Pine Forest, Lochs and Glens.
Autumn sees the glens and hillsides turn a wonderful palette of seasonal colours and as the days shorten activity increases as birds begin to prepare for winter. Salmon begin to spawn in the rivers and in local glens we have excellent chances of finding both White-tailed and Golden Eagles as well as Mountain Hare on the hillsides, their coats just beginning to turn to winter white. It's also the season of the Red Deer rut and stags roar from high crags as we scan the skies for Eagles.
In the forests, tits begin to flock and Crested can be heard trilling loudly amongst them as they forage through the pines.
Black Grouse begin to return to their lekking sites by late September and can even be seen in full display on early morning visits, Red Grouse too croak from the surrounding Heather.
As winter sets in the landscape becomes magical, lochs freezing over for long periods and trees adorned with icy glitter. Roads in the Highlands are well maintained and kept open even in snow. Other than during exceptional storms all of the usual sites we visit are accessible.
The Moray Firth
One of the most beautiful and unspoilt coastlines in Britain, the Moray Firth, with it's sweeping beaches, tidal mud flats, many harbours and bays a birders delight. Waders start to stream through in autumn with our favourite destinations including Findhorn Bay, Lossiemouth and Udale Bay all great places to get to grips with migrant birds as well as other less well known spots where anything can turn up at this time of year.
By late autumn sea duck start to gather here for winter with large rafts of Scoters, Eiders and Long-tailed Ducks visible from many vantage points along the coast. There are also many good passerine migrant hot spots to check too if the weather is good for a "fall". This day always gets us our highest bird list with 60+ species seen regularly on a trip. As the shore faces north, the low winter light can provide some of the most perfect viewing conditions you'll find in the UK.
By late autumn sea duck start to gather here for winter with large rafts of Scoters, Eiders and Long-tailed Ducks visible from many vantage points along the coast. There are also many good passerine migrant hot spots to check too if the weather is good for a "fall". This day always gets us our highest bird list with 60+ species seen regularly on a trip. As the shore faces north, the low winter light can provide some of the most perfect viewing conditions you'll find in the UK.
Cairngorm Mountains
Autumn is the time of change and Ptarmigan begin to turn white again on the hills, as well as Mountain Hare. Before the first snows access to the hills is still quite safe and Ptarmigan relatively easy to locate amongst the boulder fields. They form large groups often of 50+ birds at this time of year and it's a spectacular sight watching them airborne over the ridges.
Ring Ouzel are often still seen around the ski areas until the end of September, when migrant thrushes also appear in large numbers moving over the hills.
The autumn light and clear air can provide some spectacular photo opportunities especially early in the day or late in the afternoon as the low sun highlights the contours of the hills. A walk in the Cairngorms usually takes up half a day, though a shorter trip via the funicular is always an option also to view from the facilities at the top. Once winter conditions set in, our visits are limited only to the ski area for safety reasons, however Snow Buntings and Ptarmigan are easily found on the slopes.
Ring Ouzel are often still seen around the ski areas until the end of September, when migrant thrushes also appear in large numbers moving over the hills.
The autumn light and clear air can provide some spectacular photo opportunities especially early in the day or late in the afternoon as the low sun highlights the contours of the hills. A walk in the Cairngorms usually takes up half a day, though a shorter trip via the funicular is always an option also to view from the facilities at the top. Once winter conditions set in, our visits are limited only to the ski area for safety reasons, however Snow Buntings and Ptarmigan are easily found on the slopes.
