Early June saw changeable weather hit the area, with a light dusting of snow on the Cairngorms in the second week! The long days however, provide the opportunity for 20 hours of birding for those with the stamina to attempt it! With all the migratory bird species now back in the area we have seen bird day-lists approaching the 70 mark, many of them with recently fledged young, with mammal day-list usually between 6 & 9 depending on our luck.
Wildlife highlights included:
A couple of amazing track-side close-ups of Woodcock - giving us the chance to admire the wonderfully cryptic plumage of this usually very elusive bird.
Good views of Red Grouse families on the Heather moorland, some with as many as 8 well-grown youngsters.
A 'bonus' view of a splendid male Capercaillie up a silver birch tree, discovered by accident as we were observing an Osprey in an adjacent tree!
Nice close-ups of singing Wood Warblers - not a common bird in these parts - their whole bodies quivering with the effort.
Several sightings of Cuckoos being 'seen-off' by Meadow Pipits - the Pipits obviously very aware that they are a favourite species for the Cuckoo to parisitize!
Wildlife highlights included:
A couple of amazing track-side close-ups of Woodcock - giving us the chance to admire the wonderfully cryptic plumage of this usually very elusive bird.
Good views of Red Grouse families on the Heather moorland, some with as many as 8 well-grown youngsters.
A 'bonus' view of a splendid male Capercaillie up a silver birch tree, discovered by accident as we were observing an Osprey in an adjacent tree!
Nice close-ups of singing Wood Warblers - not a common bird in these parts - their whole bodies quivering with the effort.
Several sightings of Cuckoos being 'seen-off' by Meadow Pipits - the Pipits obviously very aware that they are a favourite species for the Cuckoo to parisitize!
Good views of Osprey in their nest, with the fluffy, grey youngsters seemingly growing bigger every day (see pic).
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