HIGHL AND
MAX MILES ON FOOT: 5 MIN TIME : 5 HOURS
A birding walk set in the Cairngorms National Park
This northern section of the Abernethy Forest National Nature Reserve incorporates the closed conifer plantations of Craigmore Wood beside a scattering of broadleaf timber on the edge of the River Spey flood plain, famous for its fish-rich waters. Views across moorland and peat bogs add to the range of habitats. Typical Highland species on offer include the Crested Tit and potentially three species of crossbills and Capercaillie, while summer delivers a rash of breeding migrants. Red and Roe Deer are plentiful and easy to see, unlike the more retiring Red Squirrel and Pine Marten.
WHERE TO WATCH
1 The birch wood by the burn attracts summer visitors such as Willow and Wood Warblers, Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Redstart, plus a chance of Tree Pipit, Cuckoo and Spotted Flycatcher around the margins. Scan across the flood plain for breeding Black-headed and Common Gulls, Greylag Goose, Curlew and Oystercatcher. A good spot for a summering Whinchat or Sedge Warbler and Barn Owl at dusk. From the road bridge over the Spey check along the watercourse for a chance of Goosander, Common Sandpiper, Dipper, Pied and Grey Wagtails, while Osprey and Red Kite often pass through. Swallows, House and Sand Martins gather here to feed on insects and collect nest material.
2 The elevated Speyside Way trail affords views across rank and boggy fields suitable for the Curlew, Sky Lark, Meadow Pipit, Reed Bunting, Grasshopper and Sedge Warblers and Whinchat. Check the hillside scrub for Tree Pipit, Redstart, Whitethroat, Stonechat and Yellowhammer, and the adjacent deciduous wood for summering Wood and Willow Warblers, Spotted Flycatcher, Chiffchaff and Blackcap, plus resident Great Spotted Woodpecker, Long-tailed Tit and Treecreeper. A good location to scan for soaring
raptors, typically Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel and Red Kite, and possibly Goshawk in spring and Honey Buzzard in summer. Crows are numerous and often include Raven and Hooded Crow.
3 The dense pines of Craigmore Wood support breeding Woodcock, Crossbills, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Crested and Coal Tits, Treecreeper, Goldcrest, Lesser Redpoll, Siskin, Chiffchaff and Blackcap, while there is a chance of a Capercaillie in and around any clearings. Broad firebreak rides are best for observing birds on the move, while clear-felled and recent plantations can be good for Tree Pipit and Grasshopper Warbler, and ev
