with the focus on improving your bird ID skills and calls rather than just listing. How do you tell a Buzzard from an Eagle in flight, what's that distant wader over there or what's that singing high in those trees. Nothing beats learning ID in the field and rather than racing on from destination to destination we will stay at a few selected spots concentrating on the birds there and how to ID them.
As usual all our trips pick up at the Grant Arms "Wildlife Hotel" Grantown on Spey as well as other pre-arranged pick ups in Strathspey.
Subscribe to our newsletter below and keep checking our calendar for further details.
Golden Eagle, Strathdearn
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