The Cairngorms had a good covering of snow, with the local Reindeer herd entertaining us in the lower car park before a chance to encounter a flock of Snow Buntings at the main ski area. They seemed to enjoy our bird seed too! High winds and spin drift snows made looking for Ptarmigan impossible, however the scenery was stunning on the hill with the mountains in full winter glory.
The arctic scenery of Strathdearn was a great back drop as we watched a Golden Eagle soaring high over head, the honking calls of Ravens all around us as they drifted and tumbled over the crags, while Red Deer herds grazed along the snow covered ridges.
In the forest Crested Tit were busy at the feeders, as were the Red Squirrels, we discovered one being beamed live on air by the BBC for winterwatch! Our early morning look for Black Grouse was rewarded, with a super display of lekking males at a secluded location not far from Grantown as Red Grouse called "get back" from the nearby heather.
On the Black Isle rafts of over 400 Scaup bobbed just offshore, as hundreds of Knot and Bar-tailed Godwits swirled in clouds along the tideline. The day was finished off nicely with a visit to the long staying American Coot at Loch Flemmington, easily visible without even getting out of the bus.
Of course we can't forget the other highlight, food, and the wonderful Burns Supper put on by the Grant Arms Hotel complete with "Spud" the piper, piping in the Haggis! A very enjoyable night was had by all though not sure there was much dancing to the band, all being so full after the excellent four course meal! 

We are running more Short Breaks throughout the year, see the link above for details, if you'd like to book  and join us for some great wildlife just email us or fill out the online form.

The Highlands often has some good birds in January but this year is no exception, including the surprise find of a mega in the form of a rather nice Amercian Coot at Loch Flemington. As well as a selection of white-winged gulls, current rarities gracing the region are Lesser Scaup (2), King Eider (moray), American Wigeon, Ring-billed Gull, Glossy Ibis and late last year even a brief Ivory Gull! Being one of the largest regions in the UK guess there must still be plenty of others which just get missed. There are large stretches of coast, particularly to the north of Inverness which get very little coverage, even by local birders. In February and March we'll be exploring some of this wild coast north of the Black Isle, even a full day can only touch up on the many sites to visit. These include Loch Fleet, Dornoch  Firth, Brora, Embo to name but a few. Keep an eye on our calendar for details, and if you are staying at the Grant Arms Hotel, our posters are up on the BWWC notice board.

Well that's the Christmas and New Year festivities over and we are looking forward to 2014 and some exciting birding. There is usually a good bird to see locally over the festive season and this year's was just down the road at Broomhill. Clearly an Iceland Gull, but those darker wing-tips caused some debate as to whether or not this was a Kumlein's type. Some birders think not and some think it could well be....that's birding, sometimes ID is not all that straight forward....lets not even  mention the word Crossbill. As I write another rarity has just been found by a good friend Simon Eaves on the coast at Loch Flemmington, another wanderer from across the pond an American Coot! A first for Highland and only 8th for the UK mainland. This is currently just down the road from the Lesser Scaup showing at Alturlie, so no shortage of great birds to see as well as the regulars.
I have been busy guiding several field trips for the Grant Arms BWWC over the festive period, with some great sightings. At Burghead we had over 50 Bottle-nosed Dolphins as well as an Otter feeding on the shore below us, with great views of Purple Sandpipers on the rocks feeding with Turnstones. In Strathdearn both Golden and White-tailed Eagles have been showing well, January sees the start of Eagles displaying on clear days, already thinking about nesting. Local Black Grouse have been lekking too on clear calm mornings and this activity should slowly increase as we head on in to the year. With daylight not being until around 8 still it doesn't even require an early start too. We are running regular morning trips to see them from the Grant Arms and Nethybridge, email info@highlandnature.co.uk or call on 01479 821357 if you are interested in joining a trip.
In the forest Crested Tit have been showing very well especially at the feeders, there have also been quite a few mobile groups of Crossbill Sp. around lately.
Finally, many people ask about Wildcat and how easy it is to see them.....well the answer is "not very"! It is one animal which really just does require a lot of luck and a chance encounter, which does happen now and again. Just before Xmas I was driving to Grantown as I do most days, it had just got dark and my lights caught something ahead crossing the road......it was a cat, quite bulky, and with a very stealthy gait, looking very good for wild cat with a well marked ringed tailed. It dashed quickly across and through a fence then vanished. I can't say it was one, there are plenty of Tabby's around here but based on experience I'd say this one was a pretty good candidate. 

Well I wish you all a very Happy New Year, and some great birding. For all those I have met in 2013 I hope to see you again and thank you for your custom, it has been a pleasure. I intend to extend the Short Break itinerary at the Grant Arms as well as the day tours with some exciting destinations and boat trips this year so a busy time ahead.

Best Wishes

John Poyner & Family.