Birding around Banff

[Tanager]

Hi all,

I'm going to be staying up in Gardenstown near Banff in mid June.

I'm looking for information on where to go birding. I would especially like to see Black Grouse, are there any sites nearby?

Would the Cairngorms be my best bet for Ptarmigan?

Are there any long-staying sea duck in the area?

Cheers,

Mark

[Dave B Smith]

I was starting to post you some links to some Banff, Alberta sites until I saw one of your target birds was Black Grouse! I can help with Blue Grouse and White-tailed Ptarmigan but not what you want.

[Tanager]

Dave,

Cheers for that! one day I'm sure to birding in that part of the world.

All the best.

Mark

[Henry B]

Mark, a visit to to Troup Head Sea Colony RSPB should be on your places to go.Good luck.

[Capercaillie71]

Try this thread:

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=58608

There is some info on Black Grouse and Ptarmigan sites in post #2, although they can be a bit hit and miss. The nearest Ptarmigan are at Ben Rinnes near Dufftown:

http://www.speyside.moray.org/Aberlour/FoBR.html

Troup head is an obvious place to visit as it is right next to Gardenstown and holds Scotland's only mainland Gannets:

http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/t/trouphead/index.asp

Loch of Strathbeg is not far:

http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/l/lochofstrathbeg/index.asp

For recent bird sightings in NE Scotland, try these sites:

http://www.albaecology.co.uk/cust-bin/newsboard/newsboard.cgi

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ABZ-Rare-Birds/

[Tanager]

Superb Capercaillie,

Thanks very much for the info, I'll have a read through tonight.

Cheers,

Mark

[Capercaillie71]

Huntly Peregrine viewpoint might be worth a visit too (never been myself):

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/INFD-6XTG8X