December saw the weather get colder still, with temperatures dropping as low as -11 in the middle part of the month, and snow remaining on the higher peaks throughout the month.
Wildlife highlights included:
A brief visit from a very rare Sabines Gull to a nearby wetland reserve
Snow Buntings regularly being seen in the Cairngorm Ski Centre car park
Crested Tits began coming to feeders in gardens close to forest edges
Mountain Hares now have their beautiful pure white Winter coats
The Male Black Grouse getting noticeably more frisky on the moors
