Planning a trip to aviemore area in scotland

[thornlv]

Any one have any good suggestions of areas to go for photographing atypical Scottish birds and wildlife: IE Cross bill, Crested Tit, Red squirrel etc. Planning on 3 days in the area and would be most grateful of any suggestions. I am on the wrong side of fifty but not unreasonably unfit so would appreciate suggestions on areas where there are gentle walks or opportunities from a car.

many thanks.

Vic

[Dogghound]

The RSPB: Loch Garten: Seasonal highlights

Loch Garten for all three species. I went about a month ago, plenty of all three within the woodland surrounding the loch. Best to learn the calls of th crested tit and crossbill first as it wil make them easier to find. The osprey hidehas a feeder behind it, this had crested tits on when I visited a well as loads of very tame coal tits.

[earthdragon64]

Originally Posted by Dogghound

The RSPB: Loch Garten: Seasonal highlights

Loch Garten for all three species. I went about a month ago, plenty of all three within the woodland surrounding the loch. Best to learn the calls of th crested tit and crossbill first as it wil make them easier to find. The osprey hidehas a feeder behind it, this had crested tits on when I visited a well as loads of very tame coal tits.

I've also seen all 3 there as well. Another place well worth a visit, where I've also seen all 3 species is round Loch an Eilein and Loch Gamhna. There is a fairly flat walk which takes in both lochs, or you can cut out Loch Gamhna. Depending on the time of year there are also Orchids and Dragonflies around the lochs.

Another place with fairly flat walks where I've seen all 3 species is Uath Lochans in Glenfeshie. It's a Forestry Commission area with a path and boardwalks around 4 small lochans. Also good for wildflowers and Dragonflies depending on the time of year, including Northern Emerald. On warm days Lizards are often basking on the boardwalk.

This is a link for Uath Lochans;
Forestry Commission - Inshriach Forest - Uath Lochans Trail

And one for Loch an Eilein;
Rothiemurchus, Aviemore, Scotland for Walking, Outdoor Activities, Camping and Shopping

Another nice place for a walk near Aviemore itself is Craigellachie NNR, one of my favourite places. There is a path between 2 lochans that isn't too steep, and you can walk up a steeper path which eventually takes you to a viewpoint with stunning views towards the Cairngorms. There are Dragons and Damsels on the lower part with loads of Orchids, higher up there is Globeflower and a chance of Pearl-bordered Fritillary and Green Hairstreak Butterflies at the right time of year. Even the lower part is well worth a walk, with a good variety of Butterflies.

Visiting - Scotland's National Nature Reserves

Regards, Audrey.

[thornlv]

hey, thats really good. p'raps I should mention I will be going during the last week of April 2012.