We've been doing some regular morning short tours of Strathspey, which try to take in a few of the local birding spots as a taster for what there is to see and do. On Monday our clients were keen photographers so the aim was to try and get a few species as close as possible. Shortly after dawn our first stop was a secluded Red Squirrel feeder where the vehicle acts as a perfect hide, and the squirrels were soon performing for us just feet away....no need for huge lenses!
After watching a group of Black Grouse lekking in the scope, we ventured on to try and find some Snow Buntings. Surprisingly there were none to be seen at the site when we arrived, however three male Red Grouse kept us amused strolling just feet from the car and sitting up on the fences of the car park croaking to each other. Then, at the last minute the sky literally opened with Snow Buntings....a group of about 30 birds landing all around us.
After watching a group of Black Grouse lekking in the scope, we ventured on to try and find some Snow Buntings. Surprisingly there were none to be seen at the site when we arrived, however three male Red Grouse kept us amused strolling just feet from the car and sitting up on the fences of the car park croaking to each other. Then, at the last minute the sky literally opened with Snow Buntings....a group of about 30 birds landing all around us.
It's always a delight to see these gorgeous birds, as they forage amongst the heather looking for seeds, and around the car park looking for some leftover crumbs.
There was still some time left before heading back so we visited a picturesque bridge over the river Spey where Goosander, Goldeneye and two Dippers fed below us. It's amazing what you can fit in to three hours, as there is so much to see within a few minutes drive of Grantown and Nethybridge. If you'd like to join us for a taster of local birding hot spots rather than a full day out, check out our Calendar for dates. We can also do Bespoke trips for a minimum of two people subject to availability.
There was still some time left before heading back so we visited a picturesque bridge over the river Spey where Goosander, Goldeneye and two Dippers fed below us. It's amazing what you can fit in to three hours, as there is so much to see within a few minutes drive of Grantown and Nethybridge. If you'd like to join us for a taster of local birding hot spots rather than a full day out, check out our Calendar for dates. We can also do Bespoke trips for a minimum of two people subject to availability.
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