Cairngorms

Tuesday was a bit damp so time in Inverness, but I did get across to the Black Isle and its numerous Red Kites - always lovely to see. Impressive views west from Knock Farrell fort...

Wednesday began a couple of days around the great forests of Strathspey.

Loch Garten was first, with a large tit flock soon encountered giving excellent views of Crested Tit. Finches were also notable with Chaffinch and Siskin most numerous. Several flocks of Crossbill flew over, with calls linked to both Common and Scottish birds.

Loch Morlich was next. Several hours spent here along Allt Ban produced more finches, with Redpoll, Siskin and Chaffinch most notable. Crossbills were quite numerous as well, with at one point a large mixed flock of Common and Scottish giving good flight views. Then a small group appeared that the call was spot on for Parrot Crossbill. Alas they didn't land in sight for us to check out and be 100%. Fascinating with each of the different calls and easy to compare with so many birds about. 

We finished off Wednesday with a drive up to the Cairngorm Ski Centre. Snow Buntings could be heard on the slopes above the centre, but the strong wind at altitude meant they were hard to pin down. A nice Icelandic Redwing showed well, large and dark compared to the normal Redwings... a beast of a bird.

Thursday took us to Loch an Eilein and a wonderful morning with friends. Very quiet birdwise, but a beautiful place.

We finished the day with another trip down memory lane... Almost 30 years since I last visited the Findhorn Valley. Spectacular scenery in the late afternoon sun. After about 20 minutes at the end car park, a Golden Eagle finally appeared with a couple of Raven and Common Buzzard for comparison. Marvellous. A Red Kite added to the raptors as we drove back to our cottage.