Red Grouse
Our first full day of birding saw us out at first light and before breakfast looking for Black Grouse in the Dorback area. The birds well hidden and we were beginning to think they would not show, but eventually several heads appeared, soon followed by the flight of c14 birds! While waiting, some good birds were found including Red Grouse; Merlin; Swift; Goshawk and Sparrowhawk. Several Roe Deer were also seen across the moors.
Roe Deer
Black Grouse
Mistle Thrush
After breakfast, our first stop was at Avielochan in the hope of Slavonian Grebe but we were out of luck! We had to make do with Goldeneye, Wigeon, Teal and uncommon in this area - Coot and Moorhen! Grey Wagtail was distantly observed. Onwards and a look at the heavily disturbed (logging) Inverlaidnan Estate. A good tally of birds were found including Goldcrest, Crested Tit, Common Crossbill and Siskin. Light conditions and fast moving, high birds did not provide for good photographic opportunities!
The Strathdearn area (also called the Findhorn Valley) drew a blank for Eagles but did give views of Raven, Kestrel and Peregrine plus Curlew and Dippers on the rivers and streams.
Finally, we ended up at Lochindorb where a summer plumaged Black Throated Diver was found, across the water and in turbulent water. An Osprey drifted across the water and nearby, Red Grouse obliged at close quarters.
Osprey
Red Grouse
Other wildlife included Red Squirrel; Roe Deer; Red Deer; Wild Goats; Sika Deer; A Scotch Argus Butterfly and numerous Pipistrelle Bats.
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