The ancient Caledonian Pine
Forest is home to a wealth of species, including Crested Tits, The Scottish Crossbill, and
the elusive Capercaillie. If you are quiet, patient, and a very, very early riser, you
might also track down a Blackcock Lek in a clearing in the forest.
In the Monadhliath Mountains to the north of Newtonmore, Golden Eagles and Ptarmigan can
be spotted, along with a host of other moorland birds. Buzzards are a common sight, even
over the village and perched atop telegraph poles or fence posts - often very close to the
road. Ducks can often be spotted on
little Loch Imrich, in the heart of the village - recent visitors include
Tufted ducks, Teal, Pintail and, of course, the ubiquitous Mallard.
The Cairngorm range,
too, has Ptarmigan, but is perhaps more famous for the flocks of Snow Bunting, which can
often be seen close to the top of the Cairngorm Funicular Railway. |
A juvenile greater Spotted Woodpecker
raids the
nuts at the Newtonmore
Village Hall Flat.
photograph © Roy Whitton |
Some years ago, Red Kites were released into the wild in the area north of Kingussie. They
are surviving quite well and can sometimes be spotted if you are lucky.
The Insh Marshes Bird Reserve is home to many Bewick's and Whooper Swans in the winter,
and vast flocks of Geese pass through in Autumn and Spring.
On some of the local lochs, Red Throated Divers and Red Breasted Mergansers can be found,
whilst many Duck species overwinter in the area - you will certainly spot a few on Loch
Alvie as you drive by on the old A9, towards Aviemore.
This list of birds you can add to your list is far too numerous to mention them all - come
up armed with your binoculars, field guide and notebook and see how many you can chalk up! |
